Husky Game

Yesterday we went as a family of five to the Husky/Georgia State game.  We were more focused on staying cool and taking photos during the first half because the Huskies were playing so horribly, but we pulled out a W.  The kids had a blast, and so did Kyle and I.  Abi was really into the game and lasted the whole time.  Andy cheered the hardest and loudest, and Katie was focused on the cheerleaders.  When we got home, Andy rushed downstairs to make his own Husky practice stadium, Katie and Abi fell asleep right away.  All in all - a great day!

Pre-K Apple Crisp

Katie's Pre-K Class had their first fieldtrip last week.  They went to the Top Banana Market in Ballard to pick out apples and then to Rodgers Park to play.  On Friday, they cooked apple crisp in class and invited all of the parents to enjoy.  Abi and I went (although neither Abi nor Katie enjoyed the "sugar free" crisp).  It was fun to see Katie so proud and Abi wanting to be part of the action.

Abi Spaghetti

I am pretty sure I've taken a photo of each of my kids like this - full of spaghetti.  I look forward to the day when each meal doesn't feel like a massive clean-up effort.  In the meantime, I am embracing Abi's joy of making a complete mess : )  At least our summer has been extended and we can enjoy dinner outside and take advantage of the hose to clean up.

First Day of Coop

We completed our last of many "firsts" this fall by attending Abi's first day of Coop.  I wasn't sure how it was going to go this third time around.  With our busy drop off and pick up schedule, I didn't have the same energy as I did with Andy and Katie.  BUT, Abi loved it.  She was a busy little bee exploring, walking, talking, and trying out all of the stations.  Her favorite for the day was walking and talking on the pretend cell phone.  Ruh-Roh.  Being in class reminded me what a wonderful community the Coop is and how fun it is to see your child play among their peers.

Helper of the Day!

Katie has been excited about everything Pre-K.  She loved picking up Andy every day last year and is excited to be following in his footsteps.  She was helper of the day, which means you get to welcome the parents at the end of the day and also be the line leader all day.  As soon as I picked her up, she wanted her picture taken "to show Ka."  

Class Photographer

One of the perks of loving photography is that I get to officially take photos of my kids class.  It's a way for me to get to know the kids and capture their sweet smiles.  I also get to sneak into the classroom and catch Andy in action. I love this picture of Andy because you can see the happiness in his eyes - he loves school.  This is on his second day of school and I am so proud of this Kindergartner!

First Day of School!

We had a big first day in our house.  It was Katie's first day of Pre-K, Andy's first day of Kindergarten, and Abi started walking!  We did our obligatory pictures in front of the door, dropped of Katie and then dropped off Andy.  Katie walked right in like it was no big deal.  Her teachers are Teacher Laura and Sadie, the same teachers Andy had last year.  Andy has Ms. Marks.  He is in class with Brooklyn and Kai from his PreK class last year.  Andy was a little tentative, but much more easy-going than his first day of jump start.  The school takes an all school picture on the first day and Andy looked so little among the sea of the whole QAE community.  Once Andy walked into the classroom, he was ready to start!

After an emotional and proud send-off, Kyle, Abi and I headed to a meet and greet in the cafeteria.  I was invited to two brunches - one serving mimosas and one serving bloody mary's.  Not a bad way to start off the year for all of us!  While at one of the brunches, Abi decided to walk across the room.  Not knowing many of the new moms, I didn't react - although my jaw probably dropped.  Then, at home, she decided today was the day she was going to be an official walker.  We celebrated the day with a trip to Starbucks for treats.

Pre-K Orientation

We attended Katie's Pre-K orientation as a family.  Katie and Andy both sat down in the circle like it was part of their daily routine.  It was cute to see Andy show Katie the ropes and nice to be so familiar with the environment.  Katie is one of five girls in a class of 20.  Watch out boys!