A First Grader and Purple Penguin---First Day of School 2012

It's so hard to believe that I officially have a first grader and an almost 4 year old!! Big M seems to really like her new first grade teacher, Mrs. Dunnam.  Little M is excited to be a Purple Penguin with Ms. Heather and Ms. Johnnie.  This morning as I read Big M  the letter her teacher had written to the new first graders, I had to pause a couple of times to hold back the tears.  I'd thought I was ready for the school year to start for the last week or so, but I was sure missing these girls today!  Luckily, both girls have some familiar faces in their classes this year.  There will be a few new friends to meet, but I don't think that will be a problem with these two.  I think they both have great teachers and should have a great year ahead! 

 Our usual "first day of school" pic in front of the Crepe Myrtle.

Tulsa Zoo's Baby Jaguars

The Tulsa Zoo had some new baby Jaguars born this last April and we knew we needed to get over there to see them before the school year began. So, the day before school started, we ventured off to the Tulsa Zoo to see the new jaguars and have some play time with a couple of the girls' friends.  The kids all enjoyed seeing the baby jaguars, but they also had a great time having a picnic and playing with their friends on the zoo's playground. 

 Five Little Monkeys                                                       

 

One of the Baby Jaguars

Lucas, Little M, Abigail, Jayden, & Big M                              Silly Kids

Diva Girlz

The girls had a fun time dressing up as Diva Girls at Diva Girlz Studio (http://www.divagirlzstudio.com/) last week.  A little girl that  we met in tumbling joined us.  They had tons of fun getting their makeup, hair and nails done, then dressing up.  They were covered with glitter!  We were sad another friend couldn't join us, but it was a fun activity for the end of summer. 

August Getaway to Louisiana

We recently visited my Mom and Dad in Louisiana for an end of summer getaway. M&M had lots of fun visiting the High Delta Safari Park (http://www.louisianatravel.com/high-delta-safari-park).  As you may notice in the pictures, Big M loved feeding the animals and Little M found that playtime on their playground was more her thing.  The girls were able to pet a snake, chinchilla, and lizard.  But their favorite animals of the day were the baby camel and baby donkey.  I have to say the donkey was pretty fun to watch!

We were also able to swim in the neighbors' pool...we are so appreciative that they allowed us to swim during our visit.  The girls had a great time!

A visit to the local skating rink was fun for both girls.  Even little M was able to skate with some help from her "skate assist" and snap-on skates.  They enjoyed their time with Emily, a neighbor girl that lives just down the street.

I don't think the girls were quite ready to go home when it was time---they were having too much fun.  Maybe next time they will be able to stay at Mamaw and Papaw's for a longer visit without Mama and Daddy!