3 First Day's of School!

...Kate starting school in the Double T room, Michael starting his 2 doctoral classes, and me starting something really new! Kate started last Tuesday and still only goes 2 days a week. It works out perfect. She gets to go to school 2 days while mommy works and the rest of the time we hang out together. I LOVE our schedule. I took her the first 2 days. She doesn't do as well when I take her as she does when Michael takes her so one of the pictures may break your heart. However, she rebounds quickly and has a great day. The unfortunate part for me is Michael always gets to pick her up. I am hoping this week I get to pick her up once to see how happy she is at then end of the day. Regardless, we are so happy she has a place she loves and feels safe to play and have time with friends.






















Heartbreak Alert: As I walked out of the room Kate sat sadly on the floor. However, her amazing teacher Tracey consoled her and she quickly started playing.


































Michael is taking 2 classes this semester. He is pretty amazing because not only will he still do an amazing job at work, he will also do really well in class. He's so smart. It's going to mean a lot of discipline on his part, and mine too. I have a tendency to want to talk to him while he is reading! I can't help it.

Today is my first day of school, but today I'm on the other side of the class! That's right, I'm teaching a practicum class for Texas Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Program. I am so excited, but nervous. I am thankful because it allowed me to quit my job a the Employee Assistance Program and start a private practice. It's a good thing we aren't afraid of change because there seems to be a lot of it happening around here.

Aloha and Aloha

...the annual parent and family aloha party at Texas Tech. Each year the university hosts a luau for the parents of students at the end of move-in day. It is the university's way of saying "Aloha" (Hello parents, glad you're here) and "Aloha" (okay parents, time for you to go home). We went this year and took Kate in her new Hawaiian dress, which Amanda's cousin Lura Lee bought for her in Hawaii.

I liked these pictures because of how well they represent the two year old condition, which is why I'm posting them. We are definitely saying "Aloha" to the two year old mood swings, while wishing we could say the other "Aloha" to them. Really I'm kidding, because she is the funnest, most enjoyable kid I've spent a lot of time with, which I guess isn't really saying much. But, what I mean is while she has her moments (who doesn't by the way) she is a really funny, well-behaved little girl. Here is an exhibition of the two year old, independent, condition.

Exhibit 1: (Kate speaking to us) I'm here, I'm bored, so entertain me.


Exhibit 2: (Kate to us again) I'm tired of waiting for you to entertain me...I'll try.


Exhibit 3: Kate now having a total blast by herself.


Exhibit 4: Happy but needs a break. (Us to Kate) Honey, get off the floor, it's yucky.


Exhibit 5: (Kate to us again) I'll show you yucky!

A New School Year!

...a new school year for all of us. Tech starts back to classes this week, Amanda starts teaching her class, and Kate starts in her new, big girl room at the CDRC at Tech. She will be in a classroom with other kids from 2 to 3 1/2. You can see from the above picture of her first day last year to her first day this year, she has changed a lot in 1 year! Our baby who couldn't even walk this time last year has turned into a little kid. She is going to change so much again this year too, but it's hard to imagine her getting even bigger. A friend of ours with kids of her own says parenthood is being in a constant state of letting go.

At least her classroom will be a lot of fun! Here are the pictures below of Kate seeing it for the first time.

See how much she's changed in just one year???




Kate's teachers Tracey and Sarah! Tracey was also her teacher from last year.


She loves it.


While everyone else might first notice the giant, two story climbing structure in the room, I notice the work tables. She is old enough now to have work tables in her classroom. Wow!





On her classroom's outdoor portico with one of her favorite things on earth...a cow.

"Granny, Are You?"

Mom and Kate...Granny always has fun stuff

...mom being here for a week. Now she is back home and we ALL miss her. Yesterday Kate got out of bed and said, "Granny, are you?" In Kate language that translates, "Granny, where are you?" I think Stanley really misses her too. When she is here he gets watermelon and whatever else Granny eats. He has a way of looking at her that says, "Granny, remember when I was adopted and you held me all that day? I was starving to death and you fed me? Remember?" Then he looks at her with his dough eyes and she's toast. There is no way she can say no to him. She is more likely to say no to Kate, not that she does.
Anyways, we had a great time with Granny and wanted to share some pictures of her week here in Lubbock.

















On Sunday Michael's division had a pool party at the Leisure Pool. We finally got to take Granny to the pool.











































































































































































It was great having Granny here. Now if we could only get her to come back!

Graduation Weekend

...our friends graduating! Steph and Brandy both graduated with their Ph.D.'s last weekend. It was a lot of fun getting to meet our friends' families and spend time with them. Kate loves Brandy and Steph and is so comfortable with them. We have been blessed to have them in our lives and for Kate to have more strong women in hers.




The Fish Fry gang picture attempt 1.

Long, Tall Texan

...a birthday present from Granny. Kate has discovered her red glittered cowgirl boots. She has been wearing them around the house and I must say it is hilarious to watch her walk in them.
















Oh yes, she has her "guns up!"

Just for Fun

...everyday life. Summer orientation is winding down (Yay!!!) so we are soaking up fun with the students while we can. Recently one of Michael's coworkers hosted a party for the orientation student workers. We had a great time and Kate did not disappoint. Zach and Leah, who recently got married, have an amazing dog named Remi. He is so sweet and tolerant. Kate had a great time playing with him.





























































































Kate recently got a pack-n-play for her babies. She was super excited. She has also been showing off her pretty hair by wearing it in a new way. It makes her look like such a big girl.