One down, a few hundred more to go...

In the words of Dora, "We did it! We did it! We did it, ya!" Kaylee was so excited when she got in the car and so was Campbell. My sweet girl said that she had a great day with a huge smile on her face, and that was before the trip to Cold Stone for an "after the first day" treat. I have to say that she look so adorable lined up against the wall waiting for me to drive up to get her. I wish that I could bottle up the smile on her face when she saw us and keep it forever. It made my heart smile.

Top 10 Things said by Kaylee about the First Day of Kindergarten:

1. "My favorite thing about the day was my teacher, I love her so much!! She is really nice:)"

2. "The music teacher said that I am a good singer."

3. "There are tickets for lunch if you want something hot and my teacher even showed us how to go through the line."

4. " A little boy sitting beside me at lunch was crying because he missed his Mom. I told him to think of happy times with his Mom. Then he stopped crying and smiled."

5. "Mom, you have homework every night because there is a folder you have to sign everyday. My teacher said I am suppose to tell you that."

6. "I met five new friends, but I cannot tell you their names. They were really nice though. I thought I would work on names after I get use to the school."

7. "I did not get my clip moved and did not get sent to the Principal's office." (said with much pride) If you know Kaylee at all you know that she is a strict rule follower so I would never think for a moment that she would be sent to the principal. I think she is just really unsure of the Principal's job.

8. "My friend 'R' had the same kind of backpack and lunchbox as me only in a different color. His Mom must shop at the same online store as you."

9. "Most everyone in class listened except for one child...I am sure they will do better tomorrow."

10. "I got to read a book to my teacher and she said we were all good readers. I also rested very quietly at nap time and the teacher was proud of us."

Thank you Lord for a great first day! It is such a comfort to know that Kaylee is so happy. May the rest of the year be as blessed as the first day.

First Day of Kindergarten

Here is my precious little kindergartner. Well the day started early for us. We were all four up, dressed, and out the door by 6:45am. Our tradition is that the first day of school you get to pick where you want to go for breakfast...well Kaylee picked IHOP. Who could blame her:) All she could talk about was the smiley face pancake and that is what she got. We had a fun breakfast as a family before the real excitement began.

We arrived at school in plenty of time for the first day picture with the teacher. (I really like Mrs. O she is so sweet.) Kaylee would not even talk to her the other night because she was too shy so I thought it showed some progress when she actually took a picture with her. She was all smiles in her classroom. We put the backpack, lunchbox, and nap mat in her locker right away which was very exciting for Kaylee. After making her suffer through about ten more pictures and attempting to get one of her and Campbell we left the classroom. I felt that little tug at my heart to stay but knew that it was time to go. I felt better after one last kiss and hug.

This is Campbell at about 7:55am...I wish I had a picture from about a minute later. As we were leaving the room and I was about to tear up Campbell started screaming and crying for Kaylee. When I say this I mean full on fit pitching mode when everyone turns to look at you screaming. We even had one of our sweet friends pass us in the hallway and ask if she was okay. Let me just say that was the longest hallway ever and I am so glad that my sweet husband and I got to experience it together. By the time we got to the car she was better but then the question of "Where did Kaylee go?" started and has continue through a lot of the day. She was more than happy to take a nap a little after noon because I told her when she wakes up it will be time to get Kaylee. I am so glad that my girls love each other and that Kaylee was so happy in her classroom. I will post about the day from her perspective once I get the low down.

Dear Friends thanks for all of the sweet prayers for Kaylee and the rest of us during this new time in our lives. They have been a great comfort...keep them coming:)

Meet the Teacher

Well Thursday night was just the beginning of a whole new chapter of our lives...we went to Meet the Teacher for our firstborn. I think walking in her school and then the classroom made all of it seem more real to me. The school looks so much bigger to me being on the other side of the teacher's desk. The classroom was full of so many fun things I remember having from teaching. We had fun touring the room and discussing the different things. Kaylee was most excited to see that she has a locker with her name on it. I enjoyed watching her eyes light up as she saw something new in the room or a friend walk through the door. Her teacher seems very nice and full of energy which is good with all those kindergartners.

At least that night we got to take her home for a little longer before the adventure really begins. Monday is going to come way too soon. I am very excited for Kaylee but a little sad for me. I am not sure who is going to be more lost Campbell or me? I do not think that Campbell understands that we are going to leave Kaylee there without her getting to go to class too. It should make for an interesting morning anyway. I know that Kaylee is going to have a blast because she is so ready for this, even though I may not be. Would I ever be totally ready? Probably not. I cannot wait to see how the new chapter in her life unfolds. We have moved once before so she has had to make new friends in a new place, that part should be easy. It is just all the other things I worry about. I keep reminding myself that she will be covered in prayer and watched over by Our Father, what could be better than that!

