First Day of School

She did it--with flying colors.

No hesitation.

Just excitement to finally be able to go to 'her school'.
Mike had her sign 'K' for kindergarten for her photos.







Mike woke early and made her breakfast.
She did her own hair and picked out her outfit.
Then I got home with the Hannah Montana Folder
and a rose and we headed to school.





Since we registered last week, we were able to meet Samantha's teacher.
She's in Mrs. Nutt's (like Candyland?) AM class.

As we were walking to her classroom, it was me who got turned around--
and to think, I was worried about

her being confused.









Samantha already knows two kids in her class,
and was excited to meet more.









She did it all with a mosquito bite on her eye--
We are proud of our big kindergartner.
We love you, Sam--You did great!

Where does the time go??

In a few short hours my oldest will start her first day of kindergarten. Landmark step, I know. And yes, I will be sappy, but it will be away from the child (someone has to be tough). I
can't help being excited to see just how well Samantha will do.
She is a great big sister, and for all her snotty-ness at times, she is able to sense when I really need her help and steps up readily.
A lot to expect from a five year old? Not my girl. She accept the challenge readily and does a great job.
I still can't believe that she will soon be able to ride that great big school bus all on her own.
I get the feeling that life is going to change, and there is no looking back.
We are entering the days of homework, soccer games, and constant changes in friends.
What do I want her to know?
That she is loved unconditionally--not only by her parents, but her Heavenly Parents and many others.
That she can excel--she has it within her power to achieve great things with hard work and dedication.
That the mean kids just need to be loved, too--and they are NOT right.
No matter what anyone says (your tired mother included), you are great!!
So good luck my little one!
Your parents will be anxiously waiting to hear how it went.
We love you, Sammy!

4th of July

It was a fun weekend, as usual we spent it at the lake with the Wilcox family, unfortunately Ann was not able to make it because she was working a 7 day stretch. We had a fun time but I was looking forward to getting my wife back.

Sam and Rachel were both a little more daring this year. Sam was not going to let Rachel best her this year by being the only one to wakeboard with Dad, they both wakeboarded but we did not have the camera in the boat for Sams. It was kind of funny, both of them wanted me to jump while they were on the board with me-much to the relief of everyone I didn't.

Also this year they both wanted to tunnel board by themselves. I went along next to them to stabilize the start, I didn't help much on the release because they both ended up going under for a minute- it builds character.

It was quite cute watching Sam, Rachel, and Lilly (a family friend) do their nails at the lake. Elizabeth was interested but did not get involved. Girls are girls no matter where they are!