Thursday, August 21, 2014

Pop-N-Tot

So. Yesterday was unexpectedly emotional. Not really sure where it came from, cause I've been so excited for today to come, and Beth is SO ready for Pre-K. But, for some reason (aka Karen!) I had a rough day yesterday. Not surprisingly, Beth did not. Which made me super proud of her, and made me realize that she is growing up.

Last Friday, Beth stayed with Karen. It was very obvious to me when I picked up Beth, that Karen was having a hard time with telling Beth bye. To avoid getting emotional myself, I simply reminded her that Beth was going to be at Pop N Tot on Tuesday and Wednesday since she wasn't going to have Pre-K those days. That seemed to help, but this set in motion in my mind how much we love our Pop N Tot teachers.

Yesterday was Beth's last day at Pop N Tot. (Don't tell, but she didn't want to go.) She is ready for the next chapter of her life, and that is Pre-K! She has already made several new friends, and loves her teacher, Ms. Ray. I am super excited for her, and am thoroughly enjoying all of her firsts with her at 'big school.'
BUT - - I wasn't quite ready to tell her wonderful preschool teachers good bye yesterday. ME! Beth was fine, but I was a mess!! We have fallen in love with those two wonderful ladies, and they are truly a part of our family. Beth and I don't take that lightly, either. It takes quite a bit to call someone family, and words can not express our deep attachment to these two.

It all started with a special little package in Beth's backpack yesterday. It was a wonderful little picture frame with some very special rocks glued on it. There is a story with those rocks...
Beth has been collecting rocks for Ms. Karen's hubby, Kenny, for the last 2 years. I found out a couple weeks ago that they have been saving these rocks. Yesterday, I found out why. Adorable!!
In the picture frame is a lovely picture of Ms. Karen and Kenny, with a little poem to go with it. Beth LOVED it!! She took it right home and put it on her cabinet, next to her bed, so she can see it everyday. How special!!

Ms. Karen and Ms. Mary, you have made the last two years do able for me and Beth. I can't imagine our lives without you. There is no way to repay you for all you have done for the two of us, but I hope you know that you are family.

Lots of love and warmest hugs,
Amber and Beth

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Summertime

This summer has gone by so fast, and we've had so much going on, I'm not sure where to begin!

Our highlight of the summer was our trip to Florida. 1 week is simply not long enough. It was super special to spend this amazing vacation with Meme, Popa, Nana, and PawPaw. I took tons of pictures, none of which I have taken the time to download from my camera, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute.
Some of our favorites: airplane ride, meeting the characters and princesses, Beth seeing 'her' castle and being treated like a princess, seeing the Lion King play, and riding rides and roller coasters. The kids have all asked when we are going back. Hmmm... if money only grew on trees!!

The boys spent the rest of the summer with Acme and Summer Playground. They had their days filled with games, science experiments, and field trips. And their field trips were awesome!! Zoo, Frontier City, Botanical Gardens, Science Museum, Airport and Air Museum, Red Hawks baseball game, and Braums factory to name a few. They were BUSY!
Beth spent the summer with Pop N Tot, where she had some great adventures of her own. She also stayed with Jessica West, who has become a part of our family. Jessica has just left for her mission, and will be GREATLY missed. I foresee a lot of Beth letters headed to California!

Add in two family reunions, 4th of July fun, piano lessons, gymnastic practice, Bountiful Baskets, Family fun day, and some park trips, and we have had a fun filled summer.
The last two weeks we have been prepping for school to start and all three kids have been super excited. Meet the teacher night was great, and all three love their teachers. (And I do too!) All three will be going to Acme ASP (After School Program) and are excited to be together. (Me too!)

I'm sure things won't slow down any, and I have decided that this is just our new normal. And, I am ok with that! As long as we keep our family time, and get to spend time together!