Braces!?

Earlier this month, Regan welcomed a mouth full of wires when she had her upper braces placed (the rest will come this winter). She was out of her mind excited and giddy. She woke up in anticipation of her morning, talking a mile a minute about the color she was going to choose and slightly worried that it might hurt a little (it didn't....like not at all). As parents, we will do anything for our kids, including a hefty price tag of braces. And let's just say she will have a million dollar smile by the end. Her stint is likely to be about 2 years long and this girl best take care of that mouth! I'm not sure how long her giddiness will last, but we're still going strong around here. 

Angelica-Twins Game

Angeli...what?! 

So the new word in our house is Angelica. It's the name of Regan's choir. We all getting used to this new activity of hers. 

Last spring, she came home all giddy telling us that she was going to sing a solo in her upcoming music program. Oh boy. We were a little nervous for her; but she was confident that she deserved this. And come time, she did great. Amazing! We were beaming with pride and her confidence level took a boost. She loves the stage, and now she loved singing on stage. 

Close to the end of the school year, her school music teacher handed her a letter inviting her to try out for the metro wide choir Angelica. We debated. 

Was she ready for this? 

Was she good enough? 

Did she really want to go to choir practice each week after school? 

Could I figure out how to get her to mandatory practices? 

After much talking and discussing, we figured it wouldn't hurt to let her at least try out. 

We had nothing to lose. 

And then she made the cut. 

And so, it was back to debating all of those questions before we finally decided that we couldn't hold her back from something she was truly excited about. I'll figure out a way to get her to practice each week, and we'll pay the astronomical tuition fee.

Just as choir was about to begin for the year, we got word that Angelica would be singing the National Anthem at an upcoming Twins game. Oh my word! What an opportunity for her! They practiced only twice, and she listened to the Anthem a million times on YouTube to memorize the words (she's 8, it's not like she had them memorized before). Sidney chimed in during this time of practice with "...by the donkey's light" instead of "...by the dawn's early light". She knows how to keep it real :) 

This week, in the midst of the chaos of the first week of school, was the Twins game. 

The girls were giddy with excitement. And thankfully, we have some pretty awesome coworkers/supervisors at work who were 100% supportive of this opportunity and thought nothing of us leaving early to corral our troops, gather at home and head downtown. 

I think we took a picture with every Peanuts character along the way to the Pre-Game Meeting spot. 

Every. Single. One. 

Lincoln was his easy/mellow self throughout the evening. Just taking it all in around him: sights, sounds, and smells. He's so easy! 

And then it was Regan's time to get onto the field and sing the Anthem with this amazing choir. Gosh they sounded awesome! I'm so thankful for this experience for her, it's something she will remember forever. And us too. She was nervous, visibly nervous. Playing with the strings on her jeans, looking around for us during rehearsal and trying hard to remember the words/melody. But she admits now that although she was incredibly nervous ("because all those people were looking at me!"), she was also very excited. She's so proud, and so are we! HERE is a video of the choir. Pardon the shaky-ness, we were a long ways away and Ryan was trying to zoom in, which gives a sea-sick feeling while watching. 

She's in the above picture, front row, 4th from left. 

A close up is below from the Jumbo-Tron:

A big Thanks to all the Grandparents for joining us. And really, they didn't want to miss out on this show either. I insisted we stay until the 5th inning even when my dad was getting antsy to leave. Little did he realize that his name was about to scroll across the banner announcing a big HAPPY 42ND ANNIVERSARY to him and mom :) 

What a night to remember!  

Back to school

Like every other person in the state of Minnesota, we headed back to school after Labor Day. It's a bittersweet moment for us, as we send off Sidney to Kindergarten this year. Bitter as she is growing up, much too fast. And sweet because she is growing up, maturing into a beautiful little girl (that and the fact that our daycare costs are reduced exponentially!).

Regan started 3rd grade this year. She was eager and ready and not really nervous at all. Coming home after school she said her only complaint was that she didn't have enough time to have a "real conversation" with her teacher. Yea....she likes to socialize. That's our Regan, the one who is in right field at a softball game and talking to the coach about everything and anything. Or the one who strikes up a conversation with an adult about whatever is on her mind. She likes to talk (though not so much listen!). 

