Our Super Student

Amelia completed her first 9 weeks of school on October 30th. Each teacher went up to the podium and called students names so they could stand up and recognize students that excelled in certain areas. Amelia was recognized for academic achievement and it was very exciting for her. What was even more exciting was after each Kinder teacher was done with student recognition the Counselor went up to the stage and said they had a special "Character Award" that goes to a special student in each Kindergarten class. Amelia got the Charter Award for her class. The Counselor said "Amelia is always setting a wonderful example for others to follow. She is helpful dependable and always ready to learn." Amelia was so surprised to hear her name called and to get to go up to the stage to get a certificate. Amelia loves school and really works hard to do her best. It also helps that Ms. Padilla is a WONDERFUL teacher and motivates Amelia to do her best.

When Amelia got home she brought home her 1st report card and she got all E's for Excellent (OK she got an S in PE and Music) but E's in all the academic areas and in behavior. We are proud of Amelia because she enjoys school and tries to do a good job and that is all that we ask for.

Bike Rodeo 3rd Place Winner

Amelia learned how to ride her bike at the beginning of October and it paid off because she won 3rd place in her school's bike rodeo. She had to ride her bike in a straight line, around cones and in a circle. She stayed focused and if she fell or stopped she kept going and never got frustrated. Her hard work paid off and she got a trophy for 3rd place in the Kindergarten girl category.

Even though she won 3rd place she did something else that made us even prouder of her. One of her classmates got upset because he did not win a trophy. When she came home she drew him a very nice picture of a trophy and took it to him the next day and told him he is a winner. Amelia has a heart of gold and we are so thankful for her.

Happy Birthday Kendall

Amelia's very good friend Kendall had her 6th Birthday party at Fiesta Farms. The kids loved it. They had pony rides, a petting area, chickens, pigs, cows, lamas, turkey's and a hay ride.

When Elliott found out he was going to get to ride a horse he said, "I need my boots and my big cowboy hat". He was so funny, he carried his hat around during the whole party and when it was time to ride the horse he jumped on the horse, put his hat on and held on for dear life. Amelia ran around wild and even caught a chicken!

Happy Birthday Kendall. Thanks for the fun party, we love you!!!

Catherine and Matthew's Birthday

Catherine and Matthew celebrated their birthdays at Tumble Weeds and it was a great party! The kids loved running around on the hamster wheel, jumping on the moon bounce and playing air hockey.

Their favorite part of the party was the zip line. Amelia went down it over and over until she fell flat on her face and busted her lip and knocked out her bottom tooth. Luckily it was a baby tooth that was already loose. That did not stop her though. As soon as the bleeding stopped and she calmed down she was right back on the zip line. Elliott decided he wanted to ride it also and did not want me to touch or help me. He would only let Amelia lift him up and help him. He hung on for dear life and went down it over and over. I thought I was going to have a heart attack but luckily we all survived.

It was a great party. Happy Birthday Catherine and Matthew we love you and are so glad we could celebrate your birthday with you.

Look Mom! No Training Wheels!

On Monday, October 5, 2009 Amelia learned to ride a bike with no training wheels. We were so proud of her! We decided to try and teach her to ride her bike because her school is having a bike rodeo at the end of the month. I thought it was going to take a little while but Amelia learned within the first 20 minutes of trying. Frank was a great teacher. He had her push with her feet and steer the bike. That got her to learn to keep her balance and steer. Then she started pedaling and was off. She was so happy and proud of herself and so were we.

While Amelia was learning to ride her bike Elliott was riding his scooter. That boy is fearless. He would ride the scooter straight to a speed bump and say "I I want to jump it like a skateboard". He can't wait to start riding a skateboard and jumping things with it and neither can Frank. I am going to put all that on hold for as long as I can!!!

Elliott's 1st Day of Mother's Day Out

Elliott started the Mother's Day Out Program in September. He goes two days a week for 3 1/2 hours each day. We were really nervous about the 1st day because all week he kept saying "Elliott no go to school, only Sister go to school. Elliott go to Target and Walmart with Nana, no school". I thought, "Oh great, he would rather hang out at Target & Walmart, this is going to be an interesting year".

Elliott surprised Frank and I on the 1st day by not crying. I think he was so distracted by all the new toys he did not notice when we left. I was so relieved! For the next 2 weeks Elliott would whine for 5 minutes after Frank dropped him off and then he would be fine for the rest of the day. We are on our 3rd week today and he did not whine or cry. The teachers said he was happy all day. I know he is participating in everything because he comes home with all his completed projects. It was a much easier transition then I expected. He still says he would rather go to Target or Walmart then school but at least he seems to enjoy school once he gets there.

Elliott has officially began his school career. We are very proud of him. He is a very strong little boy.

Amelia's 1st Day of Kindergarten

How did Amelia go from a newborn baby to a Kindergarten so quickly? On August 24, 2009 Amelia started Kindergarten. We were so proud of her! Frank, Elliott and I took her into class because on the first day they allow you to stay with the the kids to get them situated and help them feel comfortable. I showed Amelia where she sat and where to put her backpack. After that she turned to me and said "OK, you can go now" then she went up to Frank and said "I love you Daddy, you can go now". She kicked us out! All the other Parents got to stay for a little while and we had to leave the class and spy on her through the window! Frank said, "Well we wanted a strong confident girl and we got one".

I was so proud of her and at the same time my heart broke a little. The reality set in that my baby is growing up. The past 5 years have gone by so fast. Amelia's teacher's name is Mrs. Padilla and she is great. Amelia we love you and we are looking forward to a great Kindergarten year with you!

Frank dealt with Amelia starting Kinder by buying a 2008 Red Mercedes Benz. He went from the school to the lot to buy it. Amelia told him she wanted a red car so that is what he got. So now she thinks her Daddy bought her a red car for starting Kindergarten. According to Amelia that is her car. Geez, if she thinks she got a Mercedes for starting Kinder what is she going to expect when she starts High School!