Big girl!

Juno started preschool yesterday!!

"Yes!!!"

How did it go?
I'm not quite sure. She can't talk, after all, so the only thing she says when we ask about preschool is "Um, play!"
Her preschool is through the school district so it's in an elementary school (not our neighborhood school, grrrr). As soon as I opened the door to the school building, she said "Bye, Mom," and let go of my hand and started to walk away. I said "Oh wait, let me take you to your classroom!" When we got to her classroom, she again said "Bye, Mom," and walked right in without a backward glance. And she was all smiles when I picked her up! 
And I was a little mopey while she was gone (Helena is home with me in the mornings, but she went to a friend's house yesterday) but it wasn't too bad. I do find myself thinking longingly of the days that I had three crazy kids at home and we spent our days at the library, the park, playing in the yard with friends, going for walks, at the zoo, and doing sidewalk chalk on the driveway. I really loved having a houseful of little kids home with me full time. BUT life goes on and we are in a new phase!

Spotlight on Helena :)

Let me take a moment to spotlight my little Helena!

She graduated from preschool this week and she'll be off to kindergarten in just a few short months!

Here she is receiving her diploma from Miss Kellie!

This picture isn't from graduation, but it just showcases her awesome fashion sense. She seriously gets it from her dad, who believe it or not, is amazing at picking out clothes. I got those sparkly black suspenders at H&M and when I brought them home, Helena raced upstairs and put together this darling outfit. It was inspired by Eloise!

Helena is a scootlebug!

Helena started preschool today!!
She has been looking forward to going to preschool for a whole year, ever since Tempe started.
Doesn't she look so grown up in her back-to-school outfit? I sure love her!
Helena had a great time at preschool today and can't wait to go back, learn more, and even do homework. We'll see how long that lasts!

back to school

Yay!

A new school year is here!

I have been blogging about how much I love the beginning of a new school year for the last few months. It's just such an exciting time, full of the promise of new beginnings.

Yesterday was Tempe's first official day of kindergarten!

Her shirt says "Class of '25". Crazy, huh?? My grandpa was born in '25--1925, that is.
The first day of kindergarten here is more of an orientation--parents are invited and it only lasts for about an hour. Tempe was excited to go on a tour of her new school and meet her teacher, but yesterday definitely didn't feel like the first day of school.
Today Tempe went to school for the normal amount of time and without me. I was nervous that she would be sad when I dropped her off, but she didn't even wave goodbye to me as she went into the classroom!
When I picked her up, she was bursting with news about her new best friends (but she can't remember their names) and all her new experiences. She definitely enjoyed school.
To celebrate the beginning of the school year, I welcomed Tempe home with a giant cookie that said "Happy 1st day of school". We invited a couple of our neighbors over to eat it with us (Tim is in this picture) and it was enjoyed by all.

Happy new school year!