Wildcat Garden

The garden at Carver's school is a regular part of their education. I'm amazed at all the lessons they incorporate into gardening. This past week the garden's soil was readied and the kindergartners (the planters) headed out to plant the fall seeds. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves and now anxiously await harvesting day. Everything they planted will find it's way to the Dining Hall and even those often neglected radishes taste surprisingly sweet when planted with such care and love!

Rainy Day

This weekend brought lots of rain and in the middle of the afternoon I noticed Springer was quiet and the kitchen door was open. Now it was still raining-steadily. I peaked out to the driveway and this is what I saw...Springer playing in a puddle with her new little pirate duck. I should have recorded it because she was just talking, talking, talking to that duck. She eventually came in drenching wet, but grinning and happy as could be.
That's my little free spirit girl!

Georgia

Terribly unfortunate circumstances lead us to Georgia last weekend. The bright side was the opportunity to spend some time with our family. A stop in Atlanta afforded us the chance to visit with Sara James, Smith, Micah and Tricia. Those three (and before long, four!) always enjoy every second of their time together.
The brainwashing by Micah and Tricia is pure evil!

Nate joined us on a trip to Lakebottom Park-Carver especially loved having his Uncle Nate along.

Festival in the Park

One of our favorite September activities is Festival in the Park. We headed over as soon as we picked up Carver from school to beat the crowds. In fact Springer had her first roller coaster ride all to her self. Although it's clearly not a high roller coaster it is pretty fast and a bit bumpy. She didn't make a peep but held on for dear life. I wish I could have captured the look on her face!

Her only complaint about the swing was that it didn't go fast enough!

Testing their Hawaiian blood and taking a ride on a moving surf board.

We ran out of tickets last year before making it to the Ferris wheel but Carver was not about to let it happen twice. He LOVED his first ever ride and claimed it was the best part of the day.

Springer was sorely disappointed not to ride as well but upon finding dirt quickly made peace in its shadows!

In the Groove

Well Carver informed me today that he's been in kindergarten for 14 days. On one hand that seems hard to believe, but it also seems strange to think of him not being in kindergarten. To say that 'he loves it' is a bit cliche, but he truly does. Each day he comes home rattling on and on about what they learned in Spanish (although right now he says it's easy because he knows all the words they're learning-I've told him to just give that one some time!) or what he read during Reader's Workshop or what they did in Healthful Living (aka 'gym') or how they beat the 4th graders in a soccer game (still unsure about that one-I think we have some generous 4th graders!). He could talk all day-and often does. We continue to be immensely grateful that he's adjusted so quickly and enjoys himself so much.

Springer finally started her first full week today. She couldn't be more pleased to be back with her pals. Now that she's in the three year olds class she gets to take part in the carpool line pick up. She walked to the car with her teacher today and was grinning from ear to ear. Before she could even get buckled in her seat she squealed, "I'm a big girl now! Just wike Carver was when he was here! When I was a baby I got picked up inside, but now I sit outside. I get to do it again tomorrow!!" (all high pitched and full of smiles)

As we drove home I said, "Springer, I missed you today. When we get home can we snuggle?"

Springer: I want some milk and a cartoon.

Me: Well can we snuggle too?

Springer: Yes, but you can't put your arm on me and NO kisses! (said with a grin)

Me: No kisses?!

Springer: NO. Kisses make me nervous!

I did get a few.....

Springer's First Day of School

After what seemed like forever (for both of us!) Springer finally began school today. She woke up grinning and never stopped. Although her teachers are new some of her favorite little girl friends are in her class this year...Abby, Ellie and Anna Wade are among her dearest friends. She ran in to greet them this morning and barely said good-bye when I left. I can't believe how much she's changed and grown since she began last year. Her spunky personality remains the same, but she's really come in to herself in the past several months-so much more confident, funny and interested in everything around her. I'm really excited about this year ahead and deeply grateful for her sweet little life today.