Our Little Lady the Ladybug

Mia attended summer school at her preschool in July, but we opted for her to continue in the Early Preschool (Caterpillar) class for the summer.  However, the time has come for her to move on up to the "big girl" (Ladybug) class.  It is a larger class in a larger room for 3 and 4 year olds, but still meets just three mornings per week.  She is excited about this new endeavor, but a bit tentative about leaving her beloved Miss Sharada behind in the Early Preschool.  Needless to say, Mia will have another amazing team of teachers this year in her new classroom, and will be placed in Miss Veronica's small group, which Michael and I feel is a great match for Mia.

Here she is on her first day!  

Happy first day, little Ladybug!

Happy Birthday, Paw!

Helping Paw celebrate his birthday at his favorite place:  La Milpa!

Welcome to 1st Grade!

Luke started first grade this morning.  FIRST grade!  How is that possible?!  I just can't believe how quickly the time has gone.  Here he is on his first day of school.  Clearly, I cannot choose a favorite photo, so here are a bunch.

His teacher invited parents into the classroom this morning as the kids found their desks and settled in.  I also snapped a photo with Luke and his new teacher, Miss Pardini.

Happy 1st day, my sweet boy!  I hope it is a wonderful year for you.

Soccer Season

Luke started another soccer season this week.  He is playing with a group of boys, all from his class at St. Martin's, and they are being coached by a couple of the dads.  The best part of the first practices was seeing the boys back together again after having the summer off of school - they were just so thrilled to see each other.

The coaches' biggest challenge is going to be getting these boys to play instead of chatting and hugging one another!

Summertime Treats

Mia saw her first movie in the theater this week.  She loved it ... and, of course, they both loved the treats and popcorn!  

The following evening, we all went out for ice cream ... for no reason at all other than it's summertime!

Summer in Tahoe: A Hike

Taking a hike through the beautiful area behind the house.

Summer in Tahoe: The Village

There are so many fun activities to do in Northstar Village over the summer.  Plus, because it isn't ski season, it just tends to have a much calmer vibe, which we love.

At the recreation center, in addition to swimming pools and a playground, they also run various crafts throughout the day. The kids love going there and sitting outside with a bunch of art supplies at their fingertips.

We also spent some time bungee trampoline jumping.

Even Mommy gave it a try ... and after coaching Luke repeatedly on how to do a back flip, I couldn't do it either!  Harder than it looks!

Summer in Tahoe: Family and S'mores

Part of the magic of Tahoe is contained, not only in the beauty of the landscape, but in the people who we share our time there with.  It was so special for us and the kids to be able to spend time playing and relaxing with Great Grammy and Papa (and, of course, Day and Paw).  One of our nights spent around the fire pit I finally pulled out my camera and captured some of our moments.

Have I mentioned that Brooklyn is MOST at home in Tahoe? 

S'mores time!

 Just hanging out around the fire pit

Luke, like his Mommy, is very serious about getting his marshmallows just right