FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! (and my birthday)

Today was eventful for many reasons. It was my birthday (which I am perfectly happy with it coming and going) and Zoey's first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited! It took her a while to finally calm down last night and get to sleep. But she was ready to go this morning. I did play hookie from work for a bit to watch her get on the school bus. It all happened so fast! The bus came, she got on, and it took off. Then I made it at the end of the day to watch her almost not get off the bus! It was scary for just a bit. The bus stopped and three kids got off and none of them was Zoey. So I ran across the street and flagged down the bus driver asking where she was. Zoey came to the door looking a little overwhelmed and confused. But she was fine and we went and decompressed a bit at Mary's.

Overall she seemed like she had a really good day. She was happy to see kids she knew. She loved going outside and playing. Her teacher called tonight to see how Zoey felt about the first day. Mrs. Kostuch said that she really enjoyed Zoey today and that she worked really hard, especially on her first day of school picture--lots of details! I can't wait to see it. Mrs. Kostuch also said that when she was giving the kids a tour of the classroom, she got to the writing center and told the kids that this is where they will be able to write their own books. Zoey raised her hand and said, "I'm already a writer."

Zoey got off to a great start and I am so looking forward to watching her grow and learn this year. I just hope that time slows down just a little--I kind of like her and Zander the way they are right now.

All the kids from daycare walked Zoey and Makaelya to the bus stop this morning.
It was very sweet and made Zoey feel extra special.

Annual State Fair Outing

It was 10 hours of State Fair frenzy! A little cold and windy, but a good time had by all! We ate lots of stuff: turkey leg, deep fried twinkie, cheese curds, french toast tots, pronto pups, corn on the cob, chocolate malt, ice cream, and of course Sweet Martha's cookies!

Grandma and Grandpa Nyhlen took the kids on the rides. Zander's favorite was the motorcycles. Both Zoey and Zander also truly enjoyed the Giant burlap bag slide. (I did too!) When Zander and I got to the bottom and finally slid to a stop, he turned to me and said, "Let's do THAT again!"

Zoey and Zander also got to be helpers on the farm again. It is fun to see them do things year after year and see how they have grown. Zoey remembers everything from previous years and had specific things that she wanted to see or do again!

A little bonus time with Dora the Explorer as we left the Eco Experience.

"Let's do it. . .a break it down!"

Deep fried Twinkies. . .on a stick of course.

"I'm an Auggie!"

Open House 2010

Last Wednesday was Zoey's Open House at her new school. We were all very excited! Above, Zoey is standing in front of the door to her classroom. (And below, Zander didn't want to be left out.) It was a very nice evening. Her teacher got to spend a lot of time with Zoey as there weren't many kids in the room at the time. In fact, the only other student in the room when we got there was Maddie! Zoey will start the school year already knowing 2 kids in her class and we are sure she will make many more friends quickly!

Zoey spent the night before Open House making a book for her teacher. She told me that the story was mostly about how she already knows her letters, so don't try to teach them to me! However, it was mostly pictures of her and her teacher. It was nice that she had a chance to share the book with Mrs. Kostuch. Zoey gets on the bus for her first day on Sept. 8th!