School & Soccer in September

September seemed to come with a few firsts... It was the first time we have ever really had a schedule. Sure we did preschool last year, but if we were late or didn't go it wasn't that big of a deal. Now we are all up and out the door by 7:40am. We take Jena to class, drop Taylor off on the days that she goes and either come home or run errands until it's time to do it all again, but in reverse.

This was the first time we have had a kid in a sport. So far Jena loves her soccer team and LOVES that her daddy is the assistant coach. It's a first for Ryan since he too has a lavender jersey :) She also had her first goal in the second game. Whoohoo!!!

Taylor is really turning into a big girl. She gets very excited to go to preschool, she wants to do everything like Jena and she is finally using the potty. A second huge, Whoohoo!

Cody finds himself being carried around to all sorts of activities and can't wait to get out of the stroller and run around. If he can get his hands on a controller, cell phone, or some sort of electronic device with a cord he is a very happy boy.

We have definitely had a full month of many exciting firsts!

A B C's

While Cody naps, the girls and I have take a little time to do some crafts together. I thought it would be fun to have a different project for every letter of the alphabet. Jena and Taylor get so excited when I start to bring out the materials for the next project... and after mommy's plan is done the these little girls keep going with their own ideas. Jena is now addicted to using scissors and a glue stick and now begs me to use them on a daily basis.

Here are a few of our letters so far...

A is for apple stamping (just cut an apple in half, dry it off a little with a paper towel, then dab it in paint and stamp away)

B is for Butterflies (made with fingers and feet)

C is for Caterpillar... Now I just have to come up with ideas for the rest of the alphabet :)

Girls Weekend

The day after school started I ran off with Ryan's mom and my sister in laws to play in Utah. For three days we drove around non stop trying to hit every shop and restaurant on our list and any others that we heard about on the way... It was such a fun weekend and a nice break from the normal mommy routine. I truly have the greatest husband and in laws any woman could ask for!

First and Third Day of School

Jena was so excited to start kindergarten. She has been talking about school ever since she graduated from Preschool... and the day finally came. Taylor also started Preschool this year and even though they are at the same school, Taylor started a few days earlier. She was not nervous at all and happily went into the class and started playing right away. Even when I said good bye, she smiled and said "bye, mom!" She seems so little and big at the same time :) Now, she keeps asking why she only goes a few days to school and Jena goes every day. Soon enough girl, soon enough.

I stayed with Jena for the first orientation day of school. My sweet friend saw me with Cody in a stroller and took him home so I could focus on Jena. They read a story, sang a song, talked about colors, learned some rules and played on the playground. Jena absolutely loved her first day, especially since she was able to play with some of her good friends and meet many new ones.

It's hard to believe Jena is in Kindergarten already and now we actually have a schedule to follow. These little kids are getting so big!

For the last few years I've been impressed by all my sister in law does for her kids' teachers. So, this year I decided to start the year off right by sending Jena's teacher this adorable little apple treat to tell her how excited we are to be in her class. Thank you Heather for all your inspiration and Cute as A Fox for this great idea!

Giggles and Gates

Since Cody is running and climbing all over the place, my sweet in-laws bought us a gate. Luckily they were in Valencia watching our nieces and nephews so we headed over to visit, swim and acquire a deterrent for Cody's curiosity. The kids had a great time and Cody has no idea what's coming :)

Taylor is not a huge fan of the water, especially if it is cooler than a bathtub, but she does really like floaties and dancing around the pool. Ryan wondered if I had actually bought her a dance tutu instead of a swimsuit, but I think it fits her.

Cody, like the cute little man he is, just wanted to be fed and if he wasn't fed enough or fast enough by an adult, her would make do with whatever he found... even if it is his sister's left overs hot dog bun.

Play Dough Creatures

Jena and Taylor spent a few hours, while Cody slept soundly, creating all sorts of play dough animals and bugs. Jena decided to recreate all the examples on her play mat. Taylor kept asking for me to make animals that seemed to have a tendency of getting smashed unexpectedly.

Taylor also loved using the scissors. Maybe that's because I hide every pair that is around the house. I love how intently she is concentrating.

Here are a few of Jena's creations.

Oh how we love play dough!

Soccer Girl

Jena is going to play soccer on a team this fall. To help her understand the game a little more... since she has never played before... we signed her up for a camp. They ran drills and played scrimmage games. She was very excited and had a great time, especially since they allowed her to decorate her ball any way she liked. The first day I took all the kids to watch her play. Unfortunately, it was a really hot day and Taylor was not having a great time. At one point she yelled across the field, "Jena, five more minutes. Only five minutes!" After that daddy decided he could take her and learn a few extra skills since he is going to be the assistant coach on the team.

So, this is soccer!

I love this picture of all the little kids following the coach. The line didn't last long after they started dribbling the balls :)

We are so excited for the season to begin!