Buddies

 I told Mom yesterday that I was really glad we have Ryan as our little brother. It's like living with my biggest fan, he copies everything I do and say, and cracks up at all of my silly faces and jokes.

He tells me all about his day at school, and ends every sentence with "today": "I played on the firetruck, today", "I painted, today", "I had macaroni and cheese, today". He loves for me to read stories to him and pretend that I'm his teacher.

 And he always wants to give me a hug at bedtime to say "Night night. I wud you". I wud him, too.

Dad Time

 We love the boys in our house, and we love seeing them together.

Mom and I have been telling Ryan all along that Dad is a good guy. 

But I think secretly Mom is brainwashing him to grow up to be a Mommy's Boy.

I Do It

We hear the phrase " I do it" pretty often these days. Our resident 2 year old has suddenly become Mr. Independent.  He has specific opinions about what he wants and how he wants it. For example, the ride to school in the morning is preceded by a 10 minute negotiation over what socks and shoes he is willing to wear, followed by another 10 minute search through the house for the perfect combination of cars and trains to bring along. He has also become a tooth brushing expert for his dinosaur friends- there must be exactly the correct amount of toothpaste to begin.   

 Everything has to be "a big one"- a big bite of yogurt, big muffin, big cold fresh cup of water, big serving of icing on his cinnamon roll, big handful of laundry as he helps put it in the dryer. He likes to use our names to give emphasis to his commands- "I want chips, Mommy", "I want Monsters Inc. Milk, Dad", "I want to see, Kelss". He makes sure we understand by repeating the command rapidly and loudly nonstop until we fulfill the request.

 Lucky for us, he is still an affectionate little monster, making it easy to forgive him after one of his projectile destructive tantrums. He is quick to say "Peez" and "Tanks", and gives out sweet hugs and kisses like it's his job. He makes Mom's day every time he reaches up and says "Hold you?", or when he says "I want a hug" and then grabs her face to give her a big kiss while making bug eyes and laughing.
Even his teachers can't resist that charm, they tell us "He's crazy, but he sure is loving.".

He likes to give each dog a hug and kiss in the morning before leaving for school. They adore him as much as we do. Maggie likes him until he turns into an angry volcano, then she goes back to her quiet place in Mom and Dad's bedroom. It's going to be an exciting ride for the next few months with this Tasmanian devil, I think we're ready!

First Week

 The first week of school was a success! I made some new girl friends on the playground gathering branches and leaves to make a nest, and I made some new enemies when the boys came over and messed up our nest. The hardest part of the new school is missing my VPK friends, but each new friend makes it a little easier.  These are pictures from the Kindergarten Clap In. Everyone comes outside to clap for us as we parade around the school. We'll do a Clap Out when we graduate after 5th grade.

 Mom tried to make every day special for me by leaving little notes in my lunch box. When she asked if I found the note on the first day, I replied:  "Yeah. Everybody got a note in their lunchbox today".

To step up her game, she went directly to Pinterest for after school snack ideas. She nailed it with these little cookie boats. We filled them with icing and topped them with berries.  Mom realized early in the week that when she loads me up with sweet treats I start spilling details about my day.

 When she asked if I like Kindergarten so far, I snapped "It's only the third day! How am I supposed to know yet?". Ryan seems to be adjusting well to his new school. He is so happy to see me at the end of the day, I think he misses our routine at the old school, where we would see each other and hug on the playground every day. He definitely likes all of these after school treats!

First Day of School

 

It's a big week around here. I'm starting Kindergarten at the big kid school!

The first day was exciting because I got to wear my favorite uniform dress with the dolphin mascot hair bow, and carry my new purple flower backpack.

Nobody cried, not even Mom. She was stunned at my quiet confidence, and thrilled that I wanted to hold her hand the whole time.

 My teacher is really nice, and really tall. Mom thinks she is pretty like Kate Upton. She has two yellow labs and likes cupcakes. I already know I am going to love her!

 

 We didn't get to take a picture with her on my first day because it was very hectic with all the parents asking her questions. This is her first year teaching her own class, and she seems really excited.

We found my seat and I met my table mates. I sit next to Stevie, a nice boy with a twin brother. Our parents joked with each other that Stevie and I would probably go the whole year without saying one word to each other because we're both so shy. I sit across from a sweet girl with Down Syndrome. She is "very wiggly". She has a teacher who sits with her all day and helps her be a better listener. My parents talked to me about making sure she always has a friend.

 

 This week is also Ryan's transition to a new school (where I can go to the after school program with my old VPK friends). He has some friends in class from our old school and seems to love it! We are both growing up so fast.

 

 The biggest adjustment to my schedule is the 10am lunch. We don't do snacks or naps like VPK, so by the time school is out, I am starving! Mom had special break-and-bake chocolate chip cookies for us at the end of the day. I liked telling Mom and Dad about the gingerbread man scavenger hunt we took through the school, and how he left his babies in our room to eat at the end.  On the first night I was so tired my stomach hurt and I could barely hold my eyes open. I mean, what crazy person tries to stay up past 8:00 after a day like this?

AMI 2013 Sunset

 

Our last night in Anna Maria was postcard perfect. 

We love these people. And love hanging out with them.

I tolerated my Mom this week, but only when Kalyn wasn't available.

Kalyn showed me how to write pretty messages in the sand.

 

I miss these crazy girls already and hope that Dad is planning next year's summer trip!

AMI 2013 Nightlife

Our first annual Maxi Dress Night was a huge success!

 

 The boys finally had an excuse to wear their Tommy Bahama shirts.

 And the girls got to make a statement in their new shell necklaces.

Everyone looked ah-mazing.

Plus, we got our money shots for this year's family Christmas cards.

Look at these two, couldn't keep their hands off each other. 

Until Papa's steak arrived well done charred and he insisted on rage eating it.

I didn't catch any of that, especially once my dessert arrived. Whaaaaat?!

 

Ryan seemed to like his brownie, too.

 

Overall, we acted like well mannered, civilized people. And had a great time together, looking fabulous.

Then it was time for movie night, we watched the greatest story of all time with the greatest music of all time, Les Miserables.

 

Nana had never seen it, and felt lost because we were quoting every word and singing every song, so Aunt Julie walked her through the plot points.

 

Dad is so sick of Les Mis at our house that he couldn't even watch. I bet secretly he knows all the words and could sing the whole movie.

 

Papa tried his best to enjoy movie night, 

but he kept falling asleep any time he sat still for more than 3 seconds.

Only the wild ones had enough energy for a night swim!