Play this week

More fun pictures of the girls playing this week: 

Earth Day.  They were suppose to wear green & blue to school. 
Hailey followed instructions, but Paige, changed at least 3 times
and ended up in red.  It had flowers on it, does that count?

Sponge curlers before bed.

They had some sort of game going on.  Cash Register, instruments and letters. 

I had to find a spot to insert this pic.  These are my first batch of just about perfect pancakes. 
Our house came with this super fancy range that has a griddle. 
It works fabulous!  And gives me awesome pancakes.  Isn't that a pretty stack?

Easter Dinner

This was first attempt at baking a ham.  I followed Ree Drummond's recipe for the ham and glaze.  It was DELICIOUS!  I actually followed her whole suggested Easter Brunch menu and it turned out great.  My aunt made yummy Easter Basket cheesecakes, which were really good too.  It was a lovely day of easy cooking, swimming, time with family including my aunt and uncle, and good food.  Happy Easter!

Egg Hunt

The Egg Hunt was very fun in our new yard.  The eggs were really spread out this year so both girls were able to really hunt.  We all had fun. 

Look at all those eggs!

The Bunny came!

The Easter Bunny's worker did lots of prep the night before Easter.  Baskets filled with candy and toys.  They each got a Charlie dog, pink and purple princess shoes, tootsie rolls, eggs filled with candy and more candy!  The workers also hid 65 eggs in the backyard and hung close pin & tissue paper butterflies all over.  They were very happy when they woke up to see that the Easter Bunny paid them a visit. 

Egg dying

We dyed eggs on Saturday before Easter.  I love that every year we get to do it outside because our weather is so nice.  I bought the Dollar Store dye this year...I won't make that mistake again.  Good ole Paas will be it again next year to get better more vibrant colors.  They each are able to write their names on their eggs this year.  Growing so fast! 

Final product.  Each dyed twice.

Dyslexia

During our move we got word of a test date for Paige to test into our school district's gifted & talented program.  Because we were in the middle of moving, I asked her school to help prepare her for the tests. Of course they were more than happy to do so.  In doing that, they gave her a Phonemic Awareness test. Those results opened a whole new window for us about Paige's learning.  We got her further professional diagnosic testing and it was concluded from those results she most likely has dyslexia.  We don't have an official medical diagnosis yet, as she's just not quite old enough for that, but she most likely will get one when the time comes.  However, in the meantime, she has started professional tutoring to learn to read using a method that works for her.  It is based off Orton-Gillingham theories and is a tried & true system.  She will most likely be way ahead of the other kids in her class now that she has the methods that work for her.  We are incredibly lucky it was caught so early.  Most kids don't get the diagnosis until 3rd grade & they have to really remediate.  Paige needs no remediation as she hasn't even begun reading yet. She simply started on this learning path just like any other preschooler.  

The neat thing about dyslexia us we know so much about it!  Experts have figured out how to "open the pathways" in the brain for her to learn just like a person without dyslexia.  It will take about a year of tutoring to do that but once it happens she'll be "fine." She may need to go back to tutoring every now & then to learn new methods, but she'll function well in a regular classroom doing all the tasks that all mainstream kiddos do...which just a few minor accommodations. 

We are now in the process of figuring out what teaching method & cirriculum is best for her in kindergarten.  Be it Montessori or Public School.  I am in the process of talking to all of the kinder teachers at the public school to learn about their styles.  There are many things to consider, but we feel so fortunate to have so many good people in our life that can give advice, knowledge, experience and teach Paige what works best for her.  We will always be here for Paige to help her through all her learning struggles & triumphs.  Yay Paige, who is 1 in 5. 

Hailey's 4 year well check

Hailey had her four year well check.  I completely thought that her immunizations were done.  It was not until we were in the room and the nurse told us that she would get them that I remembered different.  I told her and she was fine.  She was happy to see Dr Suhda and gave her a hug and let Dr Suhda give her a kiss.  She was able to answer questions that Dr Suhda asked and was very excited to get the exam and show her how healthy she was.  Dr Suhda said she could have 2 popsicles!  The nurse came in the popsicles and she was happy!!!  She picked purple, of course.  The shots that she needed boosters on include Inactivated Polio (IVP), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMr) Varicella-Chickenpox (VAR) and Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP).  When the nurse came in the shots she laid down while I held her hands and sang her, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star."  She did great!  There was no crying!  She was so proud of herself for not crying.  She also picked a lollipop and even one for Sister...pink. 

