Parent-Teacher Conferences

Madelyn’s First School Picture

We had Madelyn’s first Parent-Teacher Conference yesterday. It was exciting to hear about how she acted at school. I wasn’t concerned about her behavior because I figured they would’ve been in touch sooner had her sassy self appeared, but I was curious to know what she was like in the classroom. As a former classroom teacher, I can remember how many parents were shocked to hear about their kids’ behavior at school. Sometimes it was good, “Are you kidding me? He’s polite?” And sometimes it was bad, “What? She never says two peeps at home, and now she won’t be quiet?” Ah, yes, I remember those conversations well, and I was curious to know which way our conversation would go.

Fortunately, she’s a good little kid who, for the most part, minds her manners and follows directions. They are working on sharing. No big shocker there. She completely understands how to share when someone has something she wants. She is quick to remind them all about sharing. But when someone wants something she has, well, she needs a bit of a reminder herself.

Chris and I are so impressed with how much Madelyn has grown in such a short amount of time. She’s always been a smart little cookie, but she truly does absorb everything. And I especially love how she carries things into life outside of school, too. For example, a couple weeks ago, we were getting ready to read a story, and before we got started, she said, pointing to the front of the book, “Wait, Mommy. Do you know what this is?” A little surprised that my three-year-old was quizzing me, I said, “No. What is it?” She replied, “It’s the front cover.” Then she proceeded to turn the book over and ask, “What this?” I questioned, “The back cover?” Madelyn was so excited about me knowing the answer. She yelled, “That’s right, Mommy! It’s the back cover! Good job!” As I was laughing, she got real serious, lifted her eyebrows, and said, “This is a hard one. Do you know what it is?” Although I did indeed know the answer, I wanted to see what she said, so I replied, “No. What is it?” She very proudly said, “This is called a spine, Mommy. And I have a spine, too. A spine holds things together.” I was impressed. What a great connection! This is now a ritual at bedtime. We have to describe each part of the book, which now also includes the title page. I love it! It is absolutely exciting to watch her learn and grow!

Rough Mornings

Some mornings are just harder than others!

I couldn't help but to post this picture of Madelyn from this morning. Every morning she comes into the bathroom where I'm getting ready and crawls up on the counter to watch me put on my make-up and do my hair. This morning was unique because she was obviously just too tired to keep her head off the counter. Poor girl.

Community Firefighters

Yesterday Madelyn brought this picture home from school. They had a wonderful visit with the community firefighters, and it's obvious from this photo that Madelyn has a natural instinct of noticing these brave men who protect and serve our community. I mean, really. Why look at the camera when you can look at the firemen?

Favorite Summer Picture

We had such an incredibly busy summer, and have shared lots of fun pictures, but none make me smile quite as big as this one does.

We rounded out the summer with a Labor Day BBQ with Grammy and Papa. It's been over two weeks since Papa has seen Madi since she's been busy in preschool, and they both were missing each other terribly. She didn't waste any time showing him all her new swimming tricks. And he was quite impressed. We all were.

The five of us enjoyed our time bobbing around in the pool, catching up on day-to-day stories.Chris barbequed some delicious mahi mahi and veggies, and we topped it all off with Madelyn's favorite: fruit smoothies!

 

More Camping

We had another opportunity to get out of this God forsaken heat (oh, pardon me, the heat is really making me quite irritable), and we jumped at the chance.

We decided to go to one of our favorite spots, Canyon Point. It was the most wonderful weekend I think we've had in a while. The three of us literally plunked ourselves down and did nothing but relax. We did manage to get a few "hikes" in and I counted that as my exercise for each day because other than that we truly couldn't help but veg-out.

I think our favorite part of the weekend was when a big storm rolled into the forest. I had been telling Madelyn that I love the sound and smell of rain when you're in a tent. She was interested to see exactly what I meant, and boy did she get to learn quick!

Fortunately, we made our way into the tent just a few minutes before the rain started falling.

It was a perfectly nice, quiet afternoon listening to the rain. And eventually getting dribbled on in the tent. We learned that our new tent is as magical as it gets when it comes to setting it up and tearing it down, but as for being waterproof... well, let's just say it left a little to be desired.

Note the water starting to drop near our heads.

We made the best of it and truly did spend most of the two hours huddled up in the tent laughing. Boy did we laugh. Chris and I really enjoyed watching Madelyn experience her first real big thunder and lightening storm. As a matter of fact, while I was taking some pictures, I happened to catch one of her many expressions.

Before Thunder & Lightening

 

During Thunder & Lightening

Good thing we didn't leave any technology at home. Madelyn watched a movie while Chris and I each read a book. Then we eventually ALL took a nap. Dog included. :)