Wednesday, November 5, 2014

It's a new school year...1st days 2014

Harper had her 1st day of school first.  Her school started a week before Claire's did which was nice.  Harper got in the groove of the school routine, and eased us all back into schedules, early mornings, etc...  Claire and I got to have a little quality time before she went back to school.  It was perfect.

Harper is in Pre-K and her teacher in Mrs. Brittany.  Harper loves to play dolls and to dress up.  She loves to ride her scooter and to swim.  She is very girly, always wanting to wear dresses, skirts, and tutus.  Harper is sweet and loves her friends.  She is very social, and she loves to be at school.  She can write her letters and she loves to be read to.  Her favorite books are anything Fancy Nancy, Pinkalicious, Barbie books, etc... Did I mention she is a girly girl?  Harper will begin NASA soccer this fall.  She has also chosen to dance tap & ballet again.  Here's to a great Pre-K year!

Claire will begin 2nd grade.  She has Mrs. Lauck who has been at Doss for 14 years.  Claire loves to be outside.  She loves to ride her scooter, to swim, to play soccer, to swing on our playscape, etc...  When she is indoors (which is rare), she likes to play in her room with her music singing and dancing, or she likes to play office and/or school.  Claire is fiercely independent and is a sweet, sweet soul.  Here's to a happy 2nd grade year!

Harper's 1st day of Pre-K
This is Harper when we went to pick her up at the end of her 1st day of Pre-K.  I knew it was going to be a good year for her when I showed up and she was dressed up in a fairy costume holding a baby.  
Claire and I had a special lunch date on Harper's 1st day of school

They got new shoes that sparkle and light up.  Let's hope that Pre-K and 2nd grade allow the girls to do the same!
One last summer play date before 2nd grade begins - Eliza and Claire
For Meet the Teacher, Claire wrote her teacher a letter. She did this on her own.  No one told her to do this.   I thought it was pretty adorable!
Leah and Claire headed to meet their 2nd grade teachers
Claire and Mrs. Lauck at Meet the Teacher
Claire on her 1st day of 2nd grade.  This picture is super sweet, but I can also see the nerves all over her face in this one.
Peace, 2nd grade!  Claire Bear is ready!

Lilliann's 2nd Birthday 2014

This year was Lilliann's 2nd birthday.  Time flies!  I can still remember when she was born, anticipating her arrival.  She is such a sweet soul, always happy.  She is inquisitive and busy.  My girls LOVE her very much, and I love watching the bond between them grow into something really special.

We headed to Houston to celebrate Lilliann's birthday, and this year the Nixes were so kind in allowing us to bring Chris and Charlie.  We had a blast with Lilliann and Lyla, and the boys were in hog heaven in Houston.

Making the car ride to Houston - what did parents do before movies?? 
D and sweet Lilliann
These 4 spent the entire weekend in the pool.  I think they logged like 7 hours swimming on Saturday.

Me and Lyla enjoying each other pool side while the big kids swim
Lyla started laughing shortly before we came to visit.  Here is a link of Lyla's laugh:

More fun in the pool
Happy Birthday to Lilliann!!  You are such a blessing!
Claire loves to be with Lilliann, to hold her, to teach her the ways of the world. 
Harper and Lilliann in deep talks - these two love to be together.  Harper loves having someone younger to "show the ropes."
The boys love the slot machine at the Nixes
D and I with our most favorite kids in the whole world
Charlie and Lyla
Birthday girl
Chris showing Lilliann how to use the bath he got her for her baby
We headed to the zoo on our way out of Houston.  We got to feed the giraffes.
Our travel squad 
Mimi and Claire on the Merry Go Round

Claire in the prairie dog pit
Playing the drums
The boys endured hours of listening to the girls sing in the car ride.  Here is a link of Harper singing "Roar," one of her all-time favorites:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czDKtoGYkCs&list=UU9C2si1UYpigVa4253ZZ8rw&index=7

Headed home = stop at Bucee's


More Summer Fun 2014

These are some random moments in our summer that are among my favorites:

Claire and Lexie are neighbors, but they are also best friends.  They love each other very much.  They can play for hours on end with no bickering.  These two bring out a beautiful side in one another.  This picture captures a sweet moment where Claire dressed up as a bride, and Lexie is a princess.  LOVE THESE TWO GIRLS!
Harper's sweet note to Mommy
Claire lost her two front teeth!
The girls asked me if they could dress themselves for our grocery store trip. They also asked if they could play with their makeup.  They came downstairs so glommed up and definitely full of makeup.  :-)
Sweet swimming play date with Paige
Harper's fun play date with one of her school besties, Alice

Port A, Baby!

Summer 2014 - After we got home from Santa Barbara, we packed the car and headed to Port Aransas to spend four days with several family friends.  The girls got along so well.  There was no drama...just fun memories.  We surfed.  We swam.  We built sand castles.  We played.  We acted so silly.  We had a blast!

Harper at the Observatory
There's an alligator under the dock
The gang of girls
Kamran was the winner of our Rattan Pelican Wine Mixer 
Enjoying some shade
Sweet girl loving on Mommy
Parents Night Out
Having fun in the shark's mouth 
Emily and I
The girls 
The entire gang (minus the Highsmiths)
The kiddos