Here's her measurements for the big 4 year old visit:
Weight:  36.4 lbs (55%) 
Height:  41.5" (80%)
Blood Pressure:  101/77

She's so healthy she doesn't need to be seen again for another year!  Hooray. 

Here's Paige's 4 year well check:
http://bandkstwogirls.blogspot.com/2012/08/4-year-well-check.html
Paige weighed about 1.5 lbs more and was an inch shorter than Hailey. 

Hailey is really smart, calm and definitely knows what she wants.  She's a good eater, especially breakfast.  She loves Paige so much and usually follows her, however, when she wants something different she is sure to speak up.  She shares really well too.  She loves to snuggle and really should have a nap most days, and would if our schedule permitted.  She's such a beautiful girl inside and out and I'm so happy and proud to be her mama.  I'm excited to watch her grow more. 

So proud of her band aides for her shots

We came home and she played doctor.

Three Nanny Goats Gruff

This year the girl's school did the play, "Three Nanny Goats Gruff."  Paige got to be a lead in the play, Fannie Goat.  She did great!  She acted out all her parts very well and sang really nice into the microphone.  Hailey choose to be a Bunny Rabbit in the Chorus and sang and stood so nicely on stage.  At one point, Paige did turn to wave at Hailey.  Super Sweet.  It was a wonderful morning for our girls and for us.  We are grateful to have chosen such an outstanding school for their preschool years. 

Paige, Fannie Goat singing with Annie Goat and Big Terrie Lee Goat. 

Fannie Goat crossing the bridge to meet the Trolls

Paige with Mrs Hart on the Troll Bridge

Hailey the Bunny Rabbit

Hailey entering stage

After the show, we gave them flowers

With Nanny

Our Family

Montessori Counting

Hailey only goes to school two mornings a week, thus I have a Montessori curriculum to supplement at home.  Here she is using her number bars counting to 10.  She also made a tall bead square.  She was very proud. 

Easter Bunny

Ready to go see the Easter Bunny.  I bought a pink ribbon for Paige's dress, because in case I have not mentioned it before, Paige LOVES pink and Hailey LOVES purple.  They will usually get the same things, but one pink and the other purple.  But they have been really close since I got back from Chicago and Paige wanted to be the same as Hailey, so she got a purple bow too.  They both really enjoyed the Easter Bunny and both sat on his lap this year. Paige asked for a pair of pink tap shoes, a "Charlie" dog (Ree Drummond), eggs and candy.  Hailey asked for purple tap shoes, a Charlie dog, flowers, eggs and candy.  I hope the Easter Bunny remembers everything!   

Play

Just some silly pics of them playing this week

They caught a grasshopper.  It was alive.

Snuggles in our bed

So proud to have caught a lizard.  It was dead.

Paige put every barrette was own in Hailey's hair.  They were both quite proud.

American Girl Chicago

As I said, while in Chicago, I stopped into the American Girl store, without my girls.  Whhhaaaaa.  It was really fun and would love be able to get on one for them to pick out their own dolls and an outfit.  I think it would be an experience they would remember forever. 

WaterTower Mall

Stylists will style your doll's hair

Of yes...and of course you can BUY the earings. 

You can have tea and sweets with your doll

So happy to have matching tshirts. 

Chicago Trip

A couple weekends ago I was able to fit in a Girl's Trip to Chicago where I met 3 of my dearest friends from college at Chico State.  We were all in the same sorority together and share many good memories.  It's so great that we are still connected and when we get together it's like no time has passed.  We ate at some great restaurants including RPM, Frontera, and Rosebud.  We also went to a 50 Shades of Gray parody in Lincoln Park.  Very funny!  Our hotel was 2 blocks from Michigan Avenue so shopping was a must.  Next to the historic Water tower Building is an American Girl store where I got the girls matching t-shirts for them and their dollies.  They love them.  The weather was COLD.  That is all I will say about that.  It was nice to get away for a little while, but I definitely missed my family and my life here.  I feel extra fortunate that I can get away from time to time and share some good laughs, moments and true friendship with my girlfriends.