First Grade

It is hard to believe that my baby boy is in first grade. Alex started at his new school last week. I was so proud of him on the big first day. He was nervous being new here and not having a buddy in his class. He walked into school with his head high and sat at his desk. I waived from the door and Anika and I walked home as fast as I could go. I didn't want to cry on the way back. He was so brave and I know it was hard for him. He had a great first day and loves his new school. He is already making some good friends. The other day when I asked who he played with at recess he said " oh you know mom the same old, same old" That is my Alex. He really does go with the flow. He has made friends with a girl in his class that was adopted from China as an infant. How neat is that? Having him love his new school is such a blessing. It is easy to send him when he is so excited and I know he likes being there. I also think this part of town is going to be like our wonderful small town we just left in time. The first day of school all the kids along our way to school were running and hugging each other and everyone seemed to really know each other. It made the walk hard for us last week but I kept telling Alex that soon you will have lots of friends here too.

Anika is doing great. She was 16 months old a few weeks ago and is starting to blossom. She is having a ball playing with me while Alex is at school. The first day she just kept saying "awek awek awek" to herself in such a sad little voice. Picking him up is still the highlight of her day. She is starting to run now and says a new word or two everyday. This weekend we are going on a little trip to visit with some of our blogging friends with Guatemalan children. I am so excited. I hope to get some good pictures to post too. Here are a few pictures from FIRST GRADE I just can't get over it and Anika's new dew...

A wonderful day

Alex and I had a wonderful day at the Children's Garden here in town! This place is amazing and there is so much for kids to do. We spent all day there. A big huge thank you to my Mom who is watching Anika for 5 days so Alex and I can run all over town and do 6 year old things all day before he starts FIRST GRADE next week. I really really appreciate having this time with Alex. It has been a busy stressful summer with the move. Alex will be in school again and then Anika will have tons of time we just me. I am looking forward to that too. Alex and I went to the Kids Museum all day yesterday and are hitting the pool tomorrow. I made a short slide show of our day. Enjoy the pictures...

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Snapshots

Fun

We had a fun weekend enjoying what our new home has to offer. On Saturday we went to the Children's Museum. Alex was thrilled to see the Dino display. Anika was very happy too and loved the animals. After that we went to a Latin American restaurant. It was great complete with music. Alex beamed the whole time. The third picture is him in the restaurant. We have decided it will be our special occasion place. Alex has already said that he wants to go there for his adoption day meal. We were so full and it was still early so we decided to hit the arboretum for a walk. They have a butterfly house this time of the year and the kids loved this bench. The house was closed for the night so we will have to go back. Today we hung around the house and just played and watched TV. Later in the afternoon we hit the park with the splash pad that Alex just goes crazy for. Anika was brave today and even walked through the water. It was a really nice weekend and I am excited about all there is to do here. I still feel a bit like we are on vacation and I don't think it will hit me we live here now until school starts. I hope Alex loves his school here as much as he did in our old town. He had so much fun and was so happy there.

Coming up for air....

The last two weeks have been a blur. We are in our new house and getting settled. Anika was not happy at all the first two days but now seems to be adjusting to her new home. Alex was sad the first night and cried for our old house but since then has been excited about his new swing set and the wonderful "splash park" around the corner from the house etc.... It is a big change and we will really miss the friends we made the last two years and small town living. There is so much more to say but I am still trying to process this all myself. I will miss our old town and I also am looking forward to what this bigger area has to offer.

We had a great family visit over the 4th while we were mid move. So far no offers on the house...

ANIKA IS WALKING!

Tall?

That is not a word we are used to much in this house. Alex just had his 6 year apt last week and was in the 3rd percentile for his age. He has been in this range since he was 4 months old so nothing to be concerned about. He is very healthy and for that we are thankful. This morning was Anika's turn. Imagine my surprise when the nurse says " wow you have a tall one" Anika is in the 70Th percentile for height at this point. She is also healthy and we have been so blessed twice....Here are a few pictures of our big girl..

Look at me

I am on a horse with my big brother! Last night we went to a friends house and Alex and Anika got to ride on their horse. Alex loved it and then was so excited to ride with Anika. Thanks to our friends for a great time! Anika has been looking at these pictures and squealing all morning.