Fun Times.... Great Friends!

Labor Day Weekend could not come soon enough!  I have known Jocelyn since moving to Idaho in 2007, and we both agree that our friendship is one of the best things about living in Mountain Home!  We spent many an afternoon at Grinde's, eating cornbread and baked potatoes- Jocelyn with a Dr.Pepper, and me with a Grape Squeeze.  We became such regulars, the waitresses would know our drink orders even before we sat down!  We also frequented the Boise scrapbook store, Archiver's, and did many a card-making class together.  There is nothing more cherished in all the world than an unconditional friend who knows everything about you- good and bad.... and loves you in spite of it all!!!!  I feel so blessed to know Jocelyn!

Fast forward 3 years later, and we are both living in Texas!  Jocelyn is up closer to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and me in San Antonio.  Back in May, we planned to meet in Austin (which is close to halfway) for Memorial Day weekend, and that is when I got that horrible case of food poisoning, and we had to cancel.   I was SO bummed!  So, when it came time for Labor Day, I was so excited to plan a "Girl's Weekend" and meet up WITHOUT Mallory for crafting and relaxing!

We arrived on Friday, and checked into the La Quinta.  Jocelyn had picked the perfect location- just 1/2 mile from Archiver's, where we were going to enjoy a 6-hour crop from 5pm-11pm.  I never thought we'd stay the whole time.... but we sure did!

The hotel was brand new!  Only a month or so old.  The beds were sooooooooo comfortable, and I loved sleeping in past 7am!!!

We enjoyed lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, then decided to get pedicures- perfect girls weekend, for sure!

Ahhhhh.... relaxing!

That night, at the crop, I worked on an album for Mallory, and Jocelyn worked on a travel album.  We were too busy crafting to take any pictures!  The next morning, we enjoyed a 2-hour (ahem....make that 3.5 hour!) card-making class to make these 9 mini cards.  They are all 3x3, and there are ALOT of steps!  It took alot of time, but it was worth it, and super fun!

Then, we both made the drive back down to San Antonio.  Since we took so much longer at the card-making class, we decided to skip the San Marcos Outlet Mall (I know- shocker!) and head to lunch at Rudy's Bar-b-que instead.  (sinful... but wonderful!)  Then, we stopped by the house to see Mallory, tuck her into bed, and headed out to see "The Switch" with Jennifer Aniston.  Chick Flick.... check.

The next day, Jocelyn joined my family at church.  Afterwards, lunch at Chili's- Mallory was so excited to spend time with Miss Jocelyn!

My parents love Jocelyn, too.  We all really admire how independent and strong she is.  SUCH an amazing woman!

After lunch, we did some SERIOUS shopping at The Container Store, Toys 'R' Us and La Quintera.  Jocelyn had never been to La Quintera before, and we both found some great deals.  It was pure heaven to have THREE days of shopping without Mallory- and I have Grandma and Grandpa to thank for that! As far as I can tell, they all had a great time, too- thank goodness!

I know a forever friend when I see one, and Jocelyn is definitely one to me.  Here's to many more fun-filled adventures together!

Mallory's Kitchen Decorations

Mallory really misses her Daddy, and talks about him all the time.  He sent her some postcards from Korea, and she was carrying them EVERYWHERE!  Finally, I suggested she put them on the fridge, like Grandma does with special things.  And we both decided they should go on MALLORY'S fridge!

So we got out some tape, and taped them to her little kitchen.  The top photo is a picture of her and Daddy in Hawaii.  She walks by and kisses it several times a day.  Makes me feel bad for not thinking of doing this sooner!

Thanks you for always thinking of us, Daddy!  We love getting letters and cards from you- can't wait to add more treasures to the fridge!

COOKIES!!!!!

The other day, Mallory got a fun box full of things from Grandma Peg.  We love all the clothing and NC State gear, and of course, the precious porcelain tea set.... but I must say there is one thing that has stolen the show.... sweet Cookie Monster.

Charles thinks he remembers playing with this puppet when he was little, too.  It is so cute, though I can't figure out how you are supposed to move the hands and mouth with just ONE hand.... Mallory focuses on using the mouth, of course!

Cookie Monster joined us for dinner one evening, and after dinner, Grandma gave Mallory a cookie for eating so well.  

Mallory decided that Cookie Monster looked hungry, too.

"Open wide, cookie Monster!"

Mallory made chewing sounds, just like Cookie Monster does on Sesame Street.  It was too cute!  But I am pretty sure the cookie ended up in HER tummy!

