First Day of School!

Whew! After such an eventful weekend, I nearly forgot that today was Caroline's first day of school! Thankfully, Caroline reminded me ("Ready for school, Mommy!") the minute she woke up, and I managed to shower and dress myself along with all three ladies and load everyone into the car in time to arrive at school at 9am sharp. I spent my semi-free time stocking up at Target, getting gas, and starting some laundry. Such a glamorous life, I know. :)
Unfortunately, I did forget one thing regarding school today: that pick up is at 11:45, NOT 12. So I was totally that Mom today; the one whose kid is the lone child waiting inside the classroom looking abandoned and forlorn while the teachers are wearing forced grins and looking at their watches. Ok, it wasn't that bad, but I still felt horrible. I apologized profusely, promised never to be late again, and whisked Caroline out of the room before they could complain. Caroline had a great first day regardless and is already jazzed about heading back on Wednesday.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed...ready for school!

Do you think we have enough snack, Mom?

Can't wait to get to her classroom!

Best first day of school ever!!!

What!!???

How is it possible that it's September 8th?? I swear the summer went by in the blink of an eye (hmmm, I wonder why?!), and now it's time for school, cooler temperatures, Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer (hallelujah!), and much to Paul's delight (but my disappointment), football. I mourn the loss of my husband to college football every September, and I can't help but be downright gleeful when the season is over.
We kicked off the approaching change in seasons this morning with a visit to Caroline's preschool for her "Meet the Teacher" time. This is a big year for Caroline; she'll be going to school three days a week vs. going one day a week last year. She absolutely loves school though, so I know she'll make the transition easily.
The classroom visit was a success. Caroline's teachers, Miss Ann and Miss Melanie are wonderful, and Caroline was very excited to see some familiar faces from last year in her new classroom. We can't wait for the official start of school on Monday morning!!

Off to school we go!!

So excited to check out the toys in her new classroom!

I'm pretty sure she played with everything in the room during our 30 minute visit.

If her tongue is out, you know she's having a good time.

Check back later this weekend...the twins are getting baptized on Sunday!!

A Visit from Olivia and Mason

We've been really lucky lately to have so many wonderful visitors in Richmond! This week, "Aunt" Olivia and Baby Mason came down from DC to spend the day and a night with us! It was great to see how much bigger (and even more handsome) Mason has gotten and to spend time with Olivia. Mason has the biggest, most adorable brown eyes you've ever seen!
Caroline was curious about Baby Mason, wanting to touch his little eyes and feet, and giving him a little bit of the stink eye when Mommy spent too much time attending to him instead of her. She was really excited when Mommy got out some of her old baby toys for Mason, and spent a good deal of time revisiting them! Before the Phillips left us, they were kind enough to walk Caroline to school for her second day. Just like last week, Caroline walked right in without a fuss. When I went back to pick her up her teachers said Caroline did a great job and that she is "so low key and independent!"

Hey there, friend...



...can I hold your hand?

First Day of School!

Today was Caroline's first day at First Presbyterian Preschool! It was a "wade-in" day, which means that she only went for an hour and half. Usually she'll go for 3 hours. I was a little nervous when I dropped her off that she would be upset, but she just took her teacher's hand and walked right into her room without so much as a glance back at me!! When I went to pick her up, she was busy playing with a toy and looked happy as a clam. Her teacher said she didn't cry at all, played the whole time, and didn't attack any other children (always a good sign!). I was really proud of her, especially when I heard that all five of the other children in her class cried during drop off and afterwards.

Since it was her first day, of course I got a little snap-happy with the camera...

A picture with Mommy on this special day.


Sitting on the welcome bench on the way to class.



Caroline's bag on her hook.



The hand-off.



Smiles all around during pick-up.



Caroline walking out. And yes, her dress is tucked into her underwear!

School Time!!

This week was busy with lots of "Back to School" events! Mommy and Daddy had New Family Orientation and Back to School nights to attend at First Presbyterian Preschool and Caroline had Meet the Teachers day. We also purchased Caroline's school supplies..hand sanitizer, tissues, and wet wipes, and dropped off her school tote bag at the monogrammers to have her name put on it!

Caroline had a great time meeting her teachers, Miss Rosie and Miss Kim, and touring her classroom. She also got to meet her new classmates. Including her, there are six children in the class, 3 boys and 3 girls. Caroline is the oldest by almost 2 months and is the only fluent walker, which can make for a big difference at this age. I'm hoping she uses her age advantage to be a good helper and leader, not the classroom bully!

Starting next week, she will go to school for about 3 hours every Thursday. I think she's really going to like it, but we'll have to wait and see what she thinks about being there without Mommy!

Caroline can "tell" you how her school visit went...

During my visit I sat at the snack table...



...tested out the furniture...


...played with toys...


...and eyed my new classmates from afar.


Afterwards, Mommy and I had lunch at Chick-fil-A, our favorite lunch spot!


Our busy morning tuckered me out!!