First Day of School

The kids started back to school this week. Ty's first day of 1st grade was yesterday (Monday) and Keira's was today (Tuesday). Ty wasn't too excited to go back to school for reading and math but he really liked his teacher, Ms. Hogue, at 'Meet the Teacher Night' and was happy to know most of his friends would be back.

While I wasn't sure if Ty would be happy Monday morning, he was. He woke up at 6am, played with toys, at breakfast, and got ready for school. He was even OK with walking into school alone and found his way to the big playground (which is scary for mommy but Ty loves it!). When I picked him up he said he had a great day!!!

Keira is attending a home-based preschool that is 2 days a week for 2 hrs. She is so ready to go to school and even though today was only orientation, she wore her backpack! She even put shoes and socks on since "that is what brother does." Nice for Keira, her teacher said flip flops are preferred to make shoes easy (which Keira loves).

All in all...a good start to the year!

Dino Museum

Since the kids start school this week (where did the summer go?) we decided to do something fun before our schedule gets crazy. Ty decided to go to the Dino Museum (AZ Museum of Natural History). This was our third time visiting but still a lot of fun!

The kids (and Brian) had fun panning for gold! We even got to take some home (thanks to daddy!)

Summer Swim

We had such a busy summer this year so the kids were only able to take the last 2 sessions of swim. They are both becoming great swimmers & love the water!

The last day of class Ty's teacher suprised the class by letting them go on the diving board! He LOVED it! Ty enjoyed watching the diving class this summer and we told him next summer he could take the beginning diving class if he wanted.

Keira's Dance Class

Since Keira loves to dance around the house I decided to enroll her in a beginner ballet/tap class over the summer. While I was not able to view the class (not a mom & tot class) the teacher did let the parents come in the last 5 minutes of class and let us watch what they worked on that day. The beginning of the summer session Keira followed the teacher and tried to do everything she did. By the end of the session Keira wasn't so interested any more. So when the last class of the session (the teacher called it a recital but parents just got to watch a full class) I wasn't sure what Keira would do. Sure enough...she followed a bit but decided to run around with some other younger girls while the older girls danced. Oh well...I get to watch her dance at home for now and we will have to try another class when she gets older!!! Keira rarely let me take pictures but here are some!

Water Fight!

My dad's sister's husband's family (the Fosters) had their annual family get together last weekend and we were invited! My Aunt and Uncle moved to Gilbert a couple of months ago and have a huge backyard perfect for a water gun/balloon fight!

Let me just say that the boys in our family couldn't wait for the party!!!!! Brian stocked up on new water guns for him and Ty as well as several bags of ice (playing dirty!!)!!

Brian and Uncle Michael

Brian with two guns...

Ty had a blast too!!!

Even Keira got into the game!

Keira tried several times to hit Uncle Michael with a water balloon. He waited patiently until one finally broke on his head....Good Sport, Uncle Michael!!!

Towards the end of the party, the little ones found the bucket of water and had their own fun!

Keira ended the day with a mud/dirt bath!

Happy Monday!

Swimming

Keira decided she didn't want to wear her swim vest this summer because she wants to "swim on her own like brother." This means she has to hold a noodle or a kick board to get around. Last week she decided she didn't want to use the noodle or board anymore and was ready to swim on her own ("with no help, mommy!")...and she did!!! While it is still a short distance, she "swims on her own" the entire time we are in the pool and has a very hard time waiting on the step so brother can play games too!!

She is such a water dog!!!

Tyler is swimming really well! He loves when daddy throws him in the air! His favorite game is sea hunters (he made it up and normally mommy is a sea creature that needs to be caught!).