A Little Gymnast in the making....

As much as I would love to see our sweet little Mallory in a pink tutu and playing "ballerina" in a little dance class, I must admit that with her independent spirit, it seems that individualized activities are much more up her alley!  She thrives with make-believe on her own, and very rarely finds enjoyment in just "following along".  That is why swimming is a good choice for us right now.  She progresses at her own pace, and only has to follow what the coach tells her, and not with anyone else in the class.

I think she would really like gymnastics, as well.  Friends have invited to places like The Little Gym before, but never have been able to go, for one reason or another.  Finally, the week before school started, we were able to go meet our friends, the Cranstons at a great place in New Braunfels called J&R Gymnastics.  It is a real gymnastics studio- with uneven bars, balance beams, trampolines, and all sorts of other things!  Twice a week, they offer an "open play time", and young kiddos have their run of the place for a couple of hours.  There are of course, a few rules in place for safety, and all the kids (and PARENTS) do a pretty good job at obeying the guidelines so no one gets hurt.

For the first hour, I was so busy chasing Mallory around that I didn't get the chance to take any pictures! But the last 20 minutes, a "leader" gathers all the kids together by laying out a giant parachute and blowing bubbles.  This helps all the kids start to wind down, and understand that play time is over.  I was finally able to get out my camera.

The kids all tried to pop the bubbles.  Mallory is in the white shirt and pink shorts in the middle of the picture.

Mallory was fascinated by how many bubbles the pipe made at once!

She preferred popping the bubbles that had already landed.

Helping us spread out the parachute, so everyone could run underneath.

You can barely see in the background of this picture, but we are all underneath the parachute, making a "mushroom house".  The parents all sat on the edge of the parachute, and the kiddos were in the middle.

All the kids made as much noise as possible by banging on the floor.

When it was time to go, the leader brought over a monkey named "Bingo".  All the kids got to kiss him good-bye.  Here, he is kissing Jillian.

We had SUCH a great time, but unfortunately, the open play is only on Mondays and Fridays, when Mallory is in school.  We are super sad about that, but we'll see how swimming goes.... maybe gymnastics will be our next activity!

Back to Swimming Class!

Not only did Mallory start school this week, she went back to swimming class, too!  She had such a great time this summer during her 2-week session, that we decided to forego dance class or gymnastics for swimming once a week.  Mallory really likes it, and she L-O-V-E-S Coach Beau!  I was so happy we lucked out and got him again.

Mallory swims for 30 minutes every Thursday morning.  Our weekly schedule is spread out, but still packed with stuff to do!  I hope I get the hang of this soon..... scheduling is never my favorite thing!

This time, there are 3 kiddos in the class.  

Claire goes to Crown of Life, too- but is in a different 3-year old class.

Mallory actually kept her goggles ON for most of the class!  She was having a great time!

She had to pull up her goggles to pose for Mommy!

This green thing is a giant kick board Alligator that Coach Beau uses to pull the kids through the water.  It's hard to tell in still pictures, but he goes FAST!  He lifts the board out of the water, and splashes them down again.  Then he shakes the board really fast to make them all hold on tight, tight, tight.  No one has fallen off... yet!

Getting ready for lift-off!

The all have such a great time!  Mallory is almost complete with level two.. she just need to do nose bubbles with her mouth closed.  Then, she'll move onto level three, and the PINK bracelet..... maybe I should just tell her that as the incentive- she loves ALL things pink, after all!

Mallory's First Day of School!

Mallory attended a little Montessori school in Idaho, but I really always classified it as "glorified daycare".  I mean, at 2 years old, what can you expect?

But after several months of being out of a classroom setting, we were ALL ready for Mallory to begin a structured education experience!  We found a great little Lutheran Preschool right around the corner from the house, and I registered her back in May.  We have been anticipating this for a LONG TIME!  

Mallory will be attending "Crown of Life" Preschool, and will be going to school M-W-F from 9-12.  Since she still takes such a big nap (and hopefully won't give it up anytime soon- fingers crossed, people!) I didn't want to put her in the full day that goes until 3pm.  But if she ever drops that nap, we may have to consider it!

About 2 weeks before school started, I got a packet from the school with a letter from her teacher, Mrs. Aguirre.  She wanted to call and schedule a HOME VISIT to meet Mallory!  I was beyond impressed!  We set up a day, and talked to Mallory about how her teacher was coming to meet her.  

