August

I recgonize that it is November. But as it turns out, I am so behind in blogging that you missed out on all the fun of August. So, surprise! We went to Florida to visit Matt's family! Dear Jarleen, thank you for living on the coast. We would visit you wherever you were but can I just say, good move. 

Beach babes

All I want in life!

Adorable.

So, after this trip was over Matt and I marveled at how -somehow- this car trip half way across the country with 3 small children was not a diaster. In fact, it was a GIANT success. We came back feeling refreshed and so glad we got to visit with Jarleen and baby J. I think it helped that we were on absolutely no time agenda in the drive to and from. Our motto was "just get there..sometime." On the way down we stopped at an AMAZING park in Louisana and let the kids run around and play in the splash pad. The place we stayed was also incredible - it had a room and then a pull out couch so that Matt and I had time to ourselves after the kids were in bed. It also had a washer/dryer and a full kitchen. Most of our time was spent in Jarleen's pool and then at the beach in the early evening - after the crowds and out of the intense. sun. The worst part of this trip was probably washing the sand off Ana each time we went to the beach. Ana really, really, really hates that. And waves. All she wanted to do was dance on the shore.

Cousins!

YAY!

Breakfast at our hotel with the view out our window

So then, after we got back from Florida, Zoe started Kinder. Big! Girl! The transition wasn't rough - but it did take a little getting used to - for all of us. Ana really missed Zoe those first few days but now we are in a comfortable routine. Her school isn't all day so that helps and really Zoe loves it and talks about her friends - a lot!

First day of kinder

Ana getting to do whatever she wants without a big sister telling her what to do!

And after much uncertainity - both - girls are in dance. They ended up in the same class but Ana doesn't want to be in the recital at the end of the year and that is fine by me. I was really unsure about how she was going to do (Ana turns gangster sometimes and do what she want) and I just don't like the idea of my 3 year old being in what kind of seems like a strict setting? At least the brochure about the recital is strict. Zoe understands it a lot more and is really excited about "performing" so I think I can handle one of them in the recital. Maybe. We'll find out. Something I really love about the school they go to is how laid back and not crazy they seem - you know what I mean, little girl dance crazy. So if it turns out they get crazy at recital time we may have to find something else. Ana probably won't be in dance next year anyways because next year she will be old enough to play soccer and she REALLY wants to do that! But dance has helped to grow Ana in confidence and listenning to a teacher who isn't me and I appreciate that. 

First day of dance!

Ana wondering how she can turn prek ballet into a sport

And this one:

 Our dear Benny son mcman child. He is getting so many words! Praise the Lord! A speech therapist comes to our house once a week and works one on one with him (or one on three because his sisters like to join). I feel like he has made giant leaps in only 2 months. His high pressure sounds are clearer and his storehouse of words is growing rapidly. He is also still full of joy and fun and can self maintain like a champ. I don't know what it is that Benny does all day but whatever it is, he is busy at it. He wakes up and gets right to work working on his work and doesn't stop until nap and then wakes up and starts working hard again. He is getting more interested in books but has to pick which one. He loves to run inbetween your legs and laugh hysterically about it. He loves to be outside and "alk" (aka "chalk") - and he loves to take a "alk" (aka "walk) in the stroller. He and Ana are growing in compainship for the hourish they have together while Z is in school. It is fun to watch Ana only be the big sister in those instances and how she is tender and kind to Ben and shares with him and sometimes wrestles him to the ground and pins him if she thinks he is going to do something he shouldn't. I actually find that last part particularily helpful! Thanks Ana!

Maybe soon I'll update about things that have happened in October or November! Blog fail!