It's time for a bit of fresh on the blog, just like the fresh in the air. Happy autumn!
It seems as though we waited FOREVER for school to start. We are settling into the routine and are grateful for good schools and super teachers. Mallory is in pre-school 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday. Mark is going 2 days Monday and Wednesday. He was much more excited about the playground than staying in a classroom but after a few "sad" days, he is doing GREAT. He is hilarious with his backpack and nap mat. He LOVES them.
We attended open house at Mallory's new school last night and were treated to lots of already completed projects.
I couldn't be more impressed with Mallory's frog:
Earlier in the day, I had the opportunity to attend "an Elegant Event" her class invited parents to:
A sweet celebration of the letter 'e" including, an elephant parade, a lesson in table manners, and of course, elegant attire.
We are impressed with Mallory's new school. She loves not napping 🙂 I'm happiest with their dedication to preparing the "smarties" for the rigors of kindergarten.
Yeah new photos! Who wouldn’t love all the fun at SMA?? And Mark’s backpack makes him an official “big kid” just like big sister – that obviously makes him VERY happy!
Our first hours in Amsterdam: we wandered around the museum district and toured the Rijkes Museum (pictured behind us.) In the afternoon, we split up for a bit. Ben and I walked toward the Central Station following a RIck Steve's walking tour.
The canals are beautiful and bicycles-the sheer number breathtaking. Tall skinny buildings facing the canals. Blooming flowers spilling out of window boxes-geraniums are VERY popular. The flower district didn't disappoint. Tulip bulbs, amaryllis and hyacinth bulbs astonishing in quantity and variety.
The four of us met up again for a canal tour via boat. A duck's eye view of the city. Amazing and so cool. A great way to get an overview of the city!
Such pretty postcard worthy photos! I wonder if we lived there we would be awed by the ambience?
She's five! Our baby girl….we've come a long way and I'm excited for her to have reached this amazing milestone. She's inquisitive and curious. She's sunshine and happiness. She's perseverance and stubborness. She's thoughtful and kind. She is our first born and our last to stop talking.
Mallory’s Birthday has been a whole season this year. September 18th fell on a Sunday and scheduling a party was a challenge. Ultimately the celebrations began in Texas while we were in Europe with a Nonnie-Pape party. We had a family of four celebration the morning of her birthday and cupcakes with our small group from church that Sunday evening.
Then the school celebrating began. Treats for both classes of preschool on Monday and Tuesday.
Birthday mail from Ben’s mom yielded more birthday fun.
Thank you Mimi D for the Snow White outfit!
Last but not least, her “actual” party was Friday the 30th.
Over 11 days of birthday bliss, I'm still not recoverd from the sugar high.
Welcome cooler temperatures and green pumpkins 🙂
September posts coming soon-REALLY. Maybe they will even back dated!