Esther's Kindergarten Graduation

Esther "graduated" from kindergarten today! 

 Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures with all of her friends. But this is Nate. His mom and I became friends when we were expecting at the same time. Esther and Nate attended the same preschool and were in the same kindergarten class.

 Mrs. Barry was an instructional aide AND student teacher.

 This is Mrs. McGlone, an incredible kindergarten teacher. Despite the large grades (about 125 students), she had each of the Whipple children. ♥

 Doesn't Mookie look scholarly?

First Day of School 2017-2018

We officially have a fifth grader, third grader, and kindergartener.

Meghan awoke to Derek's alarm at 4:30 today so she was up extra early. We took these pictures just after 6 a.m. Evan and Meghan's bus arrived 15 minutes early. We had just pulled up to the bus stop when we saw it. Thankfully I planned for some extra time. (The bus is supposed to arrive at 6:28.)

 Today is Esther's first day of kindergarten. She is so ready!

 Her bus arrived at 7:15, as expected.

Preschool Graduation

Last night Esther's school had a graduation ceremony for the children.

Esther held the Christian flag during the pledges.

She's ready for kindergarten!

Spelling Bee

This week Meghan competed against children in third, fourth, and fifth grades in her school's spelling bee. Two children, a boy and  were selected from each homeroom. Meghan did a great job. She made it through several rounds to the difficult words. The tricky word that "got" her was affectionately. 

We're so proud!

Meghan's Flute Recital

Meghan learns music quickly. In fact, I'm amazed at how often she doesn't even need to have her music book in sight and can still play.

However, Meghan doesn't enjoy the work involved in practicing for flute. So this is the only year she intends to play. Maybe she'll change her mind in the future though.

And here is a video of "Ode to Joy." I hope you like it as much as I did!

You can also view it at https://youtu.be/PN5hOYIqFOw.

Cherry Crest Field Trip

I went on Esther's field trip to Cherry Crest Farm in Lancaster County. Derek and I did their corn maze long before we had children, but this was my first time back. It was great. I'd love to take the whole family sometime.

What's even better is that it didn't rain like we expected. 

Today when I laced up my hiking boots, I noticed I should replace the laces. They are 18 years old, so I didn't think that was so bad.

 About an hour before we left the farm I realized I would not be buying shoelaces...instead I think I need new boots.

Substitute Grandparent

Our kids' schools had Grandparent's Day. I was the substitute grandparent.

At Evan's school we ate lunch in the cafeteria, and then he interviewed me in the classroom. Evan was glad to have Esther there, too.

I also attended Esther's. The preschool sang. I don't have any good shots of that without other children in the picture. 

Both Evan and Esther came home early for a special treat.

I gave Meghan the option for me to come in like normal and then leave early or for me to pick her up at the beginning of the event for a little date. She chose the date. We went to the farmers' market for lunch. Shopped for pants for her. Then to the coffee shop in town for a muffin and hot chocolate. It was great. But...no pictures.

School 2015

It's the beginning of another school year! I may not teach any more, but I still could not sleep last night. I guess some things never change.

Meghan is entering third grade at the charter school. This year she is in a new building so she takes a different bus. This bus arrives about 6:15. Since we have to be at the bus stop ten minutes in advance, this is what Meghan looked like before we got into the van to get to the bus stop.

It's a little bit dark outside.

 A flash helps a lot. Meghan is really excited for the first day. I hope the excitement continues.

Evan is now a first grader.

 I love this tough guy stance with sweetness popping out from behind. Priceless!

From the time the Meghan gets up to the time I get home from preschool drop off is three hours. THREE hours just to get my day started...and that doesn't include anything like exercise though it does include breakfast and a shower. I may have to start drinking caffeine.

Meghan and Evan began school yesterday. Today was Esther's first day of preschool.

During lunch Esther asked if she could make a card for this lovely lady. If you see her, you should ask her what her teacher's name is. Then ask Derek or me for the interpretation. Though it's a common name, it has three syllables. Esther's interpretation is amusing.

First Day of Kindergarten and Second Grade

Though I have other stuff to blog about...like our trip to the beach and our trip to NE PA (that is on my other blog, so I didn't include too many details, but there are lots of pictures), I wanted to share that the children began school today.  

Evan has been "feeling shy" about kindergarten ever since we began talking about it in May or so.  When he met Mrs. M. last week, he barely answered her questions.  He was definitely intimidated by the idea of school.

This morning he was rather hyper...though still "feeling shy."

 Meghan begins second grade today.  Wow, time flies!

Yes, this next one is different.  Esther joined in the fun.

 We ALWAYS drive to the bus stop in the morning.  It's about a half mile away and we leave the house about 7:00.  Most of the school year it's still too dark to have them walk, even if we weren't in a hurry.

 What you cannot tell is they are holding hands.

I hope they both have a fabulous first day!