Off to Kindergarten I Go

I FINALLY started Kindergarten this past week. It seemed like all my friends had started before me so I was ready when my first day came. I didn't appear to be nervous at all that morning, especially when I saw some familiar faces upon entering my classroom. My baby sister, however... well, that was a different story. Esther didn't want to leave without me and caused quite a scene as Mom tried to say goodbye and whisk her screaming child out in mother-of-the year fashion (a.k.a. purse and camera on one arm, 2-year-old under the other). Oh yes, and try picturing all this in a very quiet Montessori classroom. Perfect memory for our family. :-)

Here we are getting ready to leave the house.



By my cubby in the classroom.



And for fun, here is a collage with photos of my first day of three year old preschool, first day of pre-K, and Kindergarten. I'm definitely a big kid now. :-)

Star Wars Birthday Party

I celebrated my 5th birthday in style this past weekend, Star Wars style that is. Mom and Nana had a lot of fun planning my party. I picked out some fabric I liked and with a 50% off coupon in tow, they bought enough to make a banner, flags, two table runners, silhouette pictures and cover the mirror above our buffet in the dining room. My favorite color is blue so blue felt was used to accent the black star/galaxy fabric.







Mom made lightsabers for all my friends using only pool noodles and black and silver duct tape. :-)



Our lighsaber treats were chocolate dipped pretzels. Yum!







Mom's very talented friend, Melissa, made my awesome R2D2 cake. I loved it!




We kids had a great time playing games. As part of our Jedi training, we were timed while trying to keep a balloon up in the air using only our lightsaber. Next, we practiced our aiming skills by shooting wall decals of characters from the dark side.



Then we went outside and we were given the task of destroying evil droids which were dropped down on us from above. After that, we played a Star Wars version of Simon Says, "Obi-Wan Says."



Finally, we were ready to go up against the death star. Together we overthrew the Galactic Empire!



After all that work, it was time to celebrate with food and cake.



And lastly, I opened up presents from my wonderful friends and family.



After the party was over Mom asked if I had a good time. I enthusiastically answered, "Of course I did!" What a perfect way to turn five!

Soccer Season Starts!

It's my first season playing soccer, but I'm certain I'll keep playing until I make it to the big leagues. In fact, I've been telling people for months that I'm playing on the Portland Timbers team. :-)








My buddy, Michael, is on my team. Needless to say, we're going to have a blast playing soccer together!



Can't wait for my first game!

Happy Valentine's Day

Me: "Mom, I want to get a Valentine's day card to give my best friend."

Mom: "You do? That's sweet of you. Who would you like to give this card to?"

Me: "Probably Esther." And, of course, she then melts.







There is so much fun to be had when your sibling is also your best friend.

Snow, Snow, Snow!!

We aren't enduring snow storms like those folks on the east coast, but we are about 45 minutes away from the mountain and thus can enjoy the snow when we want. We've been up to the mountain a couple times already and so here are a few pictures from these fun visits.

We went sledding with some friends one day and I LOVED it!!





We also went up to Government Camp when Aunt Carrie and my cousin, Job, visited from Houston.



Esther loved the snow too. :-)





Dad says he may even take me skiing for the first time this year. Woohoo! I love snow!