First day of 3K!

Ellie started her 2nd year of preschool last Tuesday!  She was way more excited and way more confident this year than last and it made drop off so much easier.  

 She is in Mrs. Neely and Mrs. Van's class this year--several of her friends are in there and she seems to be adjusting nicely.  She misses her best buddy Jake but she is making new friends and it has been good for her to be forced out of her comfort zone.

 We had originally signed her up to attend M, W, F but Josh and I decided to just send her on Tues/Thurs instead after trying to figure out the logistics of drop off and pick up.  I would love for her to go three days a week and I know she would too, but it was just too hard to work out this year.  Not to mention, she is 3 and we are two short years away from her having to be at school 5 days a week so I'm trying to soak up these precious Wednesdays I have with her while I can.

 Expectations are much higher in her new class.  It is much more academic this year than last (which honestly makes me a little sad) but she is ready and she really does love to learn.  "Yetters" (letters) are her favorite right now--she loves labeling them and telling us words that start with that letter.  

 She also gets to take show and tell every Thursday and she has a "job" to do everyday in the classroom.  We are so proud that she is actually talking this year--I think her teacher thought she was a mute in 2K!

 We couldn't be more proud of how she has handled the transition to 3K and we're looking forward to a great year!

Giddy Up!

Ellie was invited to a friend's birthday party on a horse farm a couple of weekends ago...she had already been to a pony party and loved it so she was thrilled with the opportunity for another chance at riding a horse!

{randomly, ALL of her friends have spring and summer birthday parties.  We have gone to just about one a weekend since March and we love them all...sad to say they will slow down for a little while}

 She wasn't scared one little bit...just hopped on up and hung on to the saddle!

 Thomas (who we affectionately have nicknamed "Tom Cat") as usual was along for the ride.  He is a trooper keeping up with his sister's very busy social agenda.

Litchfield Round 2...

Ellie is naturally in more pictures this trip.  Looking forward to T being mobile next year and he'll be in the beach action!

 She can be SO sassy.  And then be SO sweet.  All in a matter of a minute!

 Thomas had his first dining experience at Lee's...our favorite!  

No hushpuppies for me this year (dang you, soy and dairy allergy!!)

 E was less than pleased to have to share Grammy with Thomas.  In usual fashion (when taking a pic with E), T looks scared to death.

Litchfield 2014 Part 1

 We booked a very (VERY) last minute trip to Litchfield Beach--literally three weeks ago--and spent the week there last week.  I had little to no expectation with a 3 year old and a 3 month old and Josh was having to spend his days working at the Horry county offices, but it actually all worked out and we had the best time and I was so thankful that we didn't skip a beach trip this year!

 I took over 400 pictures so having to break up these posts but Ellie absolutely LOVED the beach.  The first time we took her out there she just shouted I LOVE THIS PLACE!  She was in heaven digging in the sand and jumping the waves with her daddy and Grammy.

 She would run on the beach until her toes hit the water and then run back up the beach as fast as she could so that the ocean didn't get her!  She thought this was so funny!

 and I think it scared her a little bit too!

 She got mini ice cream cones and walked to see the crabs with Grammy every night.  I think this was her favorite thing to do...she loved pulling the traps up to see if any were caught and looking for the alligators and her birdie "friends".

 off to see the crabs

 Bless baby Thomas, he was just along for the ride and for the most part he was a champ taking in the beach breeze and enjoying the view.

 This picture.  "Seriously mom??  You brought me to the beach in a BONNET?"  

He will DIE one day when he looks at this picture but I couldn't resist...he looked absolutely precious and he's my last baby!

More to come!