K-Kids Induction Ceremony

During the first week of December, Katie was inducted into the K-club at school.  K-Club is a service organization which teaches children at a very early age the important of volunteering and giving back to the community and school --- especially to individuals in need.  

To become a member Katie had to first complete an application.  Then the 3rd grade teachers reviewed each student application in order to select who would be selected to participate.  I was so grateful Katie was selected because she had her heart set on joining.  The big smile on her face says it all!!!  Included

Service projects will begin in the new year and I'm curious to see just how much these little elementary school students tackle.  I'm so proud of our sweet girl!!  She has a truly kind, giving nature about her.

Jenna's Christmas Performance

What a joy it was to watch Jenna in her preschool Christmas performance.  She had been singing the songs for weeks at home and we finally got to see her in action.  She loved being on stage and having us there to cheer her on.

Sharing a few videos and pictures from her big night!!  (some of the videos aren't uploading....hmm --- I'll have to work on that!!).

Family Fall Photos

Sharing a few of our family photos from our recent fall session.

October Fun

Every October, every year --- our calendars are so full.  The fall is my absolute favorite time of year.  I love the fall colors, the cooler temps, and football.  This year is no different.  We've had Preschool bike-a-ton, Hokie games, neighborhood Trunk-or-Treat, and Pumpkin Patch fun for all.  Next up is Halloween on Tuesday.

I know I wrote about this in the kids "back to school" post --- but there is such change happening this year with our Katie Bug.  She is maturing in ways that I'm not sure I expected at age 8.  The rides at the Pumpkin Patch didn't hold the same appeal for her as years past.  She prefers now to do the challenging corn maze with her dad, or paint ball gun.  Its a new phase we are all doing our best to navigate --- the first of many new phases I'm sure.

Jenna loved the bouncy house, the wagon ride, pumpkin bowling --- and her favorite was the corn kernel pit!!  She did not love mommy taking her picture a thousand times.  And oh, can she give "the look"!!!









We let both girls pick their own costumes this year.  Jenna chose Princess Pea (from Super Why).  She is obsessed with that show and is convinced that Princess Pea is the best of the super readers.

Katie chose to be Tinkerbell --- and with her blonde hair it fits.  She made her final decision as soon as she knew that light up wings were part of the deal.  

Riva Fun

Matt's family purchased a 'Riva House' about 10 years ago.  His father had always wanted a place on the water where he could fish and relax in his retirement.  I'm sure there are weekends when he gets to do both.  However, with the grandkids around, there is little relaxation.

Living in Richmond, we are much closer to the River House and have been fortunate enough to visit multiple times this summer.  Over Memorial Day weekend, the entire family was together......even Uncle Jake made it in from Wisconsin.  Bob spent the weekend with all three of his boys, and all 4 grandkids.

The girls absolutely love these trips.  They get to experience so many adventures --- camping in the backyard, popsicles on the dock, jet ski rides, water gun battles, tubing off the back of the boat, marshmallow roasting, lightening bug catching, and so much more.  They both love the water, and time with their cousins.

Included are a few pictures and videos from our recent trips.  These will be such wonderful days to remember!  As Auntie Kat says, just a bunch of Riva Rats!!!  :-)

2017: First Days of School

Last year, we had a fair amount of tears on the girls first days of school.  This year --- none of that!  And phew was I thankful for it!

Katie is beginning 3rd grade and its a year of changes.  Parent volunteers are no longer encouraged in the classroom and a high degree of student independence is expected.  I can already tell it will be a year of significant growth and lofty academic expectations.  Katie is taking it all in stride and doesn't seem too concerned about --- well --- any of it.  LOL!!!  She is happily existing in the land of 8 year-old obliviousness.  Nana and I are both Type-A personalities and it drives us crazy when Katie forgets some item of homework.  Katie, meanwhile, is like "its fine --- I'll just get it tomorrow."  AHHHH!  Are you kidding me?!?!?  But, she's happy and off to a great start!!  I know it will be a challenge, but I'm hopeful for a good school year.

She has so many friends from last year in her class, and even one of our close neighbors.  She loves her teacher and the year is already off to a good start.  Here's hoping it stays on track.

I often tell people how many young families there are in our neighborhood.  Our bus stop and one other down the street fill up an entire bus.  No joke!  I love having so many families and playmates for our girls!!  Included below is one picture of all the kids at our bus stop --- as well as a couple of others with our cul-de-sac crew on the way to the bus stop.  Notice Jenna's ride?!?!  LOL!

Oh Jenna, My Jenna ---- This girl is something! 

She's headed back to preschool this year, but at a new location.  This year will be 3 day 3's --- with a longer day.  Preschool runs from 9:30-12:30, then she stays for Lunch Bunch from 12:30-2.  She is learning about alphabet soup, congo line with letters, and so much more.

The teachers of Jenna's preschool asked parents to write an "All About Me" letter to help them get to know each child a bit better.  As I wrote the letter it because even more apparent to me what a HAPPY child Jenna is.  Don't get me wrong, she has her tantrums and fits like every other child.  But, most days --- she is just happy.  Each day she wakes up talking and ready to start the day.  She sees the good in everything, and has such a kind nature about her. She is fiercely independent, and still chasing Big Sis.

If I could alter one thing, I would ask her to just TAKE A BREATH.  I don't think she stops talking for a full minute at any point during the day.  And she is LOUD.  Always!  I had to laugh when she came home from preschool and told me that they learned about inside voices (good for the classroom) and outside voices (good for the playground) one day at school.  I'm pretty sure that lesson was dedicated to her.   LOL! 

Here's hoping for a wonderful year of Preschool for you Miss Jenna!!