Elise's Kindergarten Graduation - June 2015

Elise is going to miss her wonderful K teacher and class!

Special gifts for her teacher

What a whirlwind Kindergarten year it has been! I recall the first day of school like it was last week. Elise had such an incredible Kindergarten teacher, class and overall experience that I feel like any future year will be quite difficult to live up to. She has learned so much and grown by leaps and bounds both academically and socially. Her reading is far beyond anything I had expected at this age. She was already reading short books by the start of Kindergarten, but her learning really took off and she breezed through all her sight words, and moved on to spelling them all by year end. She rarely even needs help with big words anymore. We are so impressed with her determination and drive and thankful that she had such a supportive teacher who challenged her to continue her growth and learning. It was an emotional day, but she is looking forward to summer camp and seeing many of her friends at summer parties and play dates. Here's looking forward to first grade 2015.

Little classmates/friends at Kindergarten graduation

Visiting with her schoolmate and old neighborhood pal

Her amazing art and school work portfolio; proud mama here

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2015

Mischievous little Irish gal, Alina!

Well, I must admit that I feel so behind on holidays and blogging these days. We are in the thick of  full-time work plus raising kids and, like most parents know, it's a 24/7 job and most weekends and weeknights leave little time for much else. The birthday parties, school and extracurricular activities, plus just trying to find time to see old friends and family is certainly a juggling act. I had all these fantastic ideas and activities for St. Patrick's Day, but being a busy work weekday most didn't quite pan out and that sneaky leprechaun just barely made it on St. Patty's evening to hide some of his gold for the girls to find. They enjoyed the hunt, and mom forgot her camera...go figure. Alina happily donned some cute shamrock antennas and posed for a couple photos. Afterwards, it was the quick routine of bath and bedtime for the girls. 

Although, I will say that I did make Elise's day at school by packing her a festive green avocado egg salad sandwich, she loved showing off her green meal to her classmates. Elise was also on cloud nine this past week because she was selected as Super Kid of the week at school. She got to bring in a special poster to share with her class and wore a superhero cape all week! This is the equivalent of the Superbowl of the school year for kids. They are so excited to be Super Kid, it's preferable to finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow really.

Proud Elise posing with her Kindergarten Super Kid poster

Elise's 2014 Preschool Class Reunion

Elise's Montessori preschool classmates reunion

These little friends had the best time playing together again

The smiles and laughter lasted all afternoon long

They all played together like no time had passed
...some were camera shy (hah!)

Happy kiddos - looking forward to their next little reunion

Kindergarten Basketball Fun

Elise's basketball team practice and game

Elise expressed some interest in playing basketball, back when she was in preschool, so naturally we were excited to get her on a team with some of her other Kindergarten schoolmates. Of course, the first practice and game was a battle of parental self-control as we watched her energy level go from quick running at the start to a gradual skip down the court follow by playing with her braid and nervously chewing her hand for the last half. Thankfully, she did develop enthusiasm and put forth more effort into future games although the second she was thrown the ball she made sure to quickly pass it to another teammate like a hot potato. There were some very talented little players on her team and I'm pretty sure The Bears went undefeated the entire season, yay. Ultimately, it was a wonderful experience in getting her familiarized with an athletic team environment. I think Elise is more in her element with dance and gymnastics, as it just doesn't come natural for her to be aggressive or physical with other kids, but we still definitely plan to sign her up for next season. She had fun and loved her fantastic teammates and coaches!

Kiddo Christmas Party Fun

Alina's preschool Christmas party; Santa & smiles

She made the cutest little cowgirl ever

Elise's Kindergarten holiday party, the kids had a blast
 

The party fun continued when the cousins came to play!

Cute Little Thanksgiving Pilgrim

Cute little Pilgrim Elise at her Thanksgiving Feast 2014

Elise had her Kindergarten Thanksgiving feast and short musical performance last week. It was super cute. The kids dressed up as Pilgrims and Native Americans and sat down at shared tables to eat a feast of popcorn, apple slices and other goodies. Her class dressed as Pilgrims and since I volunteer two Fridays a month to work in her class, I had the pleasure of helping the kids make their hats and woven paper placemats. I will tell you that teaching kids how to weave is no small feat whatsoever. It was a lot of work, but fun all at the same time. I was definitely sweating by the end of the day, but it was 100% worth it to see all these cuties dressed up and celebrating before the holiday break. Elise basically made the perfect little Pilgrim. She looked the part with her blonde hair and braids, and as for that serious expression, well, she was just counting down the time until Thanksgiving break began. Yep, it starts this early!

Pre-Halloween Fun & Festivities 2014

Elise's Kindergarten class Halloween party

Adorable Minnie Mouse at her preschool Halloween parade

Halloween fun + Olaf & Minnie Mouse Jack-O-Lanterns

Mama & Nana had lots of fun at Alina's Halloween party

Mom's sharpie owl pumpkin

Halloween decorations and the girls festive artwork

Elise's First Day of Kindergarten

Elise's First Day of Kindergarten - August 13, 2014

Elise started her first day of Kindergarten just over two weeks ago. Truth be told, I was far more nervous on her first day than she was. I tossed and turned the entire night before school. I wondered, would she like Kindergarten, her teacher and her classmates? Would she cry when we left her and miss being at preschool with her little sister? The day finally came and she woke up happy and excited that morning. She picked out a very cute outfit and matching headband, and carefully placed all her school supplies in her shiny new backpack (which she was thrilled to carry). She brought a bright red apple as a gift for her Kindergarten teacher, and was all smiles walking to class that first day with mom and dad by her side. We got to stay for the first half hour to meet her teacher and visit her classroom. The second Elise met her new Kindergarten teacher, she warmed to her immediately. Elise offered her the shiny red apple, and got a great big hug in return. Her teacher loved it! When it was time for us to leave, there were no tears or looks of concern, Elise just gave us a big smile and waved us off. We were so proud of our brave girl on her first big day, and the best part was getting to hear all about her first week. She has already made a few little friends and loves to share stories from home with her teacher. We call tell it will be a great year. Here's to new beginnings and plenty of special milestones.

Elise's Kindergarten Favorites