Kindergarten Here We Come

Ready or not, its time for Sophia to register for Kindergarten.  It was bittersweet to sign up my baby to go off to elementary school.  Its the end of an era for all of us.  I will be back to work full time and both of my girls will be in school all day.  I have treasured my time with them to the fullest.  On the day of Kindergarten registration Sophia was not excited, rather was feeling scared and shy.  She asked to bring her blankie for comfort.  Lots of other kids did the same.  Once we arrived they had paperwork for the parents and coloring for the kids.  Sophia did not want anyone to notice her so she put her blankie over the head.  Eventually she warmed up and asked for a photo (to send to Daddy).  A week later someone asked Sophia if she was ready for kindergarten and her response was "I guess, my mom signed me up!"

Sophia made another trip to school for an assessment test.  Again, she was very shy and this time clung to me for dear life.  She was so scared to leave me and be in the office with a teacher.  15 minutes later she came running out to me and jumped in my lap and hid her head in my neck. She warmed up once we left the building and was excited to show me the book the teacher gave her.

Sophia enjoyed getting a book after Kinder assessment

Most recently, Sophia attended Kindergarten orientation.  She met the kindergarten teachers and had some time in the library. Her favorite part was being able to sit on the big girl school bus!

Checking out the big bus

Sophia was excited to see friends at her new school

April Action

April was full of outdoor fun and lots of love.  Our photos show some of the  wonderful memories we made.  We kicked off the month by flying kites, reading books and washing cars. Spring was in the air!

Lets go fly a kite

Sophia makes new fun between the swings

Daytime Backyard Camping

Reading her first chapter book on her own!

Car Wash Fun

We all like to be creative.  Sophia made a headband out of paper with a cute red bow.  I have spent more time freelancing for Bobbi which is a good creative outlet. 

Isabella loves to run like her Momma and has been participating in a running club at school.

The weather was lovely and we enjoyed seeing signs of spring blooming.  The girls love to find dandelions and make wishes.

Isabella made a sweet note at school for Junior Achievement, she made lunch bags for the homeless, started a savings box for our family and left Sophia a sweet note.  I love reading her sweet messages.

Isabella completed a year of faith formation at our church. She stands proudly with her two teachers that she adores. Isabella was also proud of her certificate for completing the course.  She learned a lot this year and I even learned a few new things too.

Going on an Egg Hunt!

It seems I left some cute photos off the Easter  blog post.  So without further adieu, here are photos of our Easter Egg hunt!

Painted Lady Butterflies

We had pet butterflies!  It was a fascinating kit that came in the mail.  The larva or caterpillars came in a small jar with food.  We watched them grow for about a week.  The first caterpillar formed into chrysalis after 7 days.  The 5 butterflies were in the the chrysalis stage for another 7-9 days.  My favorite part was discovering the butterflies emerging from the hardened chrysalis.  The girls liked to check out the pets every day for changes.  Our cat also liked to check on the butterfly habitat.  Lucy, our cat, was ready to pounce as if they were cat toys.  It was a really neat experience.   Below are photos of the stages... 

We received the larva (caterpillars) in the mail

The caterpillars grew larger and longer

Metamorphosis begins

The  completed chrysalis

The butterflies emerge!

Time to release the butterflies

They are excited to free the butterflies

Sophia anxiously waiting for one to fly out

Bye Bye Painted Lady Butterfly!

Spring Break

We celebrated Spring Break with a trip to Maryland to see my family. We were able to visit my grandmothers cemetery plot.  Sophia blew bubbles for Gram and left a dandelion.  Isabella left a letter and drawing for Gram.  Pap removed the flowers he had cut from their yard and left the Easter card we sent in the mail.  Gram has a pretty plot near a quiet road.  I enjoyed hearing the birds chirp and feeling the breeze, I know Gram would have enjoyed those things too.  The girls cleaned off a few gravestones and cleaned up flowers that had fallen.  I miss Gram but I do believe she is happier now. 

Sophia sends bubbles to Gram

Isabella leaves papers for Gram

Pap removed the old flowers from Grams marker

After the cemetery we enjoyed sitting on Gram and Paps porch.  Baby Olivia was all smiles for her cousins!  I loved spending time with my family catching up.  We also celebrated my Grandfathers 90th birthday!

Sophia, Olivia and Isabella

Grammie and Pap with the girls

 After spending time in Bowie we headed to Ellicott City for fun with PopPop and GMom.  We packed a lot of fun into a short visit. We walked to the water in Ellicott City, visited the B & O train museum in Baltimore, walked the Labyrinth in Marriotsville and toured the Catoctin Zoo in Thurmont.  

Being Safe on the rocks

PopPop and the girls at Oella

Sophia found Elsa at the train museum

Isabella & PopPop build a circuit

Checking out the cool trains!

Walking the Labyrinth

Fun with cousin Chase

A Sophie monkey at the zoo!

Isabella fed Alpacas and Deer

Sophia giggled when they ate out of her hand

Is your Momma a Llama?

checking out the wolves

Happy Girl

Seeing family and visiting around Maryland was good for my soul!