Friday, September 23, 2011

Our New Routine

We are getting used to our new routine.  Grace starts school at 8:45 and catches the bus at 8:12, which is pretty early.  If she wakes at 7, we have an hour to get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth and brush hair (each of those have their challenges).  If she gets ready early, she gets to watch a cartoon (this happens about half the time).  Since I often head to the gym right after the bus stop, I also have to get myself ready and get Jake ready.  So no more leisurely summer mornings drinking coffee and watching the Today show (sigh).  After the gym it's usually story time, MOPS meetings (mom's group) or errands.  Jake needs to be napping by 12:30 so we can pick up Grace at 3.  After school we might have a snack, play outside, do homework, start dinner, watch a cartoon or something like that.

Grace seems to be enjoying school.  She was given some more advanced homework since the regular stuff was too easy for her.  She loves doing her math homework and says she hates the writing part of class.  She has made some friends, but mostly hangs out with Paige (another blonde, blue eyed girl she knew from preschool).  She gets herself dressed in the morning and makes interesting fashion choices, I don't argue unless it's not weather appropriate (we have enough to argue about).  She took a shower all by herself last week (washed her hair and everything), she was very proud.


Jake is happy.  He recently had his first day of preschool in the 2's class (Wednesdays, 9-11:30).  My friend is one of two teachers and she said he just stood by the gate the whole time waiting for me, but he never cried.  He occasionally says words (baby, bark, apple, ma ma, da da) but he still mostly points and grunts.    He loves cars and trucks and likes to line them up on the treadmill (that is his spot).  He's either playing with cars, balls, climbing on something or running around (such a boy).  He does like to look at books (especially ones with cars or trucks) and he loves (and sleeps with) his kitty, which Grace gave him.








Friday, September 9, 2011

Link to Video of Jake Eating Meatballs


Here's a link to a YouTube video of Jake eating meatballs.  This is pretty typical of how Jake eats! 





Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Grace Starts School!!

Today Grace had her first full day of kindergarten!!  Yesterday there was a short orientation where she got to meet her teacher and see her classroom (hence two first day outfits)



I offered to drive her to school, but she choose to ride the bus.  I drove to school to make sure she got off the bus ok and walked her to her classroom.   She settled in quickly and waved goodbye,  then I went to a parent meeting in the lunchroom.





Jake was happy when I finally let him out of the stroller and walked down the hallway like he owned the school (people would smile and get out of his way).  


I drove Grace home after school since the buses are a little crazy the first couple weeks (her bus was still not at school 20 minutes after school was over!).  She seemed like she had a great time and said her favorite things were riding the bus and recess. 

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Hiking Gold Creek Pond

Today we went on an easy, short hike around Gold Creek Pond, about 45 minutes east of Seattle.  It  was a flat and paved one mile loop around a beautiful pond, perfect for the kids.  Grace, being a little tired from a long beach day yesterday, was not as impressed as us by the scenery (which was spectacular), but she enjoyed throwing rocks in the water and sticking her feet in and she definitely like the McDonalds happy meal she got on the way home!  She also decided that despite the 85 degree weather it was a good day for snow boots (I didn't agree, but let it slide).  Jake hiked "like he was on a mission" (as many people commented), REALLY wanted to go to the water where it was not possible, had a tantrum, got a treat to get in the backpack and then fell asleep.  He also really liked McDonalds (especially now that he gets his own Happy Meal).










Starting a family blog

Hello Everyone.  I decided to follow in some other's footsteps and start a blog about our family.  It seems like a great way to keep everyone updated on our lives.