one graduating...one almost

This month brought some things to completion.

Like...KINDERGARTEN!!!  After only a year and a half :), we finished our Kindergarten curriculum and moved into first grade.  I was feeling a bit apprehensive since we had some issues with the basics right before completing this, but those fears were soon allayed.  I finally looked at the first grade material I had and realized that David has finished at least half of that too...No wonder he was still struggling grasping a few of the concepts!!!  I do believe this semester of first grade should be a great repetition and pound in some things that he already knows.  And I am so proud of my son!!!  Did not think we would get here!  I had all sorts of grand designs to take some really nice Kindergarten pictures but have yet to do that.  Instead, we randomly one day (with very poor lighting) took a few trial pictures that may end up having to suffice.  What a handsome graduate!

He also began his third season of soccer.  All while wrapping up his basketball season as well.

And our-almost-graduate...Elizabeth.  She will be 4 years old next month!  Graduating to a new age and new maturity over the next year.  This precious little girl is becoming more and more dear to me.  She is a mix of "all eagerness" to please and extreme defiance.  Fortunately, as she is maturing the latter is becoming less and less.  What a beauty!  She never stops singing and dancing.  She has sat down alongside David a few times this month to do basic preschool but she gets frustrated easily with lack of hand-eye coordination when her brain is far ahead.  The time will come...

There were a few other moments this month with sweet pictures of the kids together.

 (as well as one from a birthday party David attended with dear friends)

Here's to the graduate and the graduate-to-be...!!!

"How about...?"

My two year old is definitely growing up.  She still sounds like a baby (albeit, I can understand most everything).  She still sort of looks like a little tike, but she is most definitely beginning to express her definitive personality.  Yes, she does have quite a temper.  Kicking off shoes and stamping of feet...quickly remedied with a little discipline.  But she also has another meticulous side.

She most definitely does not like to be rushed when making decisions.  She will take hours if you let her...mentally weighing the pros and cons as you watch her finger the clothing choices, the sticker sheet, or whatever else is up for decision.  In fact, she sits there with a smile on her face almost relishing the time it is taking.  It is very funny to watch this little thing-- who talks but not always clearly-- very clearly say "How about...?" The sentence trails off and is repeated several times before she finally settles on her best choice.  I will admit, she does not seem to ever have regret for the decision afterward though.  :)

Potty training has only been slightly more successful and far more half-hearted by me this month. She will go now almost any time you put her on the toilet.  Occasionally she asks to go on her own but 90% of the time it is after she has already gone in her diaper or pullup etc...

Did I ever mention her quirky and rather gross habit of sucking on her blanket.  I suppose maybe (maybe?) it is better on her teeth than sucking on her thumb but makes for far nastier blanket edges.

Here's to growing up...