Thank you Lord for our precious daughter, may you guide her ways through the coming years and always protect her from those trying to tear her down. Help her to lean on you during trying times and be thankful to you during times of joy. May she never feel alone because you are there with her. Bless her daily with the knowledge, strength, and friendships which will build her up. Most of all give us the ability to let her go a little and watch her fly. ~Amen.

San Antonio Vacation Part Two

On our third day in San Antonio we decided to take it easy. We had a good breakfast at the hotel and then decided to go to the Alamo. The girls did not understand much at this age but we enjoyed remembering the events once again. We finally got a picture of both girls looking at the camera and smiling which was no small feat. Campbell did manage to fall off a step and skin her leg pretty good so she definitely remembered the Alamo.

The next stop was back to the Riverwalk for a good lunch at my parent's favorite restaurant. The food was good and the girls were entertained by the boats and ducks floating by. I loved this picture of Campbell holding Papa's hand. They are like two peas in a pod most of the time. My parents left after lunch and we returned to the hotel for a much needed nap. Then we went back to Sea World to see the remaining shows and let the girls play in the playland area. When we left the park we headed to Joe's Crab Shack which was a perfect way to end the day.

The next morning we woke up and headed back home. We did make a stop in Fredricksburg for lunch and a little shopping. It was a great way to break up the trip. We were glad to be home even though we had a wonderful time. I can honestly say our first family vacation was a success and we are looking forward to another one soon. Thanks again to Papa and Nana for taking us, helping so much with the girls, and making memories we will have forever.

San Antonio Vacation Part One

Well I am finally going to take the time to blog about our wonderful vacation that my parents took us on in July. We decided to try our first family vacation.

We packed up and left for San Antonio. The ride there was great! It is amazing how helpful a portable DVD player can be in the car. What did I ever do on all those trips when I was little? Once arriving at our hotel we decided to go to the Riverwalk.





Our first stop was the Rainforest Cafe. Kaylee and Campbell were both very excited and amazed at all the animated animals as well as the live fish that were inside the restaurant. Our food was delicious and the girls managed to eat despite all the fun going on. They also loved the huge Icee cups they got with a little surprise inside. I think next time we go I am going to just order an appetizer and the chocolate volcano. The dessert was truly delicious!




Next on the agenda was to ride one of the tour boats at the Riverwalk. You cannot go to the Riverwalk and not ride one of the boats. I thought that Kaylee would love this but she was not impressed. Our first clue was when she asked why the man kept telling us all those facts. I thought that was too funny. We did see several weddings taking place on the Riverwalk since it was 07-07-07. There were also several ducklings to be seen which Campbell loved. By the time we left it was bedtime for one little trooper who had not had a nap all day so we headed back to the hotel. Kaylee went swimming with my parents and of course slept in their room while the rest of us showered and went to bed for some rest before heading out the next morning.






Bright and early the next morning we were looking at the Sea World arch. Kaylee was so excited about the Coral Reef breakfast with the fish. I did not have high expectations for the food but it was delicious. There was a good variety of food for everyone. Both my girls were happy to see the french toast and eggs on the table. It was fun to watch the sharks and other fish swimming while we were eating.







After everyone was done eating we went outside to the dolphin tank to feed the dolphins before the park opened to everyone else. I have to say that this was a lot of fun. Campbell even managed to participate in the fun. I was a little unsure as to whether either child would hold a dead fish or touch a dolphin but they did. Kaylee loved seeing them up close and being able to really observe them.





After the yummy breakfast we hit the ground running to try to get to as many shows as possible. It is just amazing to me how people can teach these animals so many amazing things. Kaylee's two favorite shows were Viva and Believe. I have to say they were my favorites too.











Here is the famous Shamu!!!






Here are my two girls!! Kaylee enjoyed everything and really took it all in. Thee was a smile plastered on her face for most of the day. During the ski show after being splashed and not liking it at all Campbell decided it was time for a nap. She managed to sleep for about an hour and a half while moving from one show to another and all. This is my child who is a light sleeper and is not one to transfer once asleep. Can you guess how tired she was from this picture?




We ended the evening by enjoying a wonderful Dinner with Shamu. It was good to see the whales from the show up close and watch some of their amazing trainers in action. Campbell was not very impressed when the whale jumped out of the water and onto the platform. She preferred to keep a safe distance from the action. I highly recommend the Dinner with Shamu...it is definitely worth it to see the looks on your children's faces.




The first day at the park was super! It was not too hot or crowded. We were thankful that the car was very close to the gate though because we all had some tired feet:) Both girls left with smiles on their faces and souvenirs in their hands thanks to Papa and Nana.