The TX Doolittle's: August 2009

Well, Kindergarten is upon us. I can't believe that it is finally here. It is astounding how quickly the last five years have past and I am really trying to take to heart all the advice: "Enjoy every moment with your children, they will be gone before you know it." I can believe it. While I've been awaiting this morning for many months, I expected to feel more nervous, and a little more sad. But Lillie is amazing! She has been ready and waiting for Kindergarten for three years now. When the moment finally came how could I be sad that she was so very happy? So, I think, I was more nostalgic. We are turning the pages and have finished that chapter of our lives together. No more am I her sole influence. I mean, I know it's just Kindergarten, but from here on out, she will grow into her own person by leaps and bounds. And I worry. Did I teach her enough to be out there on her own. Will she remember what she has learned? Will she come to Tim and I when she has questions and problems. But at the same time I am so excited for her. She looked so beautiful this morning and so grown up! She was so excited and very confident walking into that room this morning. She was just sad enough so that I didn't feel abandoned but confident enough for me to leave after a good long hug. (and it was only long because I started to tear up and wanted to get ahold of myself before she saw!) I'm not sure how Tim did. I know that he has been feeling a little nostalgic to see her grow up and take this big step, but truthfully it was such a surreal experience for me that we were actually old enough to have a child going to school that I wasn't focused on Tim. He does usually keep himself together much better than I do though! So, during the day poor Samuel was a little lost. Lillie went to pre-school of course but that was four months ago and I think the big guy didn't know what to do by himself. At one point coming back from the store we drove by Lillie's school and looked to see if she was on the playground. (She wasn't) and he got so excited. "Are we going to pick up Lillie!?!" he asked. "No buddy, we'll come back later." Oh he was so disappointed. And then thrilled a couple of hours later when I woke him up from his nap to get her. Well, in answer to my prayers Lillie had a fantastic day! The only hiccup as far as I could tell was that at snack time she didn't remember that I had shown her where her snack was in her backpack and so while all the other children ate their snack she just sat there. So sad! But oh well. I know those are the little disappointing experiences that help you grow up. And she definitely now knows where her snack is at! She came home spouting facts about her teacher and singing songs learned in music class. She was sad that they didn't go to the library. (I think she was under the impression that they go every day!) And she made two friends (ironically named Abby, and Emma! - UT cousins) The most important part: she can't wait to go back tomorrow! Really, could I ask for anything more? I am truly so happy for her that she has this. I know that it feels wonderful to grow up.

So here are some pics of the last day of summer and Lillie's first day of Kindergarten. On Saturday night we went swimming with my parents in their neighborhood pool and had a really good time.

Gorgeous! And at 7am too...this is when she's usually rolling out of bed. I can't believe I ever thought 7am was early!

In her classroom ready to start her day and beat the heat with her water bottle.

Have you ever seen two more genuinely happy people? My dad just loves "little" Grant and is so good with him. By the way, we tried putting Grant in the water for the first time that night but he was so scared. It was so, so sad. As you can see though he was very happy to stay right where he was!

Okay, after an entire summer (granted we didn't go to the pool nearly as often as we have in preious summers) Samuel finally started paddling around by himself a week ago. And he is soo proud! Luckily we still have at least 2 months left of serious summer weather so maybe he can get some more practice in!

Little Miss Lillie started learning how to dog paddle last week and here she is giving it a go. I can't believe she doesn't get tired. She must have Tim's swimmer's lungs. She'll get in there and paddle around for an hour and a half without stopping. She is not scared and is so determined to swim like a "big kid"