First Field Trip

Today was an exciting day for Kimberly and her Pre School with it being their first field trip and where better to go than the pumpkin patch. I was the first parent to have completed the classes that it took to be able to attend the field trip with the class. I got this done so soon because I always wanted to go on field trips with Clarissa when she was in Pre School but my job didn't allow me to do so.

Kimberly and her classmates learned about how to pick the apples, how they make cider, saw the pumpkin patch, and found out how many different types and sizes apples can be. The kids each got to pick an apple to eat as well. On the bus I asked several students what their favorite part was. Some said the hay ride, some said the apple picking, but Kimberly's favorite part was picking out a pumpkin to bring home.

 

Kimberly picking her apple the way they showed her.

Kimberly couldn't wait to eat hers.

It took her awhile to find the PERFECT one; she loved how this one had a cute little stem.

 

I have had these silly face pumpkin stickers for a few years now. Kimberly wanted to put them on her little pumpkin because its to small to carve. We have so many she asked if she could take them to school to share with her class and so tomorrow we will be putting them in their bags. She had a great time and it was a perfect 1st field trip.

Soiree (That's fancy for party)

One thing I love about our local library is that it always has fun events for the children. Today was an exciting event for the little girls ages 3-8 years. The best part about this event is that it was based off of the famous Fancy Nancy books by Jane O'Connor. These are books that both of my girls love and I even enjoy reading them too. We got there and we each got a name tag and there were table settings with a bowl, tea cup, and other colorful decorations. Each girl made a crown and listened to Ms. Suzanne read the story. They had ice cream and did a coloring project while sipping either water or tea, both Clare and Kimberly chose tea and they loved it. Before leaving everyone got an I can Read Fancy Nancy book and feather pen. I helped clean up a little and each of my girls got to bring home balloons too. Let's just say this was a fabulous party and we had a blast.

 

The girls sat at a table with mom and dad till they found their friends

 

Kimberly finished her tiara. She decorated it all by herself.

 

Clarissa finished her tiara and she too did her's all by herself.

Kimberly and one of her class mates from school.

The yummy desert

Kimberly knew exactly what she wanted on her ice cream

 

Ready to head home with hands (and bags) full of goodies.

We're Going Camping!

My dad called me last month with the news that the annual "Papa Ray and grand kids camping trip" would be September 10-11th. With the girls a year older I couldn't help but get even more excited than I was last year because they are all at such fun ages. We headed out on Saturday, a little after nine in the morning, and we got to our camp site in about 25 minutes. Springbrook State Park has been the destination for our camping trip since Clare was 3 years old. We have also always rented the same spot (41).  We discussed that if we start having more adults and kids coming we might have to expand our campsite so that we have room for everyone, but we still have plenty of time to figure that all out.

On the way up these three girls sang "We're Going Camping Now" from the Kids Praise 5- Psalty.
The same group went this year as did last year.

All hands are on deck when it comes to getting the camp site ready to go. All three girls (ages 6-4)  had jobs to do to help. They got all the firewood out of the truck and carried it over to the fire pit.

Our home away from home was laid out. Each kid grabbed a corner leaving 1 for Papa Ray. We then had to figure out where on earth we put the stakes to hold the tent in place. We looked and looked, and we started to think we needed to call home and see if we left them. After what felt like longer than 5-10 minutes we found the stakes somewhat hidden in the back of my dad's truck and we got back into work mode.

This is not a job for wimps. The girls did a great job (with a little help) getting the stakes in the ground. We had a hard time getting a few in but in the long run it all went great.

 

The girls worked up quite the appetite getting the tent set up so we got started on roasting our hot dogs.

After lunch we unpacked our things.  The girls went to the play ground and rode bikes while the adults talked and worked on dinner. The girls didn't waste any time making new friends and introducing them to us. When all the prep work was done for dinner each girl helped make the beef  stew we have each year.  Each girl got to pour in a vegetable.  We did something new this year and grilled corn on the cob to enjoy with the stew. I hope we do that again because it turned out great.  We had apple cobbler for desert.  After we finished eating the girls went back and played while thing got cleaned up and organized for s'mores.  The picture above is when the girls got back and got in their P.J.'s, ready to roast marshmallows for their s'mores.  Can they look any more excited?  Kimberly kept saying "Wake me up when we are going to make s'mores, I'm tired".  Who could blame her she did allot of hard work with helping set up camp?

After eating s'mores the 3 girls headed to bed.  After only a little bit of giggling and talking the girls were fast asleep.

Kimberly was the first to wake up and tell me that, since the sun we shining, we needed to stop sleeping.  We headed to the bathroom and when we got back my dad and Clare were beginning to wake up.  The last to wake up was my niece, who was very cute all bundled up in her blanket.

For breakfast we had omelets that are cooked while in baggies placed in boiling water.  We then took down our tent and packed up the vehicles.  We headed out for a nature walk and each girl had a baggie for any treasures they found to bring home.  Clarissa asked me on Saturday night if she was going to be able to bring something to school for show and tell about the weekend.  I figured a picture would be neat to bring but when my dad handed out the baggies I then thought she could bring her baggie of things she found and learned about instead.  The girls got excited during their walk picking up lots of little things they found on the ground.  Clarissa is bringing her's to school for show and tell.  Kimberly's school has a different type of show and tell, but that's not until she brings a special apron home, and that could be awhile. On Wednesdays she has story hour at the local library and she is very excited to show her treasures there.

