Sophie's 1st visit to the Dentist and Lillie's School update

Sophie went to the Dentist for the first time today.  She let the Dental Hygientist count her teeth and look in her mouth, but she did not want her teeth cleaned.  After they applied the flouride to her teeth she got to pick out a toothbrush, sticker and bracelet.

Lillie loves school and she is doing great.  Last week, her teacher, Mrs. Barber, had the reading specialist test her reading level.  She is at a 3.4 (3rd grade, 4 months). She can read up to 6th grade, but she began to get frustrated at 4th grade reading level. I was worried about Lillie’s leveling off in her reading but her teacher and reading specialist both said that they wanted to keep her at her accelerated rate.

Her reading comprehension is a solid 2nd grade level.  Mrs. Barber is going to stop having her do the kindergarten reading activities and build a reading tote for her to do, when the rest of the class is doing kindergarten reading.  She is also going to have Accelerated Reading time with the reading specialist and the librarian.  I saw the reading specialist in the hallway last week and she said that she enjoyed reading with Lillie.  Reading with Lillie made her day.  Everyone noticed how happy Mrs. Hoffman (reading specialist) was the day she tested Lillie and it was because of Lillie.

Today, Lillie was pulled out of class to spend time in the ExCEL program with the 1st graders.  They don't offer it to Kindergartners until later in the year, if at all.  ExCEL is a program where students meet with an instructor for approximately 1 hour each week. This is an curriculum program in addition to their classroom curriculum. The program is designed to help them continue to strengthen curriculum, thinking skills, research activities, enhance thinking skills, and develop responsibility and interpersonal skills.

Go Huskers, beat State

Brian and I went to the Nebraska game at Michigan State on Saturday.  

We saw the Cornhusker marching band play before the game and at halftime.

After the game started, we were surprised at the number of unfilled/sold seats.

 We saw this crazy Spartan fan.

 It was a great game and we are glad that the Huskers won 28-24.  It was so cold, (36 degrees) that we were hoping that the game didn't go into overtime.

Election Day 2012

Lillie stood by the election signs 4 years ago, so I thought that Sophie should this year.  She slept in her stroller while I voted this afternoon.

Happy Halloween

Sophie and I have been going to two story times each week.  Since Lillie is a school, I want her to be around other kids more and learn how to socialize with them.  She has been shy about dancing and participating, because Lillie isn't around to follow.  This was the first week that she broke out of her shell.  She danced  and put letters on the bulletin board at story time.  

She wore her Halloween costume to story time this week.

I also helped out in Lillie's classroom for their Halloween party.  Lillie was Kiera from Barbie Princess and the Popstar.  She is in line with one of her good friends, Madi, for the Halloween parade.

Sophie played at a friend's house, while I was at school with Lillie.  After school, Lillie and I went back to our friend's house to eat and play a few Halloween games. Brian met us there after work too.  We also trick or treated in their neighborhood.

Leaves and Pumpkin Carving.

Last Saturday, the leaves were finally dry enough to play in.  Brian made a big pile of leaves for the girls to jump into and play in.

On Sunday, we carved Pumpkins.  Sophie didn't mind cleaning out the inside of her pumpkin.

Lillie designed her pumpkin face and drew on hair.  

 Brian, then cut out the designs.

This month Lillie learned how to tie her shoes and Sophie knows how to sing the Alphabet song and Baa Baa Black Sheep.

Fresh Beat Band, Conferences and No Naps

Last Sunday, Lillie and I went to the Fresh Beat Band Concert in Grand Rapids.  She has wanted to see them for the past year and she had a great time at the concert.

Lillie and I waiting for the concert to start.

Thursday, we went to parent-teacher conferences.  Her teacher said "Lillie was the most advanced Kindergartner that she has ever had." The teacher is teaching them to write and draw summaries of the stories that they read.  This summary was from "If you give a moose a muffin" book.  

Lillie had Friday off, so we went to Olive Garden (Lillie's favorite place to eat) and Chuck E Cheese's for some fun.

And finally, Sophie has given up (or I have) on her naps.  However, last week she went upstairs and fell asleep with the blinds open.  She will fall asleep in the car for a few short naps throughout the week. Yes, she sleeps with a lot of stuffed animals and books.

Pumpkin Time

On Sunday, we went to Gull Meadow farms to enjoy the nice fall weather.  First, we took a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick out our pumpkins.

Lillie and Sophie each picked out a pumpkin.

Then we went to pick apples.

After, we picked apples Lillie and Sophie played on the slides, bounce pillows, and obstacle course. Lillie's favorite thing was the zip-line.

Sophie's favorite was the Apple train ride, but she would only go on it, if Lillie was with her.

We did a lot more in the three and a half hours that we were there, but these were our favorites.