Sweet fruit, Sad farewell

Dear Maya and Emi,

Mommy meant to post on or around the weekend like usual, but we've all been so sick that I didn't get around to it. After your first four days of school, Maya, you managed to bring home some germs that hit you last weekend, then hit the rest of us one by one. Luckily we're almost done with it now.

The Saturday before last we went apple picking--well, grape, plum, raspberry, and apple picking, that is. Thankfully we got that in before the sickness set in as we wouldn't want to miss that yearly tradition. You both loved eating all that fruit! Unfortunately, the very next day you came down with a fever, cough, and runny nose, Maya, so we couldn't go see Nanny and Poppy for Grandparents Day and Poppy's birthday. We'll have to go visit them soon and tell them all about school!

Maya, you had to miss school on Monday of the first full week, but partway through the day you were already feeling better so back you went on Tuesday. You have been absolutely loving school! You run to the bus in the mornings and seem to be adjusting really well. Mommy went to the Open House last Thursday and got a good report from the teacher. You've also been bringing home lots of great artwork, worksheets, and projects every day. We're so proud of you!

(sorry for the bad cell phone pics to follow!)

sick Maya

sick Maya with a blanket fort and awesome castle blocks from Matt and Rhi

Maya all better and ready for school!

Emi, we've had good and bad developments as we adjust to our new routine. On the one hand, you've been exercising your independence, voice, and personality more and more. You're interested in clothes, objects that can be torn up (paper, cotton balls), and toys you don't get to play with when sissy is around. You also sing the "Clean Up" song and help put your toys away like a champ. The bad news is that you're skipping naps and throwing little tantrums now. We're working on it...

Emi ripping up cotton balls and organizing pieces on a plate from Aunt Sue Sue!

Emi playing quietly by herself with every toy she can reach--and then she helps clean up!

Emi insisted on wearing Maya's apron in the kitchen one day

...and accessorized with fabric on her head

Today we played outside since we were feeling better
so naptime was a success! Hooray!

We also had unexpected visitors this past weekend--Grandpa and Lori! Unfortunately it wasn't for a happy reason--your Great Great Aunt Carol passed away last week. She was an awesome lady and mommy is so glad that she got to meet you, Maya, and Emi when you were in mommy's belly. She will be missed but what a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and longevity (she would have been 98 this week) she left for us to remember!

This cake was actually for Lori who ended up being here for her birthday,
but I'm sure she doesn't mind sharing the sentiment of the photo with Aunt Carol!

Well, mommy needs some rest. Love you both!

The first school week

Dear Maya and Emi,

We did it! We all made it through the first school week! The day before school started we took some family photos because Maya, you wanted a picture of us in your backpack to look at when you missed us. Awwwwww!

The night before, we picked out your clothes, set out your backpack, and mommy packed you a snack with the Japanese food picks I'd been saving for this day. Then, in the morning, we went outside for some obligatory first day pictures with mommy and daddy. You looked adorable!

The first day was actually just a short orientation for you and mommy to attend. You were super excited to ride on the bus and didn't bat an eye when I had to leave the classroom to attend some lectures. You sat right at your table and started coloring away.

And now three full school days have passed since that day and you're doing wonderfully! You don't report much about what you're learning, but you've been telling us about the kids in school and on the bus, and about playground time and naptime. And Emi, to keep ourselves busy while your sister is in school, we've been taking walks outside and otherwise being silly around the house. Mommy has taken more videos of you than photos lately, so I'll share a couple cute ones below.

Well, mommy needs some sleep for our fun weekend ahead. Love you both!

Our preschooler's last hurrah...

Dear Maya and Emi,

Well, we did a pretty good job with this last week of summer. Tomorrow is the last day we have before you go to school, Maya, so we've been trying to do some of your favorite things while we still can.

On Monday, we played firefighter with the hose. Mommy must've been burning because someone got me really soaked.

On Tuesday, we hit the library story hour and you both sat and listened a bit more than usual. Afterwards we went over to play with Wyatt, Natalie, and Emma for a little while.

On Wednesday, we played with the water table again and also went out for ice cream to beat the heat. Emi, you also managed to climb up on these big diaper boxes in the 2 seconds it took mommy to walk over and throw something away. We've got to keep an eye on you!

 

Mommy can't remember what we did on Thursday, but on Friday, we went to see Aunt Kelsie and cousins Grace and Will for a little while since we were over their way running errands. Of course we went to the farm that evening, Maya, and picked so, so many cherry tomatoes.

On Saturday, Maya, you helped mommy run some more errands after spending the morning in the kitchen with daddy making pizza dough and baking cookies.

Today we went to the fair! There aren't any pictures of you, Emi, because you spent most of the time in your stroller, but Maya you didn't sit still for a minute. We were only there a few hours because the sun and heat were a bit much, but we tried to fit as many animals and rides into that time as possible.

 

We walked past all kinds of shops and games with prizes, but you didn't ask for any of them, Maya. The only thing you asked for was to try the fishing game, not even knowing you'd get a prize. And what prize did you choose? A foam pirate sword, of course. Haha!

Well, mommy needs sleep! Love you both!