Scared To Start, Sad To Leave

At the school picnic today, cussing at myself for leaving the wrong filter on my lens again, I noticed Lexi sitting next to me in tears. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me she didn't want to be a first grader, and she wanted to stay in Kindergarten. She said she loves Mrs. Smith, and she is afraid of going to school every day. I quickly reminded her that she said the very same thing about leaving Pre-K, and made her remember how scared she was to start Kindergarten. I also let her know that her new classroom will be right next to her old one, so she can see Mrs. Smith EVERY DAY...not just a couple of days a week. And, I reminded her that all of her same friends are moving right on up with her. That made her feel a little better. When we got home, I showed her a picture I took of her on the very first day. She instantly saw how scared she was. And, now, here she is sad to leave. I reassured her that it would be the same next year......I hope!!!!

The Picnic

I was so glad to leave the gym after the graduation ceremony, and let my baby (no, not Lexi-my camera!) feel some natural sunlight!!! Here are some shots from the picnic today. I did manage to get some cute ones, finally, of Jessi. Lately, every time I take my camera out, she jumps right in front of me and makes these ridiculous faces. Take a look at Jessi in action! What gives?

The Graduate

Today, Lexi graduated from Kindergarten. The school had a graduation ceremony, a precious slide show...which left not one dry eye in the gym, and a big picnic. I can't believe Summer break is already here! It seems like it was just yesterday when I was snapping pictures of Lexi's first day!!! She has come a long way in the past year- I am very proud of her. She has made many new friends, whose parents have become my friends- it's wonderful to have some adult interaction from time to time.

Now, I feel that I must explain the outfit. If you look closely, you will notice that every other little girl was dressed to impress, in their prettiest graduation attire. Not Lexi. Maybe she would have been IF I didn't have Princess Jessica run in my bedroom at 2:30 am, screaming of "bugs" in her room. She has been doing this off and on for a couple of weeks. I just thought she was having bad dreams- she is scared to death of bugs, of any kind. Well, this time, I was a little concerned that maybe there was actually something to her early morning dash to my room, so I peeled myself out of bed and went into her room. I learned that for the past couple of weeks, these "bugs" were the sprinklers!!!!! She thought the sound was moths running around her sleepy head! Poor baby. So, needless to say, the three of us woke up very late. I didn't have time to do anything but make breakfast and brush teeth. Lexi dressed herself. And, of course, she chose Grandma's horse outfit and white Sketchers. Oh well. We made it!!!!

Dandelion Wishes by Jessica

While I was busy snapping pictures of her sister's field day, Jessica picked just about every dandelion on the school campus. After getting this shot, I asked her what she wished for. She told me, "I wish I could go home. I am hot." So much for a dreamy answer!!!!!

So Up Her Alley

Friday was Lexi's very first field day, and boy did she have fun!!! It doesn't surprise me- this girl makes a "field day" of every day!!! Like I always say, she started walking at nine months, climbing way before then, and she hasn't stopped since. I was really surprised at how much effort she put forth. There were nine different activities that lasted two hours, and these kids did NOT stop!!! It was also a treat, for me, to see how close she has become with a few of the kids in her class. Her confidence is on the mend...finally. She even stood up in the gym- in front of the entire school- and read a paragraph (all by herself) on what being "responsible" means to her. I was so proud, I couldn't stop crying for ten minutes. Oh, and I forgot my camera for THAT event!!! Anyway, here a few shots from her field day.

Is It Over Yet?

Just when I thought the school year was coming to an end and the lazy days of Summer are here, the schools have bombarded me with family picnics, ice cream socials, Luaus, field days, graduations, assemblies, registration, meet and greets, orientations, and even more assemblies. I am ready for a break. Jessi graduated from St. Michael's Pre-K program on Thursday, and Lexi graduates from Kindergarten on Monday. Where did this year go? So, as of Monday, I will officially have a 1st Grader and a Kindergartner. One thing that is nice is they will be in the same school next year- it makes things a little easier for me. I will, however, miss St. Michael's dearly. Miss Mary and Laura are the best teachers ever, and they did a world of good for both Lexi and Jessi. But, it's not like the girls can stay in Pre-K forever, though they would beg to differ!!!!

2 Page Digi Layout

A little rusty here....I haven't digi scrapped from scratch in FOREVER, but here's a layout I did of Jessi's little birthday gathering. Everything here is from the "My Birthday" kit by Ashalee Wall, available at Oscraps. Oh, and the silver alpha beads are from Jen Ulasiewicz; Date Stamp brush from Scrap Girls; "5" from Cinzia. SR, I am finally ready for the EHD...my computer is running slower than a dang snail!!!!!! UGH!!!