After school, she told me all about her day. I've learned that the less I ask, the more she tells me. She said she had gym class and described the game that they played (kind of like a meet-the-class game where you say something you like and the rest of the students that also like that object, run to the nearest cone. She said she liked pickles.). She has oodles of friends in her 3rd grade class, having made new BFF's each year. Throughout the evening she mentioned lots of names of children she talked to, played with and sat next to. As for learning, they're working on cursive: letters t and i. She proudly wrote them in her daily planner and had me sign my name to prove that we looked at it together. Her school is striving for student independence and ownership....I'm gonna like this :)

When asked the following questions, here are her answers as we start the new year:

I'm 8 1/2 years old

I want to be an: artist

My favorite food is: donuts

My best friends are Danielle and Kailey

As for Sidney, she had a mock first day on the Tuesday after Labor Day. More like a one hour orientation where she got to spend time in her classroom, organize her school supplies in her cubby and meet a few classmates (not everyone goes at the same hour). She was nervous, but more just unhappy that I didn't let her wear flip-flops to school and other students wore them. Such a bad mommy. I spent most of that hour meeting with the principal, PTA president and school nurse. We spent the rest of the day together at home, reading books, playing games like Hi Oh Cherry Oh. She helped me clear out flowers and put things into the attic. I'm going to miss this helper of mine as she ventures into the real world of school. 

At night before bed, we read 3 more books: one about Kindergarten, and the other two heart wrenching books: Someday and If I Could Keep You Little. Why do I do this to myself!? The girls hate those 2 books, because they make me cry. And they hate to see mommy cry. Such sweet girls.

Her "real" first day was Wednesday; and again, she was upset that she had to wear tennis shoes. When we explained that she might have gym and needed gym shoes on, she tried telling us she would just go find Regan and have Regan tie her shoes. Sorry kiddo, that's not going to work. She obliged and wore tennis shoes.

I was disappointed that her first day of school had rainy weather and we couldn't do our traditional pictures, so we had to go out back and take them under shelter. But they will work. 

After some photos, we all walked in together to her new school. She found her hook for her backpack, took out her lunch and waterbottle (she changed her mind early this morning and wanted home lunch on her first day. I obliged because there was just so much new to her, I felt she needed control of at least this one thing). We gave a few quick hugs, took one last picture, and into her classroom she went, briefly waving to us. We peaked in after her.

There were no tears. No looking back.

Just excitement as she wandered around her classroom searching for her table spot with her name. Which meant there really were no tears for us either. She's brave, that girl. As I drove away with Lincoln to his daycare, tears welled up in my eyes as I thought about how much growing she will do over this next school year. I'm telling you, speaking from experience with Regan, the things that these kids learn and do over the next 9 months is simply amazing. And I'm so excited for all that she will learn. But secretly, I just want to hold tight to this little girl who is growing up so fast!

When asked the following questions, here are her answers as we start the new year:

I'm almost 6 years old (birthday next week)

I want to be a teacher

My favorite food is: cucumbers and mommy's home made lemon poppyseed muffins

My best friends are Natalie and Madilyn (neither of which attend her new elementary school).

And today, when I picked her up after school she announced "I like Kindergarten!" and quickly followed with "I'm excited to go back tomorrow". 

We all just breathed a big ol' sigh of relief. 

First Communion

Regan celebrated her First Communion last weekend with a wonderful mass and a gathering at our home. 

She looked gorgeous in her long white dress. The little boy standing behind us as we lined up had a father who chuckled and commented to Ryan that she looks like a bride. Ryan laughed and then wanted to cry as the father asked him if we were saving up :)

Goodness does this little sister look up to her. Sidney was in awe at how pretty her big sis was, and admired all of her bling: a real pearl necklace from Uncle Ben, gold cross earrings and a birthstone ring. She's one lucky girl in Sidney's eyes.  

We seized the opportunity to quick take a family picture before church. 

Our little family sure has grown since Regan's baptism nearly 8 years ago. 

Our church celebrates First Communion on both Saturday and Sunday so here's the smaller of the group from Sunday. 

Regan perked up when she found out that getting a First Communion meant a party, and CAKE!

We are so proud of her and all the work she has done to prepare for this special day. She was nervous the night before and anxiety continued til the moment she walked up for her communion. In a last minute decision, and only after verifying that "taking wine in church isn't bad, right mom?" (she didn't want any jail time), she tried the wine. Pretty disgusting evidently as shown across her face!

Congrats Regan. We love you!

