Spring break 2017

Over spring break last year we went to Virginia Beach for a night. We went to the aquarium, played in the sand, and ate at restaurants. When we got to the room, we had to tell the girls that the best part of staying in a hotel is jumping on the beds! 

Pine cone crown

Norah made a pine cone crown this summer. 

Dinner Out 2

Kona grill has the best kids meals. The sushi chef even makes a little bear out of the oranges. The girls love them! 

Dinner out

Mike taught the girls this lovely trick when we were out for dinner last night. 

Picnic

Ellie packed up a lunch box with snacks and they had an impromptu picnic outside.

Ear plug snowman

Who knew ear plugs could make such good snowmen. Ellie and Jommy created this when we went to the pool for the last time this weekend!

Making wishes

 Ellie found a dandelion and made a wish!

Postcards for VA

I decided to do the 100 postcard challenge through postcards for VA. I was given 100 addresses in VA where voters who are registered as Democrats live, and the goal is to encourage everyone to vote so we can flip Virginia blue in the upcoming election for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and the House of Delegates. 10 down, 90 to go by October 25th!

After School Play

They came in, unpacked their backpacks, and wasted no time changing into costumes and creating a party. They always want to play together in the afternoons, and I know they must miss each other during the day (even though their classrooms are only three doors apart). In the afternoons when I pick them up, they often will announce when they saw each other during the day: 

"Nowah, I saw you at we- cess!"

"Ellie, I saw you in your classroom setting up your rest mat/having snack today when I walked by!" 

Rockstar

Ellie got to be on TV for the morning announcements at school because she was caught being a "Rockstar" in the hallway.  She said it was because she was being "responsible" by walking quietly in line. She was very proud!

Snuggle buddies

Just watching a movie together. 

Science Kits

We worked on science kits this weekend with Fafa and Magee. The girls made some amazing slime and erupting volcanoes, and they were disappointed when we had to shut down the lab for the night. 

Fafa's Birthday

Fafa and Megan came to visit Saturday afternoon and the girls decorated the house for Fafa's birthday. They also sprayed silly string when he walked in the door. And of course everyone was excited about cake and ice cream!

Soccer Saturdays

 The girls both had their first soccer games on Saturday. Norah's team was so impressive with their effort, especially on the big field! Norah needed some shades to watch Ellie's game (she scored two goals!).

Friday

Dropping off at school this morning, and I think we are all excited that it's Friday! 

Back to School Night

I got to look in Ellie's journal at Back to School Night last night. 

Practice

Norah had her first (hour long!) soccer practice last night and is loving it so far. The scratch on her head was from playing outside over the weekend. Ellie was pulling her on the bike and she didn't see the tree branch in the way. 

Homework

Norah had a few questions of homework to finish up after dinner, so Mike did his "homework" with her.

Afternoon Reading

Reading to her sister during afternoon snack. 

Family coloring

Family coloring time. 

Soccer

Both girls wanted to do fall soccer this year. They loved their first practices/scrimmages. It was also perfect soccer weather! 

Cicadas

We have had some cicadas in our yard and Norah loves them. She even displayed them in the kitchen, along with strict "DO NOT THROW AWAY" orders written on the baggie. 

Science Experiment

Norah found a science experiment in her Click magazine and luckily we had all of the ingredients on hand for the budding scientist to use. 

Second day of school

Second day of school. They love their teachers and are excited to go, but were worn out by the end of the week!

First Day of School

We got up early, put on their matching dresses, had a good breakfast and talked through some nerves. 

Norah reminded me to make the signs for them to hold in the pictures (which I had forgotten), we took those pictures, got in the car and drove to school. When it was time, they both hopped out, waved goodbye, and walked into school with Norah's arm around Ellie's shoulders. 

Then I cried proud, sad, happy tears while Mike drove us home. The house sure is quiet this morning. Is it pick up time yet?! 

Summer mornings

I sure am going to miss these summer mornings with my girls. Until June at least! 

Big Hill, Little Girl

We went to Maymont with Mollie, Niko, Gordon, and Arthur yesterday morning. Ellie is that tiny dot right at the top of the hill. She was so proud of herself! 

Poor Otis

This dog is so mistreated. 

Back to school Papers

 This was my view for most of the day after the girls' orientation day/meet the teacher. Lots and lots and lots of paperwork, planning, and organizing to do (even though more than half was online this year)!