A ball, a net and a few girls...

Julianne had the opportunity to play volleyball this fall at the middle school she attends.  Because of the number of girls that participate the girls play intramural volleyball in 6th and 7th grade, with 8th graders as team captains.

Julianne did a fabulous job! She learned a lot and improved as the season went on.  They had about 2 weeks of practices before the games started.  They played every Wednesday for 4 weeks.  And, now that the season is over at school, it's time to practice at home!

Watching Julianne brought back a lot of memories of my days of playing volleyball.  It also brought plenty of confusion for, a LOT has changed since I played.  I have kept up on most things, but a few things I didn't quite follow.

Towards the end of the season we were lucky enough to head to Denver and watch the USD Coyotes play volleyball.  It was a great mother/daughter day for Julianne and I.  We both also saw quite a few new things during the volleyball match.  Go Yotes!

Her are a few pictures from Julianne's volleyball games...

William's 1st day of Preschool

William had his first day of preschool in September and he was EXCITED to go!  He has wanted to go to school the last few years with his sisters, so this was like a dream come true.  

 He wanted pictures with his sisters before they left for school.

 Daddy joined us at preschool to say, "Have a great first day!"

 In his classroom for the first day - he LOVED it!

His teacher and the aide are fabulous!  And, I really like that there are only 10 kids in his class which means he gets lots of attention and help with projects.

William had really grown in is first 3.5 months of preschool and I look forward to what is yet to come.  We are grateful for having found a preschool that we love and that William looks forward to going to each Tuesday and Thursday.

The first day of school...

In August the girls started another year of school.  This year Julianne is in 4th grade and Katelyn is in 1st grade.  They both have awesome teachers that encourage learning and challenge them.  Julianne also has a student teacher in her classroom all year and I have heard it is nice to have an extra set of hands in the classroom.  Besides their classroom teachers, they also have great "specials" teachers (art, gym, music, library and computer lab).  Finally, Julianne started orchestra this year and is playing the Cello.  She is enjoying it and and has earned her bow.  The Brandon elementary schools had their orchestra concert mid-December and it was fun to see Julianne perform.  Here are some pictures from the first day of school for the girls.

First...

Julianne's first day of 2nd grade...

Enjoying a little breakfast and getting ready for an exciting day!

First pictures with Dad and Mom as a 2nd grader.

 No matter where we are, a first day of school pose by a tree.

 Julianne and her 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Livingston.

Julianne by her first locker, no more cubbies.

Julianne's first day at Fred Assam Elementary. 

My heart melts as I look in the eyes of my first born, my baby girl.  She is growing up.  Each day I see how she changes, how she matures, and how much she learns.  The day she was born and I held her in my arms I knew she was going to be a shining star.  She is kind, loving and brave.  She is smart, caring and beautiful.  She is strong, spunky and full of energy.  I miss her when I drop her off at school, but I look forward to our conversations when I pick her up.  She will always be my baby, but today she is a 2nd grader.  

Julianne, I love you to "infinity and beyond".  As you grow up, remember who you are and believe in yourself.  Happy first day of 2nd grade!  Love, Mommy

Katelyn's Easter Party

Katelyn's preschool class celebrated Easter today with an Easter egg hunt and party.  Here are a few pictures from the party.

Katelyn showing off her Easter basket she made at preschool.

Snack time!  Katelyn brought the treats and chose Jell-o and rice krispie treats.

Sarah, Katelyn's friend, enjoying her rice krispie treat.

 For the game, the kids played pin the polka dot on the Easter egg.  I think they all enjoyed "decorating" the big white egg.