Getting Caught Up….

Yes, yes … I fully understand that I’ve taken a long, long hiatus from updating this blog.  Perhaps this is a test to see if anyone even notices.

But my primary reason for posting information on our random lives is to document for myself our many adventures.  I am realizing that skipping several months (ok .. more than several) has left a big gap in my journaling efforts.  I will try to be better (although no promises)..

In the meantime, I’m going to fill in the missing details of our lives retroactively.  Please scan through the ‘older’ posts and enjoy!!

Kindergarten … come and gone

An entire school year has flashed by us and Elayna is officially DONE with Kindergarten. 

E has grown so much this year … both physically and mentally.  We frequently glance at her and think how TALL she suddenly is.  Her pants are far to short.  Her hair is long.  Her face has narrowed and there’s not sweet baby belly! 

But E has flourished in the classroom too.  At the start of kindergarten she struggled to know all of her letters.  She is now reading simple books (think “See Spot Run”), loves making up rhymes, and is a kindergarten math-wiz.  

Thanksgiving Program:

 

And Elayna learned SCIENCE!!  She came home one day eager to show us a new trick with milk, soap, and food coloring.  So began our year-long fascination with science experiments and discovering new fun things!

Wearing matching dresses with friend Tessa

At the ‘Fun Run’ – a school fundraiser

End of Year Program – Wackado Zoo.  Her class was monkeys.

With BFF Brook

 

Elayna is on the left-hand side.  She had a speaking part:  “Word quickly spread for miles around and people flocked to hear the sound.” which she took VERY seriously.  We practiced every day – along with the numerous songs…

Overall, Kindergarten was a great year for us.  After the first few months, E settled into a happy routine with her bus and her friends.  She’s learning more about getting along with others and had a great teacher!  I’m very proud of her and excited for her summer break at the school summer camp. 

Happy 6th Birthday, Elayna!!

We celebrated E’s 6th birthday with a special milestone:  ear piercing!

  

E was very brave.  The initial shock was very hard for her and she bolted from the store; Aaron chased her halfway down the block to calm her down.  She was happy to buy some new earrings to celebrate and show off her new jewelry.

Elayna was very serious about her party and talked about it for months.  The final decision was a movie showing of Rio2, followed by cupcakes.  She had a great group of friends and laughed and danced the afternoon away.

 

 

March: a month of sports

March was an extremely busy month and a great time to be outside.  Here’s a rough summary of some of our activities.

Elayna’s tennis lessons.  She’s with her friends Paige and Sophia.

Adventure Run:  March 29

We ran an exciting family race through a park in Tempe.  The Adventure Run consisted of a mile course with multiple obstacles:  bubble pits, ropes course, balance beams. 

 

 

Spring Training Fun:

Elayna’s Fun Run Fundraiser at School

 

Fun Visit with Grandma and Grandpa

We had a lot of family visitors in February.  Aunt Margene and Uncle Gordon spent most of February in Phoenix and we love seeing them, playing golf, and catching up with Uncle Jay.

Later in the month, Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Carol stopped in as well for their first visit to our new house.  We spent a fun day at the Renaissance Festival, ate great food, and had a wonderful visit.