Fall fun with the Morgans

We enjoyed a great, cool weather weekend at the zoo with our dear friends the Morgan family. Ms. Nancy and her two boys - Alex and John met us at the zoo for a fun day. The Morgans are getting ready to move to Florida so we wanted to enjoy one last outing with them before they make the big move to the Sunshine State. Alex and Peyton grew up together - when they were babies, they shared a nanny and have been best friends ever since. Peyton and Emily followed John around the entire time, trying to pick him up, hold his hand and take care of him. Many of the animals were out that day, which was great for the kids to see. The zoo had all of their fall decorations on display, so we were able to get some great pictures. We then enjoyed a great lunch. It was a great day and a great way to spend one of our last play dates for a few months. We are making plans to get together in early 2010. Best wishes to the Morgans on their big move - we'll miss you!

Fall Field Trip

Peyton's Kindergarten Class had her first field trip this week. They went to the parish fair to look at the animals - she sat on top of several horses and donkeys and held different animals like a baby bunny and chick. We even ran into our cousin, Jacob! Her class then went to the park to play and enjoy an outdoor picnic. Their last stop on the field trip was a pumpkin patch where they played with the pumpkins, crawled through tunnels, heard a story, ate pumpkin seeds, ate cookies and "pumpkin juice" and did a craft. Our whole family went on the field trip and Emily just inserted herself into the mix the entire time. Anything the class did, she did also, like she was one of them. We all had a good time and enjoyed the nice sunny (and cooler weather), a much welcome change from the rain!!

It's pumpkin time!

The girls and I finally had the chance to get to West Monroe so we could visit dad's pumpkin patch at church. They had great fun searching through the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin for inside our house, outside our house and of course, to carve. Emily and Peyton fell in love with every other pumpkin they came across, so we have plenty of pumpkins for the fall season. They also had a great time crawling through a wooden maze surrounded by straw. They thought that was so much fun.

Later that day, we went to the Ouachita Parish Fair. This was Emily's first experience at a fair and riding real rides. She surprised all of us and was more brave than her sister at first. She rode a few things without her big sister sitting by her. Peyton finally warmed up to the idea and had tons of fun on the rides, especially the fun house of mirrors. Peyton, Emily and Shawn spent the last ride on a "crazy airplane" that went up and all around. All three of them complained of a stomach ache after the ride was over.

Welcome to Kindergarten!

Peyton started her first day of Kindergarten this week. She only goes to school two times this week and then starts on Monday with the entire class. She was really excited the night before - I baked a "back to school cake" for the family and we read a Kindergarten book before we went to bed. In the morning, she was excited to get dressed in her uniform and insisted that my mom do her hair. The entire family took her to school that morning, and her teacher was waiting for us at the front door. She came home that afternoon and reported that she liked her teacher and was excited for school, especially to learn how to read. On her "first day of Kindergarten" coloring sheet that she brought home, she was asked to give her teacher a sentence about she felt on the first day - Peyton reported that felt "a little shy." Of course, Emily wanted to be just like big sister, so she had to bring a backpack to school and she cried, wanting to wear a uniform to school, just like her sister.

Our two dancers

With school about to start, it also means the start of another year of dance lessons. This year, both Peyton and Emily are taking ballet/tap. Peyton moved up to a "big girl" glass with girls 5-8 years old. She has her same teacher as last year, Ms. Stacy. Peyton looks very grown up in her leotard and tights.

Emily is in the Tippy Toes class for those 3-4 years old. Tonight was her first night of dance and she wasn't scared or nervous - she walked right in and let me walk out of the room. I think she is used to seeing Peyton do this so she knew what to expect. At the end of the class, we got to watch the last few minutes to see what they learned. Emily could plie, posse and a few other ballet moves. She looked too sweet in her leotard and was very excited to get a sticker at the end of class.

Both girls are excited about dance and to find out what song/costume they will be performing in the spring at their recital. Oh yeah, Peyton is also excited about getting a bigger trophy this year!

Taking Care of their Babies

Both girls love to play with their babies, and the other night, the girls lined up every stuffed animal they could find along the room of Peyton's room (in order from smallest to largest). Peyton proceeded to read stories to them while Emily grabbed as many kitchen supplies from my cabinets as she could get her hands on. She was in charge of feeding the babies. They had such a good time playing and kept themselves busy for so long, that I had to go in the room to see what they were doing. When I saw what they had done, I had to snap a few pictures.

Fourth of July

We spent the Fourth of July in the pool at Patrick's house! Our friends, Ericca and Jack, came over with their girls Abi and Ashleigh and Peyton had her best friend, Emilee Hall, join the fun. All five girls swam all day long an got a lot of sun! Peyton has really turned into the mermaid this summer. Her swimming lessons at day camp really paid off - she swims under water, the backstroke, and can even swim in the deep with no floaties.

Emily was a little hesitant at first and was scared to death for anyone to let her go in the pool. Later in the day, she put on her "Froggy" suit and was good to swim in the pool by herself. She swam all the way to the deep end without any help. All the girls had a great time playing together but were exhausted by the time we went home. We had great food, great drinks and time with our friends - Happy Fourth of July!