last weekend highlights

Practicing for the first spelling test.
Playing with dough.  This can go on for hours at our house.
Posing with the dough maker.
Mixing chocolate mousse from a pudding-like package.  
Fun to make but not so tasty.  "Mommy, I can't even taste the chocolate."  We went for ice cream.
No images but we hiked and canoed Saturday at a local state park and went to baby Annabella's baptism on Sunday.

first day of school

Here is Elizabeth yesterday, on start-of-school eve.  Remove fingernail polish:  check!

Here she is after school today.  Daddy took her out to breakfast and met us for lunch.  She's telling me things and swinging her arms in this one.

I could not resist the matching plaid headband and belt.

The year is off to a good start.  Mrs. Carlson seems very nice, and sometimes the clean desk fairy leaves candy on neat desks.  Tomorrow is the first full day.  My mostly unsentimental self was sobbing in the gym after we left her classroom.  She's in a GRADE.

Mary Austin

This is my other niece, Mary Austin. It's been over a week and I am still not over her leaving. She may be the most loving child ever. Imagine a niece who stops what she is doing to run to her uncle and hug his leg when he comes home from work. And she says the sweetest things with the prettiest little voice. She can really melt a heart. Elizabeth adores her and talks about her constantly. Have you heard of "mentionitis"? Oh, and did I say that she is an incredibly talented gymnast?  Look at that form.  She is five years old and placed in a ten year old class.  Actually, her class mates may be older now.  She is promoted so often it is hard to keep up!

Check out her dive.  If she wants her body to do it, she can.  Excuse the blur.  Even the camera cannot keep up.
Love you and miss you, Mary Austin.  I am glad school is going well!

Jane

This is my delightful niece Jane.  I have tons of photos of her after our visit, and almost none of the other girls.  Jane is far more cooperative when a camera is in my hands.

She loves animals.  Here she is with Sadie.  I would go into rooms and find her sweetly petting the dog.  Sadie was in heaven with Jules and Jane in the house. 


She does not enjoy being the center of attention.  Here she a bit overwhelmed while we sing "Happy Birthday".
She seems most content when outdoors.   
Even when this is cooking next to her.  Julie and I were a little scared but she did not flinch.
I love you, Janie.  

(More on my other precious niece later.) 

surprise

Nana visited with us in spirit.  She and Papa sent these fabulous packages for the girls.
Here is Jane unwrapping.

All smiles.
Three new monogrammed lunchboxes and toothbrushes.  Toothbrushes were a big hit initially but the lunchboxes had more staying power.  All sorts of things were packed up and hauled around in these beauties.  

Thank you, Nana.

sure miss having three

I sure miss having three girls eating supper,

wearing friendship bracelets (thanks Aunt Julie),
and checking things out.

We had a great visit.  More details later!