First Day-Part 2

Ellie and I had our first day of school Monday, and boy was it a great one! She could not stop talking about her classroom, her new friends, and most of all...her desk! "Momma, I get my own desk in first grade; not a table with other kids!" Wow, I still can't believe that my little girl is in first grade!

"The Night Before First Grade"

The first day of First Grade!



Ready to go!



More Birthday Fun

Saturday we celebrated Sadie Kate's birthday with a "gymnasstiss" party. She planned the party, right down to the guests and menu (purple cupcakes, cheese puffs, and grapes-seriously, that's all she would agree to!). She had a blast! It was her first REAL birthday party-the previous ones had either been with family only, friends coming to the house to play on the waterslide, or oh yea, the one where we had tons of kids, food, and a huge jumpy...and she got pink eye! Needless to say, she was excited about her party! She played with each friend and on each apparatus at the gym. Later, Ellie's friend Emily came home with us and they played even longer. What a wonderful way to celebrate our sassy Sadie!

Making her way through the tunnel.

Sadie Kate and Ellie on the obstacle course.

Gibbs wasn't exactly "diggin" the hula hoop race.

Ben on the beam...
I swear, if this kid doesn't end up as part of my family tree...

Emily and Ellie on the beam.

Camryn's first time on the beam...what a pro!

 Master of the Beam!

I know it's blurry, but what a great picture!

Kurt - "hanging out" with the big kids!

Action shot!

The dismount!

Gavin was a pro at the rope swing!

Kate wasn't "ready for her closeup"!

I finally got in a picture!!!

Singing "Happy Birthday"

Bashful? Priceless!

The Big 0-4!

Today we celebrated one of the most joyous days of my life...Sadie Kate's birth! Oh, what an interesting day it was. Not at all how I imagined or played in my head for 10 months, but looking back, it was just as it needed to be. God's plan is always perfect and although I couldn't see it then, boy do I see it now. Ellie's birth had been an all day event with over a dozen in attendance. Sadie Kate's birth was the exact opposite; a few hours and only Mark and I in attendance. Looking back, both experiences were perfect. Sharing the birth of our first child with our familes was wonderful and I wouldn't change it. Sharing the birth of our second child with only each other was a more relaxed/shared experience. I am so thankful that my God chose these two precious daughters to bring such laughter and joy into my life. What a perfect, perfect plan!

First Day-Take One

Well, today marked the "first" first day of school for the Mayos. Sadie Kate was over the moon to start her 4 year old class at school today. She had a great first day and even came home with a note from her teacher, Miss Lindsay. After a chaotic summer with very little structure, this was exactly what she needed. From the minute I picked her up, she has talked nonstop about rules, friends, trying your best, and standing in line quietly  (I am once again reminded what my students' parents must feel like with the "My teacher said..." comments). After dinner, she finished a coloring page/handwriting sheet that she brought from school, practiced writing her name, and even asked me if I would go ahead and let her take a shower "before it's late". Fingers crossed that this lasts more than a week!!



Sadie Kate- 3 years, 11.5 months




Sweet note from her teacher-it is rare,
so it warranted public documentation!