Sidney's debut solo...

A few weeks ago, my daughter sang a short solo to open the 5th grade musical program. She tried out on her own and got the part with little or no encouragement from me. I'm so glad to she did something out of her comfort zone! She is usually very shy and reserved in large groups. I'm so excited for her.

She is the one in front of the mic, with the tie-dye white and blue skirt. You can hear me taking pictures throughout her performance.

It's not the greatest quality. We didn't get the best seat even though we showed up pretty early.

Anyhow, enjoy the drama.



Way to go Sidney, we're so proud of you!

It's time for school...

It used to be that EVERYONE didn't start school until the day after Labor Day. Now, school's start clear in July even! Well, today was the first day of school for Sidney and Hayden. They got up and got ready without incident, and had time enough for pictures. It will just be this year and next school year that they go to the same school, and then not until Sidney is a senior in High school, so I hope they know how lucky they are to have each other.

Here they were this morning:

Alright, all set with their backpacks and everything.

I like this one of the both of them. Real candid.

Sidney gets nervous I think when she gets her picture taken.

Hayden is pretty photogenic.

Another of the both of them.

It looks like there isn't anyone else at school, but it was truly packed with people, I guess I got lucky without anyone else in the shot. Hope they have a great first day.

First Day of School

The first day of school brings back memories of anxiety and nerves. I feel them for my children today. Here it is, not even the middle of August and I'm sending my children off to learn from someone else. I like their school. We've been lucky that, so far, their teachers have been good, some great. Hayden was fortunate this year to get the same teacher Sidney had when she was in 1st grade. I am ecstatic! Sidney's teacher seems very sweet and very interested in the kids. Cross our fingers that Sidney ends up liking her.


We have to have the traditional first day photos.


Does Sidney like pink, or what?


What? No bright yellow or camo for Hayden?


My cutie pie taking a self portrait on the ride to school.


Here they are, heading for their classes...now the rest of the year will jump to light speed right in front of my eyes. Hold on tight!

This first day was not as bitter as last year. We've gone through the motions before. Sidney was more than happy to start school again. I think Hayden may take a few days of convincing, we'll have to wait and see. For me, my list of things to get done is not that long, but then again I haven't finished completing the list. I do, however, have a stack of books that is calling my name and they are calling much louder than the TO Do List. I don't think I'll be too crushed that my kids are gone for the first little while. Besides, they get to reconnect with friends and play on the playground and check out stuff at the library and... Yeah, I'm pretty sure they won't miss me either.