Teacher Thanks

 We have had a great year in school(s).  Georgia's teacher is really sweet; if you think "first grade teacher," her face pops up.  Georgia will have her next year for second grade as well, and we're excited about this.  She's the type of teacher that knows it makes Georgia's day to take papers to the office, so she lets her do it often.  The type of teacher that so many times has said "Georgia is the ideal student."  (Well, no duh.)  She recognizes Georgia's strengths and pushes her to be even better.  We love Mrs. Crary.

In Murphy's All Saints preschool, he has three teachers.  Well, a long-term substitute for one, Mrs. Kelly, who is pursuing her master's and had to miss the last three weeks of school. This was her last year teacher, so it's a bit sad as Georgia and Murphy have both had her as a teacher.  Mrs. Jana is a first time preschool teacher, and it's another sad story because she is moving on to teach 3rd grade.  Millie is super bummed she won't get her next year.  Mrs. Kathleen is another that Georgia and Murphy have both had and thoroughly enjoyed.   She is a wonderful teacher and person.  I find myself talking to her a lot.  She has seven kids and one granddaughter (with another on the way).  She teaches the 4/5 class, so Millie will have to wait a year, but she will have her eventually!  Murphy has thrived in preschool.  He is starting to read (which is absolutely precious to listen to).  I was concerned at the beginning of the year whether or not he would be ready for kindergarten, but now I have no doubt.  This is a great group of ladies.

The kids all have Senora Barnes  for Spanish.  Millie and Murphy go twice a week and Georgia goes once.  She is a drill sergeant, but the kids are doing fabulously.  Murphy got to move up to the "big kid class" (kindergarten ages) and Senora B said he is thriving.  And bless his heart with his little Spain Spanish accent.  Incredible.  Georgia is really loving her class; picking up conversational Spanish very quickly.  Millie used to butt heads with Senora Barnes.  Total personality conflict.  In other words, Millie was told what to do.  Nobody tells Millie what to do.  Well, Senora Barnes does.  Millie has realized this now, and it's all good.  She, too, is a sponge, and is picking up so much.  Millie's best buddy, James, is in the class, too, so they no doubt have a fun three hours.  Next fall Mil and James will be doing other preschools (Mil in All Saints) Tuesdays and Thursdays and German with Senora Frau Barnes on Wednesdays.  Nine til 1:00pm.  That's what I'm talking about.  And to think, one year from the fall, Charlie will be joining the Language World crew.

I know a plant can't fully express our thanks to the teachers; the people our kids spend so many hours of the day with, but I hope it lets them know we very much appreciate them and what they do on a daily basis for our kids.  

THANK YOU TEACHERS!  You deserve a nice, relaxing summer break!

Brilliant Bear

Would YOU want to crawl on sidewalks?  Neither does Charlie, obviously.  She crawls normally inside, but outside, it's all bear all the time.

Yes, that is dirt on her face.  She ate some to wash down the grass she snacked on.

Charlie is the sweetest.  She makes everyone smile.  Everyone.

The latest: I ask her where the puppy is and she says "puppa."  Genious.

Charlie girl

Dream house ideas...

All four kids in one room!? 

Tball Fun

Making Beezie proud with #10!

Cute spectator.

Georgia and Owen cheering on their brothers.

Alisa asking Murphy out again.

These girls are serious!

Barb telling Murphy where to run next...Barb is a saint for "coaching" with Jeff!

He swings....and misses...

What a clown!

Cutest team ever.

Happy Birthday, Georgia!

I can vividly remember the details of seven years ago today.  Walking around the block in Coronado, stopping at every other tree for a contraction.  Walking in the parking structure at the hospital to get contractions going stronger.  The long long process that quickly and easily lead to me holding the sweetest 9.1 pounder I've ever seen.  That face I will never forget.  I think that is THE MOST magical moment in life.  Giving birth to a life changing individual and putting a face with the person to which you will forever be linked.  Beautiful.

Trevor and I came home to the condo to my parents.  I remember tears welling up in my eyes seeing my dad holding Georgia.  Quite a moment.  And my dad pushing an empty stroller as we walked around the neighborhood because Georgia cried in her little seat.  Or perhaps she just really wanted me to hold her.  Georgia changed everyone's lives.  She continues to.

Georgia crawled at five months, walked at eight and a half.  She could have started kindergarten at two.  Off the charts in every aspect: intelligence, physical milestones, kindness, and off the charts in the ability to make people smile.

Born to be a lake girl.

I feel like Trevor and I are the luckiest parents.  Georgia has made our lives brighter, sweeter, more positive, and happier from day one.  Seven years have passed and there's not a day I would change.  Her inner and outer beauty is unparalleled.  I can't wait to see her seven more years from now, and marvel at her accomplishments.  Oh the lessons this girl teaches me as my first born.  I am honored to be her mom.  Sometimes I feel like it's not fair that I have her and nobody else gets to experience life with such an amazing girl.  Like I should be required to share her; to spread the wealth.   I'll count my blessings...and I'll take it.  I have truly won the lottery with Georgia.

Sorry, Howard.  She thinks it's really cool (now) that she was in to cockpit of your last flight!

That bald head was so tempting...poor Mimi had teeth marks...

TOTAL Daddy's girl.  She dreams of the day she can go to work with Trevor.

I love that the friendship with Emma and Meghan began three years ago and it's still going strong!

Silly cousins.

 I am so thankful for the big sister she is.  She is naturally a caring and thoughtful girl.

At seven years old, Georgia never ceases to amaze me.  Her curiosity, drive, enthusiasm for life...I can only imagine what I will have to be proud of seven years from now.

I LOVE YOU, GEORGIARELLA.  HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO THE BEST GIRL EVER!!