End of summer....Beginning of school!

I can't believe summer is just about over!  We have done so much.  Natalie graduated from pre-school and then we went on vacation!!  Beaches, bike rides, great food, exploration and a dolphin show.  Doesn't get much better for an end of summer family trip!  The road trip to Florida, however, was not exactly "magical." Hayden threw up within 15 minutes of being on the road.   Since we woke up at 3:45am to pack the car and get everyone in, it was a bit much for us all.  I don't think I even felt "right" until about 7am.  It was kinda rough on us all, but we were able to see all the sights of the gulf coast and get to our beach house before dinner.  You guys loved sleeping together in your own room (two big beds pushed together).  Nap time was even better because you got  to watch your fave cartoons, (well Natalie watched,Haydee sleept :)).  Hayden was kind of scared of the loud, crashing waves of the ocean. Sadly, there was lots of rain storms while we were there, which made the ocean pretty angry. :)  I think you cried EVERY single time we got down to the beach but you warmed up quickly when we got the buckets and shovels out.  We did so much exploring and picture taking, mostly in the evening.  That is when the sun and surf were the most beautiful.  There was also a mid-week trip to Gulf World!  That might have been mommy's favorite part of vacay. We got to pet the sting rays....and I was surprised that you both wanted to!  :)  Next up we watched the sea lion show and later on it was time for Nat's fave...the dophin show!  We sat in the "splash zone" which I didn't really expect to be as wet as it ended up being. ;)  We were soaked!!  Natalie, you got to shake hands with one of the stars of the show (a dolphin named Sandy) and you loved it so much.  At  first you touched her nose, and weren't supposed to, but I'm just glad she didn't bite you!  She must have known you were a little girl and treated you gently.  Love dolphins!!  During the week we also went on bike/trike rides down to a few towns, for breakfast and other things.  You guys were in a little trailer being pulled by daddy. :) It was so fun and a great way for mommy and daddy to get some exercise!
It was sad to leave and Natalie you were just not ready. :( Alas, we had to head home because in a couple of days you were going to start kindergarten!

Summer Days...

 Rain, rain go away!

 Exploring at sunset...

 Natalie called this the "golden sea"

 Chasing mommy!

Mom drew a huge heart in the sand and we did the cliche jump!

 Fun and relaxation on the beach.

I love Daddy!!!

 Splash zone...before and after!

Yes that's mommy being silly!

 Meeting the star of the show, Sandy!

Our last night in Florida, watching football as daddy explains the rules.  :)

It was such a magical trip and we all miss it terribly!

Until next time...

We didn't have much time to get ready for the first day of school, so we did all we could before we left for vacation.   Natalie.....KINDER!!  I can't believe it (and it's already been 2 1/2 weeks!)  You are having such a blast and learning new things every day.  Your teacher's name is Mrs. Woodfin and so far you really like her.  Waking up extra early (since we walk to school) and spending the day there, then the walk back home has been wearing us all out, but I think we are about to get into our groove.  You also started dance class once a week and are loving that as well.   Miss Hayden, you are liking spending extra time with mommy and being my little helper.  You have such a personality and can be hilarious.  :)  You have grown so much in the last few weeks and just had your first dentist appt!   It went ok until the dentist got your tongue with her buzzing toothbrush. :(  We are having trouble with potty training but it will soon be in full swing, no turning back.  

Let the school year begin!!

 First day of kinder!  you are adorable and the kids in your class love ya!

Walking to school with mommy.  This was so hard for me I wanted to SOB the whole way.  :(

 Already at work. Mommy is still holding back tears in this picture. 

First day of ballet/tap class. :)  So proud of my pretty ballerina! 

It's going to be an exciting year for us!  

Love you both to the moon and back.  I'm so proud of the little ladies you are becoming. :)

XO

Mom