1st day of kindergarten

Today was Madison's first day of kindergarten.  We have been talking about it all summer, and she was so excited to go.  I had expected her to be a little nervous or even scared, but last night when I asked her if she was scared, I was emphatically told "No! It's just like preschool".  

This morning was the first time in a very long time that I have had to wake her up. It took us a while to get going, but we managed to get out the door on time.

Jared, Annabel and I all went to school with her for her first day.  She was a little quiet, but sat right down in her seat and started coloring.  She did great.  When she got home from school, she told us that she had a great day.  They colored, learned how to use the computers, saw where they will go to PE, played outside, had a short rest time, and much more.  She is excited to go back tomorrow.  

At home, before we headed to school.

One with her sister (who had to have a matching skirt today)

Outside the school.

Madison's teacher, Mrs Dindot, also has a blog for anyone who would like to follow her at school.  I don't think there are any pictures up yet, but you can see updates from her class at

http://mrsdindotskindergarten.blogspot.com/

Madison is 5!!!

My big girl turned 5 last week, and we got to do lots of celebrating.  

First, she got a card in the mail from Nana, Grandpa Cris, and Christopher with some money.  After 3 stores and much deliberation, she chose this lego set.

By the time I got home from work that day, Madison (with help from Daddy) had already put it together.  It also made a wagon and picnic table.  So cute.

On her actual birthday.

with the new soccer goal that Jared made for her

We let her pick what she wanted for dinner.  Not a big surprise - she wanted enchiladas.

After eating, we got to celebrate a little more before our Bible study.

This is one amazing cookie cake.  It (more or less) survived a fall from the top of our refrigerator.

On Friday, we had dinner with friends.  Our friends John and Robin were in town with their new baby Bryn. We were so excited to get to see them and meet her.  

The big kids had fun playing on the baby toys I had pulled out for Bryn.

On Saturday morning, we had Maddie's actual party.  She wanted everything pink.

I had gotten up early Saturday morning, gotten ready, and iced the cupcakes.  I was thinking we were in good shape for the party when I got a call from the people who were supposed to be bringing the bounce house.  They said it was raining at their house and that the forecast did not look good.  They were going to have to cancel our reservation.  I told Madison that they were not going to bring the bounce house and that I was headed out to find some other activities for all the kids we had invited.  I have to brag on my big girl a little here.  I couldn't believe it.  She didn't cry or even look sad, she just said "ok mommy".  I went to Target and picked up a puzzle and some play dough, but wasn't really having much luck.  I headed to Hobby Lobby, crossing my fingers that they opened at 9:00 because the party started at 10:00.  I was so thankful that they did.  I was the first one in.  I found some ceramic pieces that the kids could paint and rushed home. Painting seemed to be a hit.  It never rained, so we were able to play outside and paint on the back porch. 

Painting 

Putting the princess puzzle together

Mr Luka on the scooter

Weston was very serious about his painting

Playing on the swing set

Blowing out candles

cupcake time

Robin and baby Bryn (and John) got to come celebrate

Presents

Playing play-dough after the party

Happy 5th Birthday Madison!

Trip to OK

The first week of August, we took a trip to Oklahoma.  With Madison starting Kindergarten soon, we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to travel.  We spent most of the time at my parents house.

Doing the monkey bars with Grandpa.  Madison was able to do them all by herself for the first time.  We had to watch closely or Annabel would be trying to jump to the first bar all by herself.

Playing on Grammy's ipad.

On Monday, we made a trip to Tulsa.  First we stopped to see Jared's Grandmother.  She gave the girls these cute bears that they love.

The we got to visit with my grandparents for a little while.  They had a bingo game that the girls played and played with.  We also got to bring home a bunch Dr Suess books that we read a good portion of the ride back to Texas.

Jared's friend Joe recently moved back to Tulsa, so we got to see his new apartment. Then we went with him, Jared's cousin Jason and his daughter Reagan, and many other friends to Incredible Pizza.  We had a blast.  After eating, we played for a while.  

Madison on the carousel. 

Reagan, Madison, and Annabel playing games

Jason trying to show the girls how to hop on the right characters that were flashing under their feet.

Then it was time for go-carts.  Jared and Madison passing on the outside.

Jason and Reagan speeding by.

Daddy and Madison again.  

(Annabel was more than a little disappointed that she was not tall enough to ride.)

We got to meet Joe's new niece.

One last cousin pic with the tiaras that we spent all of our tickets on.

On  Tuesday, we got to go to the children's museum in Stillwater.  The girls love it here.  

The played in water.

and with the tubes that shoot balls and scarves through the maze and out at you.

Annabel doing some rock climbing

and then Madison's turn

We had a great time. 

San Diego

This past week I went to San Diego for work.  I didn't have a lot of time to explore the city.  Most of the time was spent at the Stata Conference and at dinners with the organizers and attendees.  I did get into town early enough Wednesday to explore a little.  I walked around downtown and then ran along the water.  We are going to have to go back for vacation someday.  I really liked the part of San Diego I got to see.

This is the view from my hotel room

and the view the other direction from the window just outside my door.

The rest are a few pics I took while running.