Preschool Praise!

9 hours a week away from this precious little face. 9 hours!

I get 3 hours, 3 days a week all to myself thanks to Edmonds Montessori.

I love Emily. Along with meeting/marrying Matthew and obtaining the best dog in the world, she is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
But having her in preschool means I can do the little things I used to love doing alone. Simple things like hitting up the gym regularly, going to a grocery store and taking my time to look through all the aisles with complete thought - even reading nutrition labels and talking without interruption to the gal at the checkout counter! I can read an ENTIRE magazine - or a newspaper. I can take Jonas to the dog park...just him and me. It's all so very exciting. I can do all of this in a mere 3 hours, then I get to pick my smiley, happy girl up from preschool.

I was mourning this new adventure a few months ago, because I simply wasn't ready to let her go. I've been at home with her for 3 years, doing mostly our own things at our own time.
But after a long, fun and exhausting summer, I'm 100% ready!

Today was her first 'official' day of school.
I. Love. My. Kid. I'm so proud of her...
She gave me a big, fat kiss/hug, waved goodbye, walked right in there (even with 20 kids she didn't know), and made the place her own.

We celebrated today by going out to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant with a friend in Edmonds. I gave her a little sticker mosaic art gift, too.

Will I miss our lazy morning time together 3 days a week? Of course.
However, I will be a much more refreshed mommy now, so our afternoons will be that much better.

Ahhhh, A Break!

Emily has been napping for - wait for it - the last 3 hours! Oh, my heaven! This hasn't happened in more than a year, I swear.

I'm still working for REI (at home) while Emily naps and, while she's still groggy and waking up, I rush to get a few household chores done. Well, friends. I've done my work AND my chores!
It seems I never have time to simply sit and catch my breath in front of my blog.

So,
Oh, wait. She's up and standing right beside me.

Almost made it! :)

August Memories

Summer finally kicked in! August was a beautiful month, filled with lots of outdoor activity and playdates. I am so grateful to have so many friends with kids Emily's age. Our life is NEVER a bore!

Finally able to ride the kiddie rides at the Evergreen State Fair! She takes swinging very seriously, as you can see. It was also 90 degrees, which made for a very fun but exhausting day.

Chilling after swimming. Emily is doing great in swim lessons! We'll keep at it all year.

A visit to the zoo with friends Abby and Elizabeth




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At month's end we took a trip to the Willamette Valley in Oregon for Gavin and Suzie's wedding. The wedding was located at Vista Hills Vineyard. Imagine the sun setting behind you on an 80-degree day with a view of the entire Valley. Ahhhhh. It's the closest thing to paradise you're gonna get in Oregon! The bride and groom were stunning, and the food and home brew was amazing.

We stayed at the same 3-bedroom house we frequented a couple years ago - Vineroost on McKinlay Vineyards. Grammy (a.k.a. Mom) joined us since we had 3 bedrooms. She watched Emily so Matt and I could attend the wedding sans kiddo. It was a fantastic, relaxing time! This downtime was appreciated by all, especially a hard-working Papa and an always-busy Mama and Emily. Here are some pics of the trip:




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Today, Emily started her new preschool. She is now attending Edmonds Montessori 3 days a week, 3 hours a day. She did great her first day! We'll see if it continues. :)
She got a new hairdo just in time for her first day. After countless battles of brushing tangled hair, I decided to see how a cute little bob would look on her noggin. It turned out so great...only problem is, she looks so grown up now!

Look at this little doll. I love her so much. I don't think I'm ready for this preschool business, but it'll be so great for her. Her teacher already commented on how smart of a cookie she is!