Some how over the summer someone grew up. Maybe it has been sneaking up on us for a while, but to stop and look at Emily really reflects a marked growth both physically and developmentally. What a joy she is for us! We love our First Grader!!

It is our first day of 1st Grade today! Emily was up early and waiting for the house to join her. She must have been excited. Her backpack and clothes have been ready since last week. She picked something blue to wear of course!

Sporting her backpack that doesn’t seem to swallow her as much as it did last year.

Mama and Julia walked Emily to her class. Emily went last Friday to meet her teacher and find out where the class is. Mama asked Julia if she was ok leaving Emily today and she thought it was fine. When asked if she would miss her while playing she answered that "Mama will just play with me instead".

Emily was happy to get right to work on her desk assignment. She was ready and eager to follow the instructions given to her.

Emily with her 1st Grade Teacher. I think they will get along great this year. Both of them seem to have a bit of bounce to their personalities. Emily asked to bring a croissant to the teacher for her first day. Seemed like a great way to start off the year!

This summer the girls took two weeks of swim classes from our favorite teacher set. Both girls ended up with Ms. Kate as their teacher. Julia took the preschool level 2 class this session and when she completed it was told to move on up to preschool level 3 for additional classes. Emily took Ready-to-Learn level 2. The difference in the classes the girls are in is based on age. By being split like this it means more time at the pool, but the girls have really enjoyed the kids they are in class with. Both girls are learning to blow bubbles while under the water. Seems to be a tricky skill for them.

Mama has started some tennis lessons with the girls. So far our lesson are short, but generally loved. We are happy with just connecting with the ball. Julia will hit the ball then run to fetch it. From where she stops she will just hit it again into whatever direction she is facing. So cute! Emily is very intentional about facing the net. She celebrates each successful ball over the net. Here’s hoping for years more of playing together!

We are enjoying visiting Dollywood this year. Julia is taller this year and we have found that she is tall enough to ride all the rides she has an interest in riding. No big roller coasters yet. While Emily is tall enough to ride some of the bigger coasters, she is NOT interested in riding them. Both girls have been brave and tried new rides. They really enjoyed the bumper cars, but it is only fun when both parents are there. The days at Dollywood have been great ones, even the one that rained us out!