'Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

'Twas the night before kindergarten, and Mom couldn't sleep.

Thoughts of tomorrow were making her weep.

The backpack was hung by the door with care,

Filled with supplies for the classmates to share.

The lunch was all packed with a note inside.

Expressing her love and joyful pride.

The child, so precious, lay snug in her bed,

While visions of playgrounds danced in her head.

Mom couldn't help but take one little peek,

At her baby, so innocent, loving, and sweet.

"How did we get here so soon and so fast?"

Quite foolish to think this protection could last.

Out in the world she was ready to learn,

Without Mom and Dad around every turn.

Teasing and cliques, and things that aren't fair.

How would she do when they couldn't be there?

But then Mom remembered that good would come too.

Teachers, and friends, and exploring the new.

Gaining belief in herself everyday,

As she made her own choices and learned her own way.

And so as Mom kissed that sweet little head,

And tucked her in tighter, all warm in her bed.

She hoped and she prayed that the future just might,

Be even more wonderful, cherished and bright.

Still Her Favorite

Baby Shell and Lauren at age 2... and at age 5.

Lesson Learned

Never turn your back on a toddler with chocolate pudding.

Coney Island

The girls experienced their first "thrill" rides at Coney Island, while we sat on the sidelines, thrilled that they weren't screaming to get off. Our little daredevils couldn't get enough. "Hi Mom and Dad!"

This was Lauren's favorite ride. It was a free-fall type that tickled her tummy. She got off and ran back in line for more.

"AHHHHH!"

Thumbs-up for Lauren's first roller coaster ride. The "after picture" would have shown me a little nauseous and Lauren rubbing her head saying, "That was a little bumpy."
Here we go!
Taking the controls on the rocket ship.
"Do'n okay little sis?"

Diamond Lake

We had a great weekend visit with Rick and Marijo on Diamond Lake in Michigan. One of the highlights was having lunch at Lunkers. I can only describe it as a cross between restaurant, aquarium, and sporting goods store. Not to mention a supplier of giant, plush animals...

The girls also had their first experiences on a slip 'n slide. I know, I know...life jackets for a slip 'n slide? In our defense, there was a lake at the bottom of this hill.

Look closely. There are three people here.

They made it!

Fun on the Farm

Our summer to-do list included a trip to the farm, and we couldn't have found a better one. Young's Dairy Farm had it all. Check out the great things we did.

The girls are all smiles and ready for a fun day! Lauren loved the goats..and they loved her.

"Here cows! Come cows!"

Sami didn't care for the goats, but cows were a different matter. I caught her giving this one a sMOOOOOch. Beep! Beep!

I love this sweet face. "Mom! Don't tell Dad that you let us ride in these barrels!"

Very happy to be getting ice cream.

Lauren was so excited that the farm had a miniature golf course. She even made a hole-in-one.

Sami helped me with my game. Posing with Nana after mini golf.

Soaking Up Summer

Recently, the girls got together with their cousins, Kaitlyn and Alyssa, to run through the sprinkler.

Sami was primarily interested in lapping up the water...... while Lauren and Kaitlyn concentrated their efforts on soaking the photographer.
After their time in the sprinkler, the girls headed for Nana and Papa's swing set.


I love summer!