Here we are, beginning of September. Technically, summer has a few more weeks remaining, but the transition is already underway. This summer was busy, just as is every day in every season. We started June off with a ballet recital – Katelyn’s first! She’ll continue ballet class again this year, with the addition of an introduction to tap. Picture this: a room full of 3 year olds wearing pink tutus and silver sequence…adorable (with a few laughs mixed in).
Katelyn took swimming lessons for several weeks and it was amazing to watch her ability and comfort in the pool grow weekly. She had a wonderful teacher who was very patient; especially considering Katelyn was the youngest in the class by a few years.
Fourth of July was a well-needed family break in Tahoe. We spent time at the lake, playing in the yard and taking walks. The girls had their first rafting experience down the Truckee River. Both did extremely well and it will only be better next time. Bill and Katelyn were treated to a very special fireworks display – seeing them up-close from the water’s side! Vanessa had dislocated her elbow, so I had to say home with her, but didn’t mind too much because it was wonderful to hear the night’s activities recapped through the eyes of Katelyn.
We spent a weekend camping with some good friends. It’s a lot of work setting up camp, but the fun times had by all were well worth it. The girls made their first smores and got every inch of their bodies filthy each day, proving to me just how much fun they had that day. Katelyn had her first tubing experience – and loved every minute of it!
Vanessa kept busy with gymnastic class and therapy. She still loves the balance beam, the free-play ball time and, of course, bubbles. She is always so happy to be there and her endurance for the class is lengthening.
She loves the water as much as Katelyn, in fact has no fear or reservations about it. She will jump from the side of the pool into your waiting arms a dozen times, each time with a huge grin and an immediate “more” (in sign language).
In the beginning of August, Bill and I took a very-overdue weekend away. We have not been away from both girls since before Vanessa was born. Everyone survived - including the grandparents!One of our favorite family outings is to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. To see the world, at least the sea-world, through the eyes of a 1 and 3 year old is just eye-opening. We have been several times this year and each time discover something new. In this recent visit, the girls had an opportunity to touch-and-see live sea creatures, which, of course, Vanessa had no reservations about sticking her hand into the water and pulling out a starfish to bring home as our new pet. (That is Bill's hand in the picture, trying to make sure we didn't end up with too many starfish on the floor!)
And now, here it is…September. School begins for Katelyn next week. The girls’ extra-curricular classes are starting back up. “Routine” and “schedule” are now regular words in our vocabulary again. I love this time of year because it brings so much structure to our lives…I know what’s going on every day and it just feeds my Type-A personality. I am longing to see Katelyn thrive in school and grow in her confidence through her classes. I am anxious to see Vanessa develop into the adorable toddler she is becoming and surprise me more and more with each passing day.But there are things that I will miss…No more relaxed evenings with 10pm bed times for the girls. No more 5pm ice cream treats. No more p.j.-until-1pm days. Even though the days of summer are ending, I am looking forward to the next season in our journey.