First Day of Pre-School

Today was a big day for Sabrina. She started pre-school. I am not going to lie to you; I was a nervous wreck. When you have a child who is a little "slow to warm up" to new scenarios/people, starting school can be a little scary for all involved. But I also know that "slow to warm up" children are exactly the type of children who need new experiences. So here we are. When she got in the car at the end of the day, she said the following: "I was shy," "I didn't ride the train," "I say 'I want my mom' when I went to the potty." So I am wondering exactly how the day went. Oh to be a fly on the wall, my friends. She was excited about it when we left this morning, and still excited when she got in the car at the end of it. So all in all, not so bad!

Lucy seemed to do fine without her other half, as you can see!

Whew! What a Week.

1. We made the drive from D.C. to Utah in 3 days. I can't say it was always enjoyable. In fact at times it felt like an episode of Double Dare with all the bending, climbing, feeding, sticky messes, reaching across the car, making sandwiches in less than a minute to avoid screams; not to mention the time when Sabrina slimed herself, me, and the car seat (car sickness). Although I kid, I have to say that every now and again, it was downright pleasant. I read out loud to Paul and did not worry about cleaning, laundry, or Lucy getting into anything she shouldn't. Yes, there is something nice about sitting, doing nothing, and strapping the kids down for 12 hours a day.

2. We moved into our place. This would not have been possible without the brute strength and kindness of our family and friends. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And yes, the third bedroom is changing my life.

3. The Sampson Family Reunion was a hit. We really enjoy when we get the opportunity to see everyone, eat great food, chat into the wee morning hours, make fools of ourselves in the talent show, and just enjoy each other. We missed Shannon and Brittan this year. Get well soon, Britty! Can't wait for 2011!

Pictures to come soon. I first need to find our camera amid boxes.

Kids Are Funny, Moving Is Not

I received my 2008 blog book the other day (Thanks, Tara, for the blog2book.com suggestion!), and I was quite pleased with the fact that I had documented things about our life, Sabrina's life, and Lucy's birth and pregnancy. I am giving myself an "atta-girl" on this one, and I'm not ashamed. There were many things I had written that I had already forgotten. So, while you all are getting tired of the funny things my kid says and how cute my kids are, I am not, and I don't want to forget them. So, with that said, here is yet another conversation that occurred this very evening.

Sabrina: Mom, I love my Luce.
Me: I love Lucy too. And Lucy loves you.
Sabrina: And I love Dad.
Me: I love Dad too. And Dad loves us.
Sabrina: Mom, I love you.
Me: I love you too.
Sabrina: Mom, because we are a family. And Heavenly Father wants me to play princesses and not go to sleep.

I don't think that her goal in initiating the conversation was to avoid bed time, but if it was, I have to give her props.

In other news, we are packing, driving 2000+ miles over 3 days, spending the night at the Radmalls, moving our stuff to our new place, buying a washer and dryer, unpacking our stuff, getting my hair done (it's been 3 months AHHHH!), and attending the Sampson Family Reunion within the next week and a half. Wish us luck!

Getting Big

I'm not sure I even recognize these faces. They are getting so old. Lucy now puts food (and everything else) in her mouth. I am wondering why I ever wanted her to do this! The tub pic makes me laugh because they are both "thrilled" to be having their picture taken. The only way I got Sabrina to cheese like this is to say, "Smile for grandma!" So mom and Carolyn, that cheeser is for you!

Another update and kid report

Happy 24th of July everyone. You in Utah are enjoying boating, days off of work, fireworks. We are enjoying sitting at home, PB and J's, toys everywhere, and possibly the park later (we'll see how long Lucy sleeps). I am spending most days right now gearing up for another drive across country, a new apartment, the start of pre-school, and Paul's last year as a student (hallelujah!). As mentioned above, we did find a new apartment in Orem, and I'm pretty sure that all my wishes and dreams are being fulfilled by the fact that we will have 3 bedrooms and a dishwasher! I may put a small desk in the third bedroom for Paul to study, but the majority of the room will be toys. There is just something about having a place for all the toys that brings a warm feeling to my heart.

Paul is working long hours right now but still seems to be enjoying himself. He got to meet the Cuban Spy the other day, which was a thrill. Nothing like last summer's drive with the Po Po, but he'll take it. He's been playing on the company softball team and had a double play this week that he was stoked about. He also gets taken out to lunch at very nice places every single day. In fact, he informed me that if he doesn't have a lunch scheduled, the firm has set up an "emergency hotline" to contact so that someone will take you. I'm not jealous or anything. It's just a little hard to swallow Sabrina's leftovers as my lunch knowing this information.

Sabrina is her usual funny self. She has started getting around the house with a slow little jog instead of walking. It makes me laugh for some reason. She is still a great entertainer for Lucy and me. She loves to draw spiders and read Biscuit books. She has many of them memorized. She takes gymnastics and loves it...well, loves it now. Our first class was an adventure. Last week, I overheard her tell the teacher, "It's okay. I can just walk" instead of doing a trick that would get her across the mat. Efficiency is a good thing, right?

Lucy's big milestones as of late are crawling everywhere/pulling herself up and (drumroll please...) feeding herself graham crackers!! I thought this would never happen! She hasn't ever put things in her mouth at all; so I actually had to teach her that she could. She still has no teeth. None! She is a gem of a baby and loves peek-a-boo, the tub, and talking/laughing with Sabrina. I am finding that watching your children interact (positively) is one of life's joys. She loves to move too, and just recently has had to be taken to the foyer at church. (I really haven't missed Relief Society until now...that's how perfect she's been!). It may be too early to tell, but I detect some curl in her hair which is thickening up nicely.

Well, there you have it. A real update.

Just for laughs

We haven't been up to many noteworthy things lately (except a visit from the Blacks and a hang out with the Toones and Boulter. I took no pictures...but we did have a great time!). I'm getting anxious, however, to see these goof balls (as well as many others).

Note: You know how everyone has those things that every time they think of them they laugh out loud. This picture is one of mine. Shelley, thanks for this. As well as your "pants-optional, goggles required, pj's till noon dress code."

Saving details for another day.

An update in 100 words or less: We are still here. We have had visitors (Grandmas and Grandpas and Jac). Toured A LOT. We love our visitors. Sabrina and Lucy went to the beach for the first time. Paul went to the beach for the first time. I loved the beach. We had a great 4th of July. Eli got baptized. We love Eli. Fireworks were great. Lucy is mobile. We still have no place to live in Utah. I like Ade, Brandon, Jeanette, and Janine. Sabrina takes gymnastics. Gymnastics was rough at first. Gymnastics was better in the end. I'm caught up.