Rowan's first day back to school...

Last Thursday, Rowan started back to school for what is the equivalent of 2nd grade (see more photos by clicking here). And she had a great day. Laurel, on the other hand was missing her sister all day, and cutting her first molar. In these pictures, you can see how she is wearing her pajama top when she got up. It looked a little like a bolo jacket, and must have been uncomfortable.

Rowan left for school so early, Laurel wasn't even up yet. This year the school district has changed the school day around, so the teachers have more time to "communicate to the parents", or so it said in the email we received from the board of education. And unfortunately for my little night owl, that means she loads on the bus at 7:30, instead of 8 AM. And we all know what a half hour longer in be can do for a person. All that to say, she seems to be managing with the early schedule just fine. Now if only Mom and Dad can get used to it...

What else is new: Laurel has lots of new words, and can sign many as well: Cheese, more cheese, shoes (go outside now), up, Daddy, Hi, Bye, Sissy (and sometimes Ro Ro, for Rowan), I talk, book, ball, Molly, and my personal favorite : "what?" - but with an annoyed tone, and while she is talking on her toy cell phone. But no Mommy. What's up with that? But I'm not hurt.

She is also learning to put together puzzles, draw with crayons, eat with a fork, climb down the stairs, and put some items away (very few) after she is done playing with them. She is amazing to watch and learns so fast. It's just like they say, they are such little sponges.

I've been very busy with work, and in my free time I am putting up veggies from the garden subscription we had this summer. We are eating all kinds of new food, including lots of new ethnic foods. Its been a great adventure, and both Bryan and I are eating lots of veggies. And Laurel, too.

Until next time, we wish you all the best. And hope you are enjoying as pleasant of a summer as we are here in the midwest.

Today it was sunny and 79 degrees.