I didn't realize just how long it's been since my last entry. I guess that's what happens when life gets crazy busy. Between work and family, there just isn't enough time in the day. I have decided I need to make time to report on my two little ones-who don't seem so little anymore. It may not be new news to anyone else, but since this blog was intended to replace my journal for Sophia and Andrew, I'd be remiss if I didn't start with where I last left off. (Note-this entry was actually written at the end of November)
I wasn't the only one headed back to school in September. Sophia started preschool this year. Even though she has a preschool curriculum at her daycare, she really wanted to go to school and we thought it would be good for her to be in a different social environment. She absolutely loves it! I try to call her each Thursday and Friday after my dad has picked her up. I am always met with an excited little four year old who can't wait to tell me about her day. It's so much fun to hear about the things she does and the friends she's made.
The last time I wrote, Sophia was a little obsessed with The Wizard of Oz. Three months later, that's still the case. My mom made her a Dorothy costume for Halloween and she wore that MANY times before then, complete with ruby red slippers, braids/ribbons and Toto in a basket. In celebration of The Wizard of Oz's 70th anniversary, my sisters and I took Sophia to see the movie on the big screen. She dressed in full costume for the occasion and made quite an impression. We had purchased tickets ahead of time (which was a good thing because it sold out) but ended up in the back row. This probably turned out to be a good thing because Sophia stood up and danced right along with the characters on the screen. She sang, recited lines and at one point, asked Jennifer if she had a broom in her purse. We thought it appropriate for Sophia to have a sidekick for Halloween so Andrew dressed up as a lion. We were a little surprised by how much he actually liked wearing his costume. Once he had it on, no one could get him to take it off. When they did, he was so sweaty that his head was a mass of curls.
In early October, we went to Duluth with friends. It wasn't the ideal weekend-rainy and cool-but one can never predict the weather in Minnesota. Sophia had a blast with her friend Eli. Andrew got to go on his very first train ride (aside from the lightrail). He was so excited as we waited in line to board. However, as the train pulled up, it blew it's whistle and sent poor Andrew into tears. All was better once we boarded. I came across a book at the library once we got back-Whoo Whoo Goes the Train-and it's perfect for Andrew, as it tells the story of a boy going on his first train ride. We replace the character's name with Andrew and he can't get enough of it. Usually, before you can even start reading each page, he's busy telling you what the pictures are-train, nunnel (tunnel), boat, lighthouse... It was an easy choice as a Christmas present. Back to Duluth-we were also able to watch a big ship pull in. Both kids thought it was pretty neat until it blew it's horn. Sophia proceeded to plug her ears and Andrew again began sobbing.
Sophia is taking dance this year and loves it. Each Wednesday, she dons a black leotard, tights, tap and ballet shoes and dances her little heart out for 45 minutes. Watching her, you can tell how much fun she's having. I cannot wait (nor can she) for her recital in June. She will be doing a tap number and we saw her costume a few weeks ago.
Andrew is now a huge fan of all things with wheels-tractors, buses, trains.
