As much as we are watching our children to see what they do with thier lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Back to School

 Time to meet the teacher!

Isabella was thrilled that she got the teacher that she wanted. Sophia was nervous about meeting her teacher and checking out the classroom. A few days before school started we went to the school to drop off supplies and meet the teachers.  We went to Sophia's class first and my baby was feeling very shy.  She checked out her desk, cubby, locker and stayed very close to my side.  She walked around exploring her new classroom by looking through the lens of my camera.
Ready to meet their teachers
Sophia sitting in her spot at the table
My kindergartner is not to big for cuddles
Sophia and her teacher Mrs. Bluford
Sophia finds her name on the wall
Sophia and Tierney, a friend from preschool

Isabella was so excited to get to her new classroom and see her friends! She checked out her desk, talked with the teacher and chatted with friends she had missed this summer.
Isabella finds her name on the wall
Isabella is thrilled to see Zona in her class!
Isabella and her teacher Mrs. Dunn
Isabella and Becca flash 2 fingers for 2nd grade
Isabella in her spot at the table
Welcome to 2nd grade!

Reading The Night Before Kindergarten on the night before kindergarten

Its the FIRST day of SCHOOL!

 The first day of school was full of excitement.  Isabella off to 2nd grade and Sophia starting Kindergarten! Sophia was so nervous that she would not eat breakfast.
First day of school 2015
Kindergarten here she comes!
Sophia loved her locket with family photos in it
Excited for 2nd grade!
Isabella sporting her locket for the first day
Off to the bus stop together
Waiting for the bus
Bus stop photo, flashing their grades 
Off they go!
Sweet smile out the window from Sophia
Bye Bye my loves
10:38am  Sophia's lunch on the first day
Isabella in her class at 11am the first day

My heart swelled with joy of excitement that morning...that is until the bus drove away.  Part of my heart went on that bus and ached from watching my youngest child head off to school.  I missed them the moment the bus went away and savored the moment.   Just a few hours later I had lunch duty at school and was so happy to see my girls enjoying school. 

As they say "The days are long, but the years are short."  Thankfully my girls hopped off the bus with smiles and hugs.  The both had a great day!  Sophia's favorite part of school was riding the bus.

First day of school is over with a big smile!
Tired and ready for an afternoon snack

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses

We were able to enjoy the beach this summer thanks to a dear friend.  It was a super fun and relaxing girls week. I am very thankful for being able to spend time at the beach and make so many wonderful memories.  The kids enjoyed riding the golf cart to the beach and most days Isabella and Abby rode their bikes to the beach. Some of the fun things the girls enjoyed were feeding the turtles behind the house, relaxing in the hammock, swimming in the pool, playing in the sand, jumping in the waves, showering outside, fishing, beautiful sunsets, dinner by the water, arcade games and a sleepover every night with their buddies. We attended a sea turtle talk and learned about how to protect their habitat to keep the species alive. At the end of the talk a beautiful rainbow appeared.  It was such a happy, fun filled week with friends.  I enjoyed spending time with my friend Kristy and the girls enjoyed lots of time with their buddies.
Loaded up and ready for the beach!
Happy Bella!
Happy Sophia!
Girls checking out the sunset
Sunset on the first night
Sleepover Party!
Isabella and Abby rode bikes to the beach!
Isabella and Abby enjoyed boogie boards on a stormy day.




Hannah and Sophia enjoyed the shore and sand

Sophia buried Bella in the sand


Isabella pulled Sophia on the boogie board
Sophia enjoyed the boogie board too!

Snuggle time!
Go Bella!
Hannah & Sophia check out the stormy skies
Cutest sand digger
Found a rainbow at the turtle talk



The Official Mermaid Club
Going to get their mermaid tails
Happiness at the end of the rainbow 
Sand boarding
Chillin' on the swing with Bella while Sophia pushed
The crew out to dinner
Sweet friends
We saw a shark, but thankfully not in the ocean
Only shark bite of the week
Happy Schaefer Girls 


Isabella and Abby enjoyed biking near the house
Love these kisses!
Sleeping Beauties ready for a day of fun
Sunset and Sunset Slushys!
A beautiful last night at the beach
Mini golf before heading back to Richmond
The girls were each given $10 to purchase a souvenir.  They all spent quite a long time deciding what to purchase.  The kids all selected script name necklaces.  The matching necklaces inspired them to form a mermaid club that included a secret hand shake and special essential oil perfume!  Great memories!!