Lillie advanced to the next swim level!

Tonight, was Lillie's last seashells swim class.  In the last 15 minutes of the class, she swam 10 feet to graduate out of the Seashells and into the Corals.  I was so proud as she swam across the pool, that I forgot to take pictures or a video.  When she made it across the pool, she had a big smile on her face, because she knew that she made it to the next level.

Summer Gymnastics

This week Lillie and Sophie took a Summer Gymnastics class.  This was Sophie's first class. It was a parent participation clas, so I was a part of the class too.  The first day, Sophie was introduced to the gym.  Her favorite thing was picking foam cubes out of the pit, without getting into the pit. 

She also enjoyed bouncing on the trampoline. 

On the second day of gymnastics, she actually got in the pit, walked on a balance beam, and did forward rolls on the beam.

Lillie also enjoyed her gymnastics class, especially since it was in the big gym where all of the advanced gymnasts practiced.  On the first day, they worked on the bar. 

On the second day, She walked on a balance beam that was higher than what she was used to walking on.

Tigger - Our new family member

Meet Tigger.  Lillie has been asking for a kitty of of her own for a while.  Yesterdatm, we went to an adoption event at Petco and found Tigger.  Lillie named him Tigger (like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh), because he has stripes like a tiger.

 He is very playful and sleeps in Lillie's room.

 He is also a very lovable kitty. 

Trophy, Tutu and Piano Keys

Lillie's soccer season came to an end and she got a trophy.  She was so excited.  She has been wanting a trophy for the the past year.

Thursday, Lillie started piano lessons.  She learned a lot in her first lesson and she can't wait to go back.  Lillie is sitting with her piano teacher Mrs. Lawerence.

Yesterday, Lillie had her Dance/gymnastics recital.  She did a great job and she can't wait until her classes start back up.  Afterwards, we went to Olive Garden to celebrate.  She loves Olive Garden, because she can order her favorite food and drink...Cheese Ravoli and a Shirley Temple.

Lillie's First and Last Day of Preschool

I put this photo together of Lillie's First and Last day of preschool.  It was raining on both days, so she was wearing the same rainjacket.  Two years ago, she looked like a toddler, now she looks like a little girl ready for preschool.

Preschool coming to an end for Lillie

The last two weeks have really started the end of Lillie's Preschool years.  Last week, we attended the year family picnic.  This picture is with Lillie (back row in blue) with her teacher, Mrs. Hoard, and her classmates.  These aren't all of the Pre-K kids and some of these kids are in the morning class.

Next Wednesday is the class picnic.  It is suppose to be fun, but it is going to be hard for me.  Jack and Jill has been a great preschool for us and I am going to miss it.  At least until Sophie goes in the fall of 2013.
Last Wednesday, was my last working day of the year at Jack and Jill.  Every working day, the parent's child gets to ring the bell to tell everyone that it is time to stop playing and clean up.  This was the last time that Lillie got to ring the bell.

To get the kids ready for Kindergarten, the school had a school bus and driver come to the school to talk about bus safety, what to expect on the bus and we even went on a ride around the parking lot.
Lillie met the bus driver.

Lillie practicing walking in front of the bus.  She has to get permission from the bus driver to walk in front of the bus and cross the street.

On the bus, about to go for a ride.

Hatching Chicks

We have made a lot of great friends since we moved to Michigan.  One of our friends happens to be from Nebraska (a husker fan) and he has a farm here.  I asked him if we could hatch chicken eggs at our house for an educational experience for the girls.  He supplied the eggs and chick supplies, and we split the cost of the incubator.  We placed the eggs in the incubator and read a few books about eggs turning into chickens.  After 22 days the chicks started to come out of their shells.

We ended up with 8 chicks, 5 dark ones and 3 yellow ones. The girls love to go down and check on the chicks, hold and pet them. They are starting to grow their adult feathers and growing everyday.  On Monday, we will probably take them to Lillie's Preschool class and then out the farm.