We headed back to my parents' house and had lunch while sharing stories. When the girls and I finally got home we took a 3 hour nap. We had a blast and, as always, can't wait for next year.  I hope to get a few more camp outs during the year, even if it's just me and the girls because 1 time a year just isn't enough.  I would love to camp out more!

Thank you to all the people who helped make this weekend go smooth.

Perfect Picnic

Over the summer break Clarissa's school had a fun contest for the K-8 grades to see who could fill a zip lock bag with Box Tops, UPCs and Tyson ABCs; the students who did would get lunch with the new principal. I was excited to see how much we could collect for Clare and with help from grandparents it didn't take long for her box top collection to grow. She took her bag on the first day of school and today I found out that she is one of the sixteen students in the school to eat lunch with Mrs. Eaton (the school principal). They will be enjoying  lasagna, garlic bread and salad.

 

Kimberly was also invited to stay for the picnic. She was very polite to say that we would eat lunch at home but she thanked Mrs. Eaton. Clarissa also drew a picture for Mrs Eaton as a thank you.

Football season is in full swing with today being Iowa's first game (IOWA WON)! Clare, Kim, and I all enjoy Iowa home football games since daddy is gone and we get special girl time. This Saturday was a bit different than this mom had planned.  Clarissa came home on Friday asking if her friend could stay the night. I had no problem with this and wanted to check with her friends family to make sure they didn't have any plans over the weekend. They didn't and we went and picked up Clare's friend. So Friday night we went swimming, watched a movie, and no movie is complete without pop corn.

Life is to short to not have fun!

After a fun filled night Saturday came and it was just me, 3 girls, and 2 dogs. We had pancakes and had a blast all morning but noon came and we decided it was time for Clare's friend to go home. After taking her home they both still wanted to play so instead of doing what I had planned on football Saturday I figured there are 6 more home games left to have girly time with both of the girls. I got back to the car and Kimberly was quite sad. She was heart broken that she wasn't able to stay and play at Clare's friends house. I was sure she would have had fun with me but I knew what it felt like to be "left out" and wanted her to have a special play-date too. I made a quick phone call to my in-laws and they got very excited to have Kimberly for a visit. I dropped her off and then got home. Both dogs where napping and I was all by myself. It then came to my attention that my girls are getting older and having time with just mom isn't as "cool" as it used to be. I got a few things done and even took an uninterrupted nap.

Quentin got home, then soon after I went and got Clarissa and then Kimberly came home. Kimberly was looking very secretive and said "I made something at ma and papa's house." I knew she had made cookies and I said "did you make cookies?" She said "yes, but I made you something too." She walked over with something clearly hiding behind her back she brought her hands around and handed me...

 

This beautiful bracelet, she made it and of course I've not taken if off since she gave it to me.

I know that the girls are getting older and my time with them is precious but its nice to know that in the end of the day we are creating good memories and awesome stories to one day share with them!

 

I can't believe how fast time has gone.

Preschool Here She Comes

Yesterday, August 31, 2011, Kimberly wanted to visit her teachers like they came and visited us. While they visited our house Kimberly had a tea party with them. She made them invitations but wanted to add some last minute touches to them. They had already stayed past the time they had intended to stay. Anyway, yesterday Kimberly wanted to visit her teachers so after dropping off Clarissa we parked the car and walked in hoping her teachers would be in their room, and to our luck they were.  Kimberly handed them the invitation and talked about what all she was excited about with school. After getting a big hug we headed out. As we walked up the stairs I got excited knowing that the next time we walk down to the room she will be entering pre school.

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Today came with lots of preparation.  We have been working on our day time routine for a week now and we have it mastered to the point of being ready for school with time to spare. Kimberly was happy to finally be going to school since she's been talking about it since she turned 4 in April. She even kept asking me to take more pictures. We talked about the different things she had to look forward to and the main things she would say is learn new things, and make friends. Here are some 1st day of school pictures of our little big girl.

And yes I teared up when walking away. Today came so much faster than I had remembered with Clarissa.

Clarissa made Kimberly a first day of school card. I had no idea she had done that and it really made Kimberly's morning even better.

Kimberly loves - Music, Dancing, and Purple - all are seen in this picture.

The VERY famous Gingerbread Man. Kimberly couldn't wait to get a picture with him. She has seen both mine and Clare's and she couldn't wait for her turn.

I put this together because I thought it would be neat. Each of us with our Gingerbread man. But mine isn't on my first day of school so I don't have my bag yet.

Kimberly asked her teacher if they could have a picture together. Mrs. Cherri was more than happy to.

Kimberly's first day of Pre School

Kimberly came home and had so many stories to share. I don't think her day could have gone any better than it did.

Here is a picture of her hand made school bag. Each student gets one and no 2 are alike.

Later this afternoon we met up with Clarissa to walk with her for the 1K walk. This was so much fun and it tired us out. Early bed time is a MUST tonight with all this fun and excitement.