Ella's First Day of Preschool

After months of anticipation and weeks of crossing off days on a countdown, the big day finally arrived. Ella Jane is officially a preschooler! As expected, she was incredibly excited and hardly noticed me leaving. When I picked her up she immediately asked if she could come back and when I asked her what she did at school, she replied with, "We sang songs and did amazing things!" Needless to say, it was a successful first week and hopefully her enthusiasm continues. Jack, however, missed having his big sister at home. When he woke up from his nap on the first day to find a quiet house, he whined "Ewa, Ewa" until I asked if he wanted to pick Ella up from school, at which point he giggled his "yes" response. This weekend, Uncle Sam came to visit and got to see Ella play soccer on Sunday - she did even better than last week!

Lunch out with Dad before the first day of school.

Ella driving a boat, and Jack, happy to be the passenger.

Playing their drums.

Showing off one of her preschool art projects - a mouse puppet!

It was a sad day for the Hawks, but at least we got this family photo.

Eating cereal with Dad.

Playing with play dough with Uncle Sam.

Ella had a dentist check-up and did great!

Jack enjoyed his first Mexican meal. I guess he's got his mama's love of spicy food:)

Car Video

The car (and garbage can) were unharmed.

The Return of the Car! (and Soccer)

Liz took a well deserved and long overdue trip to Nashville this weekend; however, Grandma Nee-ma and Grandpa Rich decided to spend their anniversary in Chicago so we had plenty to keep us busy.  On Friday, we played at the park in the morning where Ella showed off her coloring skills and then went to Jeff and Kristen's house on Friday night. Ella was very excited to see everyone but that was somewhat overshadowed by her excitement for her car (per the photos below).  On Saturday, we went to Ella's preschool open house where she and Jack had a lot of fun playing with the plethora of toys. After another car riding episode on Saturday afternoon, we of course had to make our weekly trip to Scooters.  Ella finally realized that she could get sprinkles on her cone. She was very happy. On Sunday, Ella started soccer again!  This is the first year that Ella is completely on her own and she did a great job listening to Coach K.  Jack also enjoyed playing but wasn't too happy when he had to simply watch. We ended the weekend making "welcome home" cards for mommy.

Excited probably doesn't describe how Ella was truly feeling as she waited for her car. 

Jack quickly realized that he enjoyed the car as well. 

Ella also wanted to help put the car away. 

Jack's turn to drive. 

Jack enjoyed giving high fives as he rode past you. 

Off to the preschool open house. 

Ella and Grandma Nee-ma enjoying the sandbox. 

Jack wasn't quite big enough for the tricycle. 

This one was more his size. 

Jack was intrigued by the cop car. 

Ella did a great job sharing with Jack. 

Ella scared Grandma Nee-ma with the shark.

We may have a Picasso on our hands. 

Notice the triangle inside the square. 

Hanging out with cousin Jace at Jeff and Kristen's house. 

Morning fun with the panda. 

Ella slept in our room. She woke up at 6am.  I tried everything to get her to fall back asleep. 

Soccer!  Ella was great helping Jack.
Also, for those who look closely at the photos, Ella's shoes are on the wrong feet. She asked me to fix them before we left the house and I completely forgot. 

Jack was unsure about the coach. 

Talking with Coach K. 

Ella and Jack had a slumber-party. 

Getting ready to make mommy "welcome home" cards. 

It started with finger painting...

...that quickly turned to hand painting. 

Jack enjoying his "bug cereal". This is what Ella calls cheerios.  

Arts and craft time.  Jack has to do everything that Ella does. 

The finished product. 

Grandpa Rich helping Ella with her letters. 

This photo does not do this justice. This was Ella on a "Plane". She checked her stroller and buckled up her friends. 

Making cookies with Grandma Nee-ma.

Sharing with Uncle Jeff and Grandpa Rich. 

Enjoying the real thing with milk.