We decided to homeschool Mia (and Naomi) this year for Preschool.  Our friend, Kennedy is joining in on the fun every Monday.  I already have the whole year planned, which was so much fun for me.  I'm using the 3 year old curriculum from www.abcjesuslovesme.com but supplementing with material from www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com, www.notimeforflashcards.com, and Pinterest. We started early since we take off a couple of months when I have the baby.

I am so excited to have this intentional, quality time with both girls.

It's so great having Kennedy with us on Mondays because it helps me keep a very structured schedule in our 2 hour block of time.

  

Structured play time is built in too because what's a day at preschool without dress-up.

I think I might have the cutest students ever (and they bake really yummy muffins).

Since Kennedy is only with us on Monday, the goal is to do a little school on Wednesdays and Fridays as well.  This time is a little less structured and differentiated for Mia and Naomi since they are developmentally at different levels.  

Mia is so hungry for knowledge right now; I'm am thrilled that I get to be her teacher this year.  I love when she says, "mommy, can you be the teacher now?"

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Yesterday, we took the girls to a kid salon to get their first professional haircuts.  I have trimmed their hair before, but nothing major.  After seeing how much it costs to have their hair cut, I might need to learn how to do it myself!!  I already told Joe that he needs to learn how to do boy cuts since the little one will need a cut more frequently. 

Naomi went first and did awesome even though she wouldn't crack a smile for me. 

She only got a half inch cut off so it wasn't anything drastic- just enough to even it out and make look healthy.

For her mini-style she chose a braid with an orange bow and glitter.  She wouldn't smile for me, but every time she looked at her daddy she flashed him a huge grin.

Before

Mia was very nervous to get her haircut.  She just expressed interested this past week, which is why we went this weekend.  Her hair is so pretty but was in need of a cut.  Sometimes it would take me close to 10 minutes to brush it after bath time.

Mia got 3 1/2 inches off, which made me slightly emotional because she now looks even more grown up!

Joe and I were both so proud of her bravery because this was a huge fear that she conquered.

Even though it looks like her curls were cut off, they bounced right back after her hair dried.

She was all smiles at the end and loved showing off her fancy new hair with ribbons and glitter!

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BOY!!!!

I am beyond excited to be the mommy of a little boy.  It's amazing how someone you haven't ever met can totally steal your heart.  Even though you can never know for sure, Joe and I had a small feeling that it was a boy since this pregnancy has been SO different than my other two.  I haven't been nauseous or sick at all-it's been a dreamy pregnancy!  About 20 more weeks to meet his little guy, but in the meantime, I will treasure my last pregnancy.

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We started the day walking in our neighborhood parade. The girls loved waving their American Flags at the handful of people watching.  After the parade, our neighborhood had face painting, bounce houses and hot dogs available.  We had so much fun!

After some good naps, we went to our friends, Hillary and Joe's house for dinner and fireworks.  The  little girls always love getting getting together.

Best buddies.

 Ice cream with sprinkles.

The girls had so much fun doing sparklers and watching fireworks.

This was definitely up there with one of my favorite 4th of July's!  It's so fun watching the girls experience something magical like fireworks for the first time.

We hope you had a fun and safe night full of lots of memories!

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The girls had their first dance class yesterday.  They are in separate classes- Naomi is in the mommy and me class and Mia is is the tiny tots class for 3-4 year olds.  Luckily, Joe was able to come help out and watch since the classes were back to back.  Mia has been waiting for this day for a very long time, her excitement was contagious.  I was so happy that there was window for the parents to watch the class so I could see Mia .  She really thrives in these types of situations and was a great listener and as far as I could see, she followed the instructor quite well.

Naomi loves dancing at home, it's probably one of her favorite things to do.  However, the first dance class was a little rough.  As you can see, she didn't want to wear her tights because they were, well...too tight.  She didn't have ballet shoes because I wasn't going to spend $20 on something she wouldn't even try on.  Once in class, she was barefoot and according to her, the floor was too sticky so she spent some time trying to figure out the perfect situation for her feet.  Once she got herself situated and comfortable, the last 10 minutes of class went pretty well.  Naomi is definitely 2!  : )

 I felt a little emotional watching Mia in her little class being so independent.  It made me wonder, will this be her passion?  Is this the beginning of a life of dance?  It's also a good possibility that we'll finish this 6 week session and move on to something else.  I just love being a mommy and helping my girls find things they love and seeing their excitement.

Mia's friend, Kennedy is coming to the same dance studio.  It's so fun to see these two together, they are the best of friends.

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Today we spent the first day of summer at the zoo as a family.  It's always a treat when Joe can come with since the girls and I usually go during the week when he is at work.  Even though today is officially the first day of summer, it has felt like summer for the past couple of weeks and we haven't taken the beautiful weather for granted!

We've been swimming at our neighborhood pool with friends,

enjoying popsicles outside (did you know that they make fruit and veggie popsicles??...my girls love them),

watching a parade with our friend, Kennedy,

going on overpriced carnival rides,

climbing rocks,

enjoying the sunshine (with lots of sun protection, of course), 

 swinging,

and playing at the park.

Life is good in the summertime when you're 2 and 3!  It's not too bad for me either.  : )

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