This summer we were so blessed to be able to have Aunt Teresa be Keira's swim instructor. She was kind enough to give up her evening once a week to teach Keira. Brock didn't want any part of lessons, he was happy in his arm bands jumping in and swimming around. Funny thing is how much he learned just listening and watching. Occasionally, he would say "I want to do lessons", but not often. Also, 2 boys came and joined the class and I noticed how this helped Keira just by giving her a push to do her best. Maybe she will have my competitive side :)

Keira is swimming well and is all over the place. Amazing what a few lessons have done. She has learned several different strokes, water strokes, and had so much fun in the process. I am glad Teresa could do this and that my kids got one on one time with her.

Brock's First Day of Preschool

My little man went to preschool on Aug 10, he will go on Tuesday and Thursdays. This will be very good for him. He is really attached to me and only wants me to do things for him. This can be good and bad, depending on the situation. I take him inside and he grabs my leg and will not let go. He starts crying and thankfully already having been through this with Keira, I knew what I had to do. Just leave. As hard as it is, you have to or you make it worse on all parties involved. As I walked outside by the window, I could hear him crying and saying "I want mommy" Broke my heart, I wanted to go get him, but knew better. So, I got in the car and left. The teachers later told me he only cried for a couple minutes and was fine. Relief! The next time he went, no tears. He did tell me "I will miss you" So sweet.....

He has been 3 times now and really looks forward to going. Happy mom about that. I can't believe my youngest is at this stage already. Have a great time Brock!! Mommy loves you so, so , much!!!

My girl begins Kindergarten

On August 9, Daddy and I went with Keira to her first day of Kindergarten. We began in the gym with an orientation and next went to her classroom. I felt like I was signing my child away with all the paperwork. I struggled for sometime about sending her to school or not, especially with her birthday at the end of July. But, in all honesty I was being selfish, deep down I knew she was ready in all areas. Mommy just wanted to hold on for another year and not let go. I am proud of her and how far she has come the past year. She has went from a 3 yr old who cried for 3 months when I dropped her off at preschool 2 days a week and would not get on stage to perform at the end of the year to a child who loves school and happily and willingly performs on stages now. I would not have thought this a yr or so ago. My heart just beams when I see how she has "grown" up. She is still quiet and shy around new people, but she comes by it honest. I am the same way.

Keira has been going to school half a day now for almost 2 weeks. Beginning Aug. 24 all the kids stay the entire day. Seems like so much for these little guys, I know she will be tired. She loves her teacher and I got cracked up this week. I was in the kitchen and she set up "school" in the living room. I came in to see what was going on. She had put on a dress with a white jacket over it and flip-flops. Well, it struck me that she had dressed just like her teacher. I remembered seeing the teacher dressed like this as I waited in the car riders line. So funny! She had 4 students and asked me to be their mom and to pick up 2 half a day and the others stayed all day. Love her!!

Keira is taking her lunch to school, but did eat last Friday, it was pizza day. I wish I could walk her in everday, but I can't. I understand why, but the mommy in me just wants to make sure she gets to the right place. I know she is fine and all, but I just like having that assurance.

Time flies and I am so thankful that the Lord and my hubby have allowed me to stay at home with her the past 5 yrs. I wouldn't trade all the moments, good and bad, for the time I have spent with her. Keira, I hope you have a wonderful year and I look forward to our journey in Kindergarten together. Mommy loves you more than all the stars in the sky!!