Kindergarten Girls

Ella and Katie start Kindergarten!

Today you started Kindergarten at the International School of Louisiana.  Wow! What a day for mom and dad.... I think we were more nervous than the two of you combined, but for certain we were ALL excited.  What a big day!   You started off your day by being ready on time and with big smiles on your faces...

Ella and Katie on the front porch ready to go school but letting me take at least one picture of you in your  (incredibly cute) ISL uniforms.

Daddy even took the day off work to see you off on your first day of "big kid" school.... here you are on the front porch of our new house, ready to GO!

 

Ella hanging up your backpack (Barbie, of course!) on the hooks just ourside your classroom.  Every morning you have to take your snack (lunchera), water bottle, and your folder out of your backpack and into your class.... lots of responsibility for the Kindergarteners!

Katie's teacher, Ms Myrna, helping Katie with her things and  figuring out the routine.  I was so impressed that Katie was able to figure things out even though the teacher spoke only Spanish to her.  You could tell she was proud of herself too.

Katie at her table, TableThree.

Ella at her table - she sits at the orange (naranja) table!

After school we went to the neutral ground across from the school.  Someone put up some rope swings and we took a few minutes to enjoy them.  That has become our tradition - on most days we stop at the rope swing for a little relaxation after a hard day of school work.  It has been a great way for you to get to know your classmates and feel more comfortable with your new school.  And, I have loved getting to meet some of the other parents. 

Ella on the other rope swing.

Katie practicing her climbing skills on the oak tree (whose branches nearly touch the ground).

Day 2: Not quite as excited the second day, but ready on time!  As of yet, no tardies for mommy -- yeah!

Katie's first bit of work she came home with...

And a beautiful drawing by Ella --  she likes to write her name in cursive.

The school has many opportunities for us to volunteer.  On this particularly beautiful day, we helped paint the outside of the building.  We were very proud to be helping out our school.

Reward Day!

The girls have been working really hard all week on their morning chores.... simple things like getting dressed and ready to go in the morning.  But, because school is starting next week, we needed to get in the habit of getting up and around.  Something we haven't done much this summer -- very lazy, relaxing summer, I'm happy to say.  But, we had to get back into the swing of things.... so, I promised the girls a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese's if they filled up their reward charts with stickers.  They did and even got a few bonus stars for "helping their sister" each morning.  I have to admit, Chuck's is not my favorite place to hang out, but we had the whole place to ourselves and had a good time.  Here are a few snapshots of the girls having fun...

Katie on her absolute FAVORITE ride at Chuck's.... she spent most of her money riding this little bug.

Taking a ride with her husband (her words), Chuck.

On the roller coaster ride.... the seat jiggles and they like saying, 'ahhhhhhhh' and hearing their voices vibrate.

Ella going for a monster truck ride.

This is where they spent most of their "money"... this machine took your picture then created a drawing.  I bet we came home with 20 drawings at least!  As you were waiting for you picture, it would play some very groovy music.  Below, you'll see Katie dancing -- I don't know where she got her moves, but she reminds me of Goldie Hawn on Laugh In!

Girls Day Out!

It was time for a trim before school started so we decided to have a girls day out.  I so admire Katie because that kid knows what she wants!  I was trying to convince her to let her hair grow out (Ella's hair is so pretty and she has more styling options) -- but Katie wouldn't have it.  Another chin-length bob for her.  I'm so glad she convinced me to go short again -- it is absolutely adorable on her and suits her personality to a tee!

Ms Melody styling Katie's hair after her cut.

The finishing touches...

Ella had a trim too and Ms. Melody curled Ella's hair (unfortunately, Ella and Katie both have hair like mine, which doesn't hold a curl very well).

Two beautiful girls with new 'dos. 

Afterwards, we went for Chinese food.  Yes, CHINESE FOOD!  -- oh, happy day!  Finally, something other than sandwiches, chicken nuggets, and pizza! 

They were even using chopsticks!!!

Pirates!

I'll have to get Bill to log on and tell you more about these photos.  He took the girls down to the river the other day to explore.... apparently, they turned into pirates while the were there. 

Ella's TWO Lost Teeth!

Ella was biting on her seat belt and I was backing out of the driveway.  When I released the emergency brake the van lurched and pulled out TWO of Ella's teeth -- one was VERY loose and about to come out, but the other one was not quite ready and you could tell because there was a bit of blood.  But, once she calmed down (mommy and Katie too!), it was all smiles.... a cute, little gap-toothed smile!

Toothless Katie

Katie loses her first tooth!!!!!

Double Head Stands

Just a quick photo of the girls at their gymnastics class -- Fliptastics.  It's a little hard to see, but here they are doing synchronized headstands!