First Days of Preschool

Tuesday was Elise's first day of preschool alone. We went last Thursday for orientation and I got to stay with her. She enjoyed playing with the dolls and making friends while I and the other moms got last minute instructions and tips for the up coming year.
There were a few expected and unexpected things about Elise's first day. I expected Elise to be excited and she was VERY excited. She could hardly sit still to eat breakfast and I am sure I gave the same instructions at least 100 times. I expected that Elise wouldn't cry and she gave me a hug and kiss then went to join her class. I expected that I wouldn't cry, but well at least I made it to my car before breaking down. As I watched Elise through a little window she suddenly seemed so small. She is growing so fast and doing so many "big girl" things that is was totally unexpected to see her sitting there in class looking small. It also unexpectedly hit me that I was leaving my 3 1/2 year old with complete strangers. Suddenly 3 did not seem old enough to be going to preschool.

Elise's Prayer

To say Elise is obsessed with babies is an understatement. With so many friends either pregnant or just having babies Elise talks about babies constantly. Recently she asked me why we don't have a baby. I gave her the only explanation that would satisfy a 3 1/2 year old mind. "Mommy can't have a baby in her tummy again, only God knows why, and only He knows if we will have another baby. You can do what mommy and daddy do and pray for baby." So later that day when I asked her to put on her shoes, she told me to wait she had to pray for a baby. What happened next made me cry. She hopped up on the couch bowed her folded her hands, bowed her head, closed her eyes and prayed, "Dear God, thank you for this day and thank you for baby. Please let us have a baby. Amen."

2 Girls and a Museum

Last Wednesday Elise and I headed to Denver to go to the Children's Museum with Roxanne and Naomi. The girls had a great time and we discovered some fun new things.

Little girls make cute firefighters.

Contrary to what Noami may tell you to make you feel better, painting is an ability. You either have it or you don't and well, Elise and I don't!

Each girl found their niche and possible future job at the supermarket. Roxanne the shopper and Elise the cashier.

Broken and Behind

I have managed to break both our home computer and my iPod within a week of each other. So my access to electronic devices has been limited. Tim is bravely allowing me time on his laptop and I love him for sharing! So for your reading pleasure here is the latest beauty, business, and babble for the Bennetts.

Beauty:
Missing Items have been found and returned!!! The digital camera case and battery charger was found in our tent pocket when camping in July. The scrapbook paper case was found in an acquaintance's car and was passed to several people before making it home to me. Why are these under beauty? Two reasons first and I think most important I am not losing it as neither items where found in my house! Secondly it is a beautiful thing that both items have been found!

Business:
I am thinking of starting my own business called Bird Bowls. After two days of catching a bird, using a bowl, trapped in our bedroom window, I feel confident that my skills are very marketable. Elise will do my PR because she says it best, "If a bird comes in our window, you get the bowl and catch the bird and let it go." Maybe I should patten this process.

Babble:
A few of my favorite Elise words.

"Lickertish" Licorish
"Pain Nolish" Toe Nail Polish
"B-arski's" Family friends last name Bednarski's
"Hi Naughty Daddy" A greeting to Tim, when he comes home from work and says to her " Hi, silly monkey."

Becca's Birthday

I tried to think of 33 way to say Happy Birthday, but I am not good at foreign languages. I was going to think of 33 things I love about Becca, but there are way more than 33. So I decided three Colorado camping families would work too! Happy Birthday Becca!



In case you can't see what is in the foreground, it the number 33 made from camping supplies, a chair, lantern, broom ect. Why 33? It's how old Becca is turning! (Sorry Becca)

Never Going Back To Okay

I promised Tim this video would not end up on YouTube, but my blog is another story. I cannot tell you how much I love this video. It is a great combination of cute and funny!

Camp Family

Since both my mom and sister in law beat me to the post, you can read each version of the trip. I'll spare you all the details of my version, but give you a few of my favorite memories.

• Mom & Dad taking Elise to camp and Tim & I joining later (it was the nicest & quietest drive)
  

• Riding ATVs in the rain with Tim and my dad (racing in the rain is totally fun)
  
• Riding ATVs with Tim at dusk (totally romantic and fun)
• Watching Elise, Rocket and Roxanne play NICE together (see a memory without an ATV)