First Day of School

I still have a ton to say about Summer, but let's talk about the first day of school.  Both girls were very excited to start school this  year...even though this picture might not convince you.  Lauren is so excited to be a 6th grader!  Addison is ready to see some of her friends she didn't get to see over the summer months!

These girls know how much I love taking pictures of everything....especially the first day of school.  Addison did not want her sister touching her...

Both girls are much happier here...and those legs....wow.  Where did they get those long legs???  Not from me of course! 

We did not get a picture with Ginger last year...probably because she was toooo crazy.  This year was a struggle as well, but I love this one. 

These girls take some amazing selfies! 

We only had to wait for the bus for about 5 minutes...and it poured.  The kids loved it! 

Like I said...Lauren is super excited for 6th grade.  Look at that smile!

Addison's twin Sydney.  They are the best of friends...born about 12 hours apart...and a neighbor right down the street! 

Addison let us snap a few pictures in the classroom....

I did a great job of embarrassing Lauren :) 

Then I snuck back in to Addison's classroom before heading out! 

Then we hit the ice cream shop after school and heard all about their day.  Well, Lauren told us all about their day...Addison said school was boring.  LOL. 

2nd Grade Field Trip to Powell Gardens

It was a gorgeous sunny day on the field trip.  We have never been to Powell Gardens, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to chaperone.  Plus, Addison loved having me there so that was an added bonus.  

The art teacher was at the field trip and had the kids split into groups.  They were supposed to look at a flower and draw what they saw.  They were supposed to study the flower for a few minutes before they started drawing. 

Then we had free time to wander and explore the garden.  There were so many fruit trees.  Peaches, apples, berries, kiwi, and so much more.  There were several vegetable gardens as well.  Plus, gorgeous flowers beginning to bloom.  

There was a pirate ship to explore. 

And this huge silo to explore and stairs that went all the way to the top.  That was fun to climb up! 

They learned a lot about pollination.  They studied it this Spring in science class.  

They also got to plant their own seeds for a garden.  Addison got to plant a parsley seed.  It has already begun to sprout! 

The view from the top of the silo was beautiful.  Addison and Jenna saw each other a few times on the field trip, but not much as they were not in the same groups!

Addison asked me to take a picture of her posing on the fallen tree.  Love this girl and her willingness to pose for pictures for me! 

Addison and her buddy Sydney.  These two are twins!  They were born on the exact same day just a few hours apart.  Plus, Syd lives right down the street...they will be the best of friends for a while! 

Amazing field trip with these awesome 2nd graders.  Can't wait to go back and explore Powell Gardens again. 

School Started!

Where the heck did summer go?  This summer flew by...faster than others.  We had a fun summer and we are totally not ready for school to start.  But, school started this week so here we are! 

Meet the Teacher night was Monday night, so that got things started this week.  

Addison's teacher's name is Ms. Vacarro and she is very excited to have her for 2nd grade.  

Lauren got Ms. Swope as her main teacher.  Again, that was her 1st pick.  Lauren will switch classrooms and teachers for Science/Social Studies and Math, so she will have all the 5th grade teachers one way or another this year.  

We spent Monday evening looking through all the paperwork that was sent home trying to get ready for another school year.  PTA events, spirit wear, band night, Girls on the Run, and so much more.  

Wednesday morning they were ready!  Mark made french toast for breakfast (a first day of school tradition) and I snapped all the pictures I could of the girls.  

Lauren was very excited for her backpack and lunch bag this year.  I love what she picked out!

Addison packed her lunch the 1st day because she really wanted this new lunch bag, but she enjoys eating lunch (and 2nd breakfast) at school each day!  

I can't even believe my baby is headed to 2nd grade.  We have already started planning her 8th birthday party.  It will be here before we know it! 

They started this tradition last year, and continued on this year.  Silly girls!  

Even though we are not ready for summer to end, I think they are ready to see their school friends.  2nd grade and 5th grade here we come! 

Since Mark and I both take off the 1st day of school (for date day!) the girls get to ride the bus.  They love to ride the bus when one of us is off work and they get to.  It is a special treat! 

As soon as they got on the bus we hoped in the car and rushed up to the school....

We had to see them get off the bus!  Addison was one of the first ones off and the stopped and smiled for me!  Lauren was the last one of the bus and too busy to stop and smile.  

Addison is thrilled to have Sydney back in class with her!  

Lauren was not willing to look at the camera, but I snuck a few pictures in anyway.  She had a great morning and I think she came out to the hallway to give me one last hug!

Then they were home!  They had a ton to talk about and both girls had a great day! 

Ginger was excited to see them too!  She is such a pretty dog (but still so crazy as a puppy!) 

Then it was time to go out for ice cream.  Another 1st day of school tradition.  I love listening to them talk and talk about the 1st day.  They had to take turns talking since they both had so much to say!

So, the 1st day was great and so was the first week.  Things will be crazy for a while as we learn how to juggle schedules and homework.  Soccer is in full swing and we had 3 games this weekend!  Practice is twice a week for that, Girl Scouts will start soon, and so will church class.  I think Addison is going to continue in swim lessons as well to prepare her for the swim team! 

So here we go.  Another school year is underway!