First day of school: 2nd grade and Pre-K

Last night, the girls went to bed with a bit of excitement, fear and wonder in their eyes. Both of them were preparing to start a new "grade" (Sidney started a Pre-K program). Sure they were excited, both having previously met their teachers and visited their new classrooms. But they were each also very nervous about what to expect. 

As we drove home from the lake, Regan mentioned how she was "sad that we are done at the lake, but excited to start 2nd grade". Atta girl, I sure remember some similar feelings growing up. We spent some time chatting about her fears/concerns while at the same time, trying to pump up her excitement. After all, she was heading into a class where she new many of her friends/class mates. 

By the time we dropped her at school today, she bounced out of the car, kissed us all good bye and never looked back. 

Literally. 

Ryan even commented that she didn't turn around. 

Not even a wave. 

I have to be proud that she is confident. She is growing up. And she is ready for the school year. 

Thankfully, I still get have to walk Sidney into her classroom. Much as she wants to walk in alone, and she tells me this regularly ("mom, I want to walk in like Regan. I'm big now"), I'm sooooo thankful that this isn't allowed :) 

She was so stinkin' excited to start Pre-K. People have been asking her for months if she was going to Kindergarten this fall, but sadly, she hasn't quite turned 5 yet and therefore, missed the cut off. She wants so badly to go, but the next best thing is hanging out with 14 of your best friends from when you were in diapers. And so that's where she will be spending 3 days/week. 

She proudly sported her new back pack (that she picked out with Grandma Jan as an early birthday present), and held my hand as we walked into school. I will forever remember the cheery smile she gave to me as she looked up and our eyes met while crossing the parking lot. She was excited. And I was so happy for her. I couldn't help but get a little teary as I left her inside, her final year before going off into the big world of Kindergarten. 

After school, I asked the right questions and got lots of answers from my girls about their days :) They spilled all their favorites and not-so-favorite parts of this new routine. It sounds like the worst part of Regan's day is that we made her wear tennis shoes to school and she didn't even have gym (talk about being the meanest parents ever!) and Sidney.....well, she didn't really have a worst part of her day :) They each could write a book about their favorite parts: friends, recess, art, and so on. 

Here's to another year! 

Biker babe

Regan got a new set of wheels this weekend, courtesy of Grandma Jan and Papa. She needed a new bike, but more importantly WANTED a new bike. Her previous one had "princesses" on it and she claimed "princesses are for babies". But before we let her pick out a new bike, she needed to prove to us that she could (and would) ride one. So she spent all week riding out front each and every night, and we finally caved. Grandma was pretty excited for her, and we all are pretty proud of the way she maneuvered this larger bike. Click HERE to watch her in action :) 

From First to Second

Our toothless, budding first grader has grown and learned and is now a confident second grader! Regan worked very hard this year and managed to get through hours and hours of homework (but not without a LOT of encouragement). Her report card came home with the rest of her year-full of desk items yesterday, and to celebrate her accomplishment, I took the girls for frozen yogurt at our beloved Cherry Berry. When she started first grade back in September, she was apprehensive and nervous about what to expect for the next 9 months. And when she walked out of school yesterday, she bounced with certainty that she had mastered all that was set in front of her this year. We are very proud of who she is becoming and couldn't be more grateful for some amazing teachers/staff at her school. 

Congratulations Regan! 

Welcome to summer, we are so proud of you!! 

Year end wrap ups begin

Regan finished up her religion class last week, and with it came a celebration and graduation. I'm proud of all that she has learned this year, and what she has brought home to teach us. Let's just say she pays a lot more attention in church these days. She also made some new friends whom she looked forward to seeing each week. 

I'm also crazy proud of Sidney. You see, we live a fair distance from our church and Sidney/I were forced to find things to do each week during Regan's class. Often, we would spend the hour just sitting in the car talking, working on hand-writing or doing flashcards. Sometimes when it was too cold to sit in the car for an hour, we would stop for a Caribou, or wander the aisles of Walgreens (the only store in the area). And sometimes she would score and we were able to find a wifi connection and she could watch a show on the iPad. Nonetheless, we are all very thankful that the church class school year has ended.

Congratulations Regan, we are very proud of you!

We have a rider!

