Let me Read!

Ethan's First Day of First Grade

Ethan started school on August 31. He is enjoying it, but when asked what his favorite thing is..."lunch." Ethan does find a lot of it boring, guess that is what happens with a kid who finds the work too easy.

Developmentally On Target!

With all that Ayla has been though, the one unknown and biggest concern has been her physical development. I have watched her intently for every milestone that she is "suppose" to reach as she grows and develops. Looking at Ages and Stages, Ayla is right on target. She has reached every step that she has needed to!

At 3 1/2 months Ayla can:
Communication: Chuckle softly, coo, stop crying when she hears a known voice, makes high pitched squeals, laughs great laughs!, and makes sounds looking at people and toys.

Gross motor: can move her head side to side, lays her head down when on tummy, can lift chin off the floor 3 inches, holds head steady, and plays with fingers. She is not quite holding her head straight up and looking around....Ayla is emerging in this skill.

Fine Motor: Ayla follows toys with eyes or head; looks at toys when sitting, holds, looks at, and mouths toys when put in her hand.

Problem solving: Ayla does wave her hands towards a toy above her and if she catches it puts it in her mouth.

Personal-social: Ayla watches hands, knows when she is about to be fed, tries to hold the bottle, smiles when she sees me nearby, and coos at self in the mirror.

I am so proud of my beautiful girl!
(Ayla worked her way off the blanket to get her feet into the grass).

Seattle Day

I took Ethan on another DU. This one was spectacular (thank you Krista!)

We started heading North. Right away Ethan guessed we were going to Seattle. Man that kid is smart. So I had to explain that there are lots of things to do in Seattle and he wouldn't be able to guess (especially since he had never been where we were going).

I pulled into a parking lot right across from the Space Needle...that made his eyes light up! I so wish we could have gone up the Needle, but that will be saved for another day with Daddy.

As we entered the building, I explained what the Science Center is all about. He was mildly intrigued. But by the end of the day, Ethan had a BLAST! Topped off with a quick visit with the cousins up north to avoid horrendous traffic south.

Fourth of July

I had to post Ayla's fourth of July outfit since Ruth Ann posted Briar's. (The girls look so cute. We need to get them together!)

Swimming

Ever since Ethan's friend was put into level 3, one level higher than him, he has focused on passing level 2. This means he has to really start doing things on his own, no more relying on the teacher for support.
(sorry I deleted this because there were other children that appeared briefly)

Last night we went met up with a friend n Seattle and got to swim in her hotel pool. Ethan showed that all his hard work is paying off.

Fourth of July

(Ayla chatting before we headed out)

We had a wonderful fourth of July with Ryan's family. Ethan lit his first fire works (bottle rockets.) And it begins!


Then we took Ethan down to the beach to watch the fireworks. What a great location! No one was there and we saw lots of great fireworks, mainly private display, but it was excellent. Definitely will go back to that spot next year!