Pre-Kindergarten

Addison is officially a Pre-Kindergartner! We have chosen to home school and decided to begin the school year a little early!

I'm really excited to see how much she grows and learns this year. I'm even more excited that I can be part of it as her teacher.

Everything about these pictures is Addison. She picked her outfit, her necklace, her hairstyle, her nail polish and pattern, and even the pictures she liked best.

This is how Addison currently writes her name. She almost always runs out of room for her "N" and she almost always gets really ticked about that each time!

Here is Addison's current self-portrait. She also wanted to note that she is 4 years old now, so she wrote a 4. She thought about adding fingers, then erased them when she wasn't pleased with how they turned out. She loves her dress, necklace, and eyes.

Addison made this shirt last week, it's Rapunzel. 

Addison is 40 inches tall, 33 pounds, and wears a size 10 shoe (and apparently has high arches!).

Had fun with the girls at the Anne Kolb Nature Center yesterday.

 Saw a ton of little crabs on the mangroves.

Addison liked this lobster.

Audrey thought it was awesome to "touch" this sea urchin.

My amazing girls.

Looks like our month of sickness will continue as I woke up sick! Determined to make the best of it. Addison and Audrey's cough seems to be getting better.

Audrey floating at swim school.

Addison doing monkey-airplane-soldier to the turtle.

 I love how the girls chose to wear fancy dresses on our walk this morning.

Addison Jane

Audrey Diane

On a side note, I've been reading Dr. Shefali Tsabary's two books on parenting and they are beautiful and I highly recommend them to parents of all ages. The main idea is to be fully present in your child's life and at the same time to allow them experience the natural consequences of their actions instead of punitive punishment. The concept is hard, but so important. So many distractions in life, especially with electronics. Trying to live moment by moment, and aiming to be aware of the small details around me and to enjoy them.

Audrey

Audrey is really growing up quickly. She no longer sits in her high chair, she requested a booster seat. She no longer likes using her plastic plates and bowls, she requested using real plates and bowls. She is drinking from a cup pretty well (still plastic for that one!).

AND

She decided she no longer needs a nap. (ahhhh, I hope that one is just a phase!)

She is a sweet girl. She gives the best hugs, they are so tight and so real.

She loves to play. She loves her "guys" (small figurines).

 We are surviving summer with a lot of pool time and popsicles.

"Hey, I see you taking my picture!"

She is still always on the move and very strong willed which is why this video is extra amazing. I am so proud of her accomplishment this morning in swim school. She slid down the slide, her teacher helped her to her back, then she floated for at least 2 minutes unassisted. It was a record! She insists that her legs be crossed.

Here is the video of the last part:

July 4th

We had a nice Fourth of July. We went swimming, grilled hamburgers and veggies, played in the backyard, and climbed to the top of Vista View Park to watch all the surrounding fireworks shows.

 If you're ever in a bad mood...try jumping on a trampoline! You can't help but have fun.

 I love my Stella.

 Lou Lou chewing on a coconut.

After the fireworks, I got the worst sore throat/head cold I've had in a long time. Today my whole body is sore from all the coughing. Thankfully Andrew was able to stay home this morning while I saw a doctor. Praying the medicine provides some relief. It's hard to be a sick mommy.

Mini Vacation

Last week the girls and I went on a mini vacation.

Mom and Steve watched the dogs, which was huge. Not only is it additional work for them, but they are going through a challenging time right now with my grandma's health. Of course, Mom took it as an opportunity to get more steps in! Thank you, Steve for bathing them too!

First we spent the weekend in Sanibel/Captiva with Dad and Kim! In such a short time, we were able to make such wonderful memories! Thank you for inviting us, Dad and Kim! We spent most of our time on the beach or in the pool. Vacationing with a strong willed 2 year old definitely has short stretches of insanity, but it was well worth it!

 Audrey was so tired from staying up late the night before that she spent most of her beach time under the umbrella relaxing.

Addison and Grandpa created a pretty good shelling assembly line!

 Bubble Room! Food was great, looking forward to returning with an older, more rested version of Audrey!

Sunday night we were able to have a family dinner with Mom, Steve, Scotty and his crew...it was "jam up" as usual. Oh and some more pool time!

On Monday and Tuesday we were able to drive up to Clearwater to visit with Chandra and Cooper! The kids played very well together! Chandra and I had a wonderful time catching up and observing them play! Can you guess who said what on their treasure map hunt? "Now get your sword and fight this zombie" ... "now let's stop to smell these flowers" ... "watch out for these huge spiders, pfff pfff pfff (bow and arrow sounds)" ... "go over this bridge and look at the snakes, they are nice snakes who won't hurt us". HAHAHA, I am still laughing at them.

Audrey is full blown into her "terrible twos". Why does it have to take so long to get the last set of molars?! Every little problem causes a melt down. I had to teach Addison to keep her distance and not pop Audrey's bubble. Audrey tends to grab, hit, and scream when Addison gets too close at just the wrong time. The sad thing is that Addison is usually getting close because she wants to help Audrey or hug/kiss her. I have to remind myself all day long that this is a normal developmental phase, to not take it personally and get emotional charged by it. I just need to guide her through this phase with love and understanding. Her frustrations will lead to knowledge and she will become more capable and confident each day. I love my girls and my time with them, even the hard moments.

We missed Andrew very much! But he did get to see and enjoy a meal with Tiffy while in NY.

Summer

I know summer is technically a few more days away, but let's face it -- it's been summer here for months already!

The dogs love their yard.

I love these cool girls!

Andrew and Addison camped in the backyard...for almost 3 hours : )

 We had s'mores to kick off the adventure!

 Coolest marble jar reward EVER.

The girls are back in swim lessons. This summer we decided not to do the Y and to switch back to the British Swim School (Addi started there in Chi). Having smaller class sizes and an indoor pool is so much better! They focus on survival skills before swimming. You have to learn to jump in the pool, turn and float on your back, then swim to the wall before moving up to the next level.

Here is a video:

 Glad their classes coordinate!

Slip 'n Slide time...

or should I say Run 'n Fall time... (video)