Gymnastics

Today was the day. Both Mackenzie and Josiah were moved by their gymnastic teachers to the next level. That put Mackenzie in the 5 yo class at age 4 yr 7 mo, and Josiah in the 3 yo class at age 2 yr 10 mo. I am excited that they have enjoyed gymnastics and continue to progress. I had no idea when we began gymnastics slightly over a year ago that we would still be taking lessons over a year later! I just didn't realize how much they would enjoy it and seem to excel at it. They have definitely built more strength and coordination, as well as listening skills and following directions as a result of the gymnastics lessons. Lots of fun! Just wanted to record the milestones met, more for my own sake than any other reason! :)

Middle of the Night Kindergarten

We had an early start to our day, as it was prospective student day for Mackenzie's Kindergarten. (That just means it was a day for us to go and observe the current Kindergarten class.) It was from 8 am to 10 am, so we left here around 7:35 am just to be sure we had plenty of time. As Mackenzie was getting ready to eat her breakfast at 7:15 am, she commented about being a little tired. I sighed and agreed wholeheartedly! I said, "It's hard to get up so early in the morning, isn't it, Mackenzie?" Her reply was, "Yes, it is. Especially for children." I laughed out loud. Then came her very serious response, "But, Mom, it is NOT an early morning. It is the middle of the night." Oh, she was so matter-of-fact about it! "Why does Kindergarten have to start so early?' was the next thing she said. What a hoot!

She then gave me a great big bear hug with her arms around my neck and her legs wrapped around my waist. I loved it! As she held on she announced, "I think I'll hug you for an hour and a half!" I thought that sounded like a good plan to me. I love those hugs. We sat and enjoyed our breakfast together and then headed out the door.

Both of us enjoyed meeting all four Kindergarten teachers and observing them in action. We won't know which teacher is hers until closer to August. For now, I'm glad we had our time together this morning. I don't know who felt better after observing the teachers...Mackenzie or me! :)

Friendship

After thinking long and hard about what to type for this post, I've decided to keep it short for fear I get too emotional otherwise! This pic is of Mackenzie and Avery. Notice they were playing dress up and crazy hair?! Cute girls. Precious friendship. I am thankful for Avery and her family. I am thankful they are in "school" together. I am thankful they will be in Kindergarten together, too!!! Just within the past week or so, both girls have been to play at each other's homes. I guess we're officially to that stage now...you know, the stage of inviting friends over from school to play. Have I mentioned that I'm thankful for Avery and her family? I felt 100% comfortable with Mackenzie going to play at their house, and we loved having Avery come play with us today! :) Friendship truly is a blessing. (BTW, Josiah had a blast playing with the girls, too! He just didn't stop playing computer games long enough to get in this picture with them! Ha.)

Sentences!

While running errands today, Mackenzie asked for an ink pen. We didn't think too much about the request as she loves to draw and write. Upon arriving at our destination, Mackenzie announced that she wanted me to read what she wrote. Okay. So, we sat down together to read her story. I was totally shocked when I saw this: Wow! I know she can easily read sentences with several words, including four letter words now. But this is one of the first times that I've seen her create a sentence on her own (no prompts, no suggestions, no coping, etc). She did this in the car seat while the van was moving. I'm so excited! Two sentences. Easy to read. Totally on her own. She even remembered the punctuation, and we did not even spell words for her. Yep, I'm proud! :) Thanks for indulging me while I brag on my little girl. She's only 4 1/2, by the way. ;)

Way to go, Mackenzie! I'm continually amazed by the things you are able to do and your motivation to learn. Keep up the good work, sweet girl.

Easter Eggs & Computer Games

Here's what Mackenzie and I did yesterday... We had so much fun! I do believe we'll be dying Easter eggs at least one more time between now and Easter! Here's Mackenzie, stirring the tablet into the water and vinegar, ready to begin.
Here she is with the first set of six eggs in the solution.

Now she is clapping about how the first six turned out and excited about the others still in the solution.

Here's our finished product of eleven eggs! Yep, eleven...the twelfth one was a casualty. ;) (It landed on the floor before entering the solution!)

Here's Mackenzie peeling an orange egg, ready to try them out! I was shocked that she liked them so much she ate 3 1/2 hard boiled eggs right after finishing them! Ha. We really did have fun.

And, just in case you're wondering why Josiah's not in any of the pictures with Mackenzie, I'll explain: We could not pry him away from his computer games long enough for him to dye any eggs! The kid loves computer games. Yes, he's only 2 3/4 years old. Pretty funny. No worries, though. We will definitely dye another set before Easter...and I'll make sure he gets in on the fun, too! :)

Rainy Days

I needed to update my blog background for spring. After all, it is over a month past Valentine's Day and I still had my Valentine background up with a snowy winter picture of the kids! Yes, it was time. So today we made time. And since it was raining, we added umbrellas to the picture! The kids LOVE their umbrellas. Josiah really didn't want to carry his today, but I managed to convince him to hold it just long enough for a picture. The umbrellas are from my Grannie & Papa New, and the kids are thoroughly enjoying them!
Mackenzie posing along the path.

Mackenzie with her bouquet of tiny purple flowers for her daddy.

This is what Josiah thought of me taking his picture. I like the rain drops falling in the water behind him, though!

Here's a candid of him picking tiny flowers for me. :)

We're ready for Springtime and warm sunny weather!!!

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Mackenzie

February 24, 2009 Mackenzie's half birthday was February 24. She is officially 4 1/2 years old. David and I enjoy celebrating half birthdays with a half of a cake...or a little cake. Mackenzie was delighted with this tiny Tinkerbell cake I found at Wal-Mart to surprise her after her school day on the day of her half birthday.
And she knows that while we don't do presents for her half birthday...Granna & Z-Pa do! She eagerly awaited their arrival...and the arrival of some presents, too. :)

Anytime the kids are expecting company, this is where you can find them...

...sitting together watching out the window. Just precious.

I love Mackenzie's sweet profile in this picture.

Josiah was entertaining for the camera!

Here are two pictures of the kids with Granna & Z-pa (David's parents) that I took tonight. Tonight was the official half birthday party!

Thanks, Granna & Z-Pa, for all the fun gifts and cake, too!

Here is the really yummy Bruster's cake that they brought!!!
Happy 4 1/2 years, Mackenzie Girl!