Regan had a playdate yesterday, and as Ryan went to drop off her tiny friend, Regan saw her friend pick up her bike (without training wheels) and whiz around the driveway. It was enough motivation for Regan to come home and beg Ryan to remove her training wheels. With much encouragement (as it was approaching 8pm), he obliged and the end result.......click HERE!!! It's official, we have a rider! I got quite the workout running up and down the block beside her, but it brought her confidence so I did it; oh the things we do for our children! These cooler temps have pulled us out of the pool so it was the perfect opportunity to practice, and today brought even more riding time. We're still working on braking, at this point she does a legs out straight and jump to the grass while screaming type of stop. 

I think my parents/brother remember that from me and my purple klunker too! 

Success!

This summer we have been working hard on teaching Regan how to dive. She had nailed it from a kneeling position, and today, she shocked us both by walking across the board, standing with her arms perched above her head and DIVING! Maybe it's the Olympics she's been watching :) 

Way to go Regan! We are so proud of you!

Two front teeth

teeth be gone

Toothless

This picture is for Aunt Amy.....

Shortly after I took this picture, the dangly tooth flipped out as the girls tossed around some inflatable pool toys. But not after we begged and begged her to PULL out that ugly looking thing!

We lost the tooth in the crack of the deck but quickly found it and Shane saved the day by retrieving it with a twig.

Whew, toothfairy came and all was happy :)
She is now missing BOTH front teeth; time for some family pictures I think! 

That's a wrap!

Today officially marks the end of the school year. 

We now have a first grader! 

How in the world did that happen so fast? 

I think the picture on the left tells a thousand emotions, just look at her nervous hands, her sweet innocent and apprehensive smile. 

As I wrote one last thank you message to her lovely teacher this afternoon, I teared up thinking how much I am going to miss kindergarten. You know, where everything is all lovely and cozy and wonderful. 

Today when Regan and I snuggled up and talked about her last day I asked her how she was feeling. Her response: "sad". I prompted her to continue and she said just what I was feeling: "I'm sad because I will miss  my teacher". 

She came home to this gigantic sign plastered against the garage door....yes, I got a little carried away with end of the year fun. 

 It was a wonderful June afternoon and to celebrate a few extra hours together, I took the kiddos into the pool... and watched Regan tip over countless times on this piranha.
Later she looked at the box, and said "hey mom, it says 'no-tip', but it should say 'it will tip'!! 

I love that this little girl can read now. Love love love it! 

 And she's pretty excited about all that she has learned too. Welcome to summer sweetie, you've earned it!

Kindergarten Graduation 2012

This morning, we kissed our little BIG girl one more time and wished her well before her Kindergarten Graduation ceremony. 

And of course, there were tears shed as I looked around at all the other parents, getting ready to announce we have a FIRST GRADER!!! I had a few extra tears when I noticed a computer set up in the front row which happened to be skyping a daddy who is stationed overseas. 

Talk about pulling at one's heart strings! 

I have had the privilege of getting to know this wonderful group of kindergartners. I have spent countless hours throughout the year watching them grow. 

So when the curtain was lifted to this shy group of students, my heart melted. Aren't they just adorable with those red solo bowl home made hats? 

I think so too :) 

 They sang a list of songs, with a few cute arm/dance movements along the way. 

Regan's face in this picture below is priceless. She just loves being on stage and really gets into "character".

 When it was "commencement" time, Regan proudly walked across the stage to greet her lovely-very patient-super wonderful teacher.

 They did the official "graduation" hand shake with one hand, diploma with the next.

 Then it was on to a quick congrats from the principal. 

We have been blessed with a wonderful group of teachers and staff. It has been a great experience; these people really do love children.

 Regan's teacher has made her kindergarten year an amazing one. She not only welcomed Regan with open arms, she also welcomed lil' sister Sidney too.
At each conference throughout the year, we would hear all of Regan's strengths....and then the dreadful "we need to work on" statement. Can you guess what it is?.......

 She's a wee bit social. 

That's right, our little 6 year old likes to chat away, and sometimes at some not so great times. Well, it won't prevent her from entering 1st grade, so for that we are thankful!
She has gained the best friend a little girl could ask for. These two have been inseparable from day one!

And a big thank you to some relatives who made the trek and be a part of Regan's special day; THANK YOU!

Aunt (Godmother) Vicky and Hunter

Grandma Jan, Grandma Sheri and Grandpa Arnie

And we wouldn't have missed this for the world (despite Sid's frown).