When the day finally came, Mallory was so very excited- she introduced Mrs. Aguirre to her grandparents and showed her pictures of her daddy.  She also introduced her to many of her "friends", including Buzz Lightyear.  Mrs. Aguirre brought her all the things she needed for school and talked to her about her class.  Mallory let Mrs. Aguirre take her picture for the classroom bulletin board, but barely could stand still for Grandma when she took this picture!

Just 1 week later, we were getting ready to drive to the school for the first time!  Mrs. Aguirre brought Mallory this big red bucket to use for her work.  The school finds that the little ones do much better with a big open bucket then fumbling with a backpack and zippers.  They are responsible for retrieving things out of and putting things into their own buckets throughout the day.

Mallory started school on Wednesday, September 1st.  On Wednesdays, the classes attend Chapel and each child brings an offering.  Mallory was given a little cup and lid to hold her offering- she chose 2 shiny quarters, and put it in her bucket.  Mommy added a picture of her family (as Mrs. Aguirre had requested), Mallory's snack (pretzels and cheese), and a change of clothes.

Mallory's "Breakfast of Champions" for her first day of school.  

This child would seriously die for Dora yogurt- for real!  

(She ate every bite, by the way!)

Eating a big breakfast on her big day!

Trying to get Mallory to sit still for a picture is a skill... seriously!  

Mallory is wearing the dress her Auntie Beth sent her.  She looks so darn cute in it!  

Thank you, Auntie Beth!

Mallory carried her own bucket all the way into the school.  SUCH a big girl!

"HOORAY!!!!!!!  I'M AT SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!"

(Mallory's exact words at this moment!)

This school is small and casual, and very inviting.  We are excited to be a part of it!

They have a computer system to check your child "in" and "out".  Here is the mob of mommies on the first day.

Welcome to your classroom, Mallory!  The teacher's assistant, Mrs. Endicott welcomed her, and invited her to the table where they had COOKIE DOUGH ready for the kids to cut out cookies.  Smart teachers, right?  What a perfect way to endear the kids to them right from the start!

But seriously, that home visit was SUCH a good idea!  Mallory looked forward to seeing her teachers and the classroom she had heard so much about.  She barely noticed when I left!  It was such a blessing!

Every day, there is an agenda posted outside the classroom, so we know what the activities are for the day.  It is SO organized!

There are 11 students in Mallory's class.  7 boys and 4 girls!  

Each child had their name on a worm- here's Mallory's!

Here is Mallory when I picked her up at noon.....They played outside for 30 minutes today, and Mallory was so HOT!  She also had some water that spilled on her, so by the end of the day, she was truly a hot mess!  I didn't mind- I knew she'd sleep WELL today!

We showed Mallory her worm, and she was so excited!  She kept trying to pull it off!

So, school is off to a great start!  Here's to a fabulous year!

Fire Station Birthday Party!

Mallory and I are so fortunate to have long-time friends living right in and around San Antonio.  With Daddy gone, it is truly a joy to be able to reconnect and spend time with friends we made at our first assignment at Laughlin AFB.

One of those precious families is the DeMizio's.  They have a daughter, Callie who will soon be SIX (oh my!) and is too sweet for words, and a little boy, Trevor.  Trevor just turned 4, and for his birthday, we all got invited to the New Braunfels Fire Station!  Mallory was so excited!

The firefighters greeted all of the kiddos with their own fire helmets!  

Mallory's lasted about 2 minutes- but I managed to get a picture!  WOW!

They let the kids all pile into a real fire truck!  

Mallory wasted  no time in getting comfy in the middle seat- see her?

Here is Trevor, with his sister next to him, and Mallory climbing all over everything!  All of the kids were very excited, and the firefighters could not have been more patient and friendly!

Next, they all got to climb into the rescue boat.  Mallory sang the entire "Wonder Pets" theme song.  Who would they rescue today?

Right next door to the firehouse is a firefighter museum.  We got to go sit in some of the vintage fire engines.  Mallory was THRILLED!

All she really wanted to do was turn the handle to make the siren go off!  But we left that to the older kids, like Callie- and of course, the birthday boy himself!

Here is the sweet DeMizio family- Johnny, Jennifer, Callie and Trevor.  

We all had pizza after the fire station adventure!

And Jennifer made these adorable and HUGE cookies for the kids to take home!  Mallory was super excited to eat it after dinner!

And she sure enjoyed the WHOLE thing.... right down to the last crumb!

Thanks for inviting us to your party!  We had such a good time!