Drums

Olivia was thrilled to watch the marching band at high school football last night.  Since we were standing down on the track with Papa Russ, she got to touch the drums that were sitting waiting for halftime. 

She was in heaven :)  We need advice on what her first "real drum" should be.  What's still small enough for a 2 1/2 year old?? 

No Love School

That's what Olivia cried in the car on the way to daycare this morning...over and over...."No Love School.  Mama come get you!"  And by "you", she means "me" - she gets confused on pronouns. 

Day #2: She actually had a better day yesterday.  She still cried all morning, but took a good nap and had a better afternoon.  Owen had another great day.  But then he refused to leave school.  Yes, I can't get one kid to go to school, and the other one planted himself in the middle of the room with a toy and said "I stay here".  Ms. Penny was laughing with me.  We (Mimi was there, too) had to bribe Owen with ice cream to leave school. 

Day #3: Owen wakes up so excited to go to school.  Olivia was hesitant, but then when we got in the car, had a complete meltdown and cried the entire way.  When we got to her classroom, she kept crying, but reached for the teacher.  Maybe that was a positive sign?  Or she just realizes I'm going to leave whether she's crying or not.  Check back here later for an afternoon update.  My goal is to get out of there without bribery :)

The First Day

Tuesday was their first full day of school.  They were both very excited when they got up and as we ate breakfast.  I am not used to getting them up and about so quickly though, so that will be an adjustment for all of us. 

When we got to their classroom, they were both sad that they didn't get to go straight outside to play, which is how it went on their transition days last week.  And then Olivia lost it.  Total meltdown.  Owen had already found some cars and was waving at me "Bye Mommy!".  The teacher peeled Olivia off me and I left (crying of course). 

Thank goodness, I ran into Uncle Justin and Lola in the parking lot.  Lola ran right into Olivia's classroom and helped her get calmed down.  Love Lola! She was thrilled to be a big helper. 

Olivia cried almost all day.  Except when she was napping, or when Lola was with her.  How can you resist when a whimpering little girl says "Get Lola!  Lola come again".  If I were her teacher, I would have done the same thing!  Lola, Olivia, and Ms Penny greeted me at the door when I arrived at the end of the day.  They were all chipper, but I believe they spent most of the afternoon in Penny's office so Olivia would be more comfortable. 

Owen on the other hand, had a fabulous day!  He played and colored and ate a great lunch.  And apparently he prefers to organize the toys and put them back where they belong before moving on to a new activity.  He was determined to pick up the entire classroom before he would leave.

Since I didn't get pictures in the morning, I took a few when we got home.  They are showing off their "1st day of school surprises" - new drumsticks for Livie and a new Thomas train crane car for Owen. 

And their first day of school reports....

I was so relieved to hear that Olivia took a good nap, and Owen at least rested quietly.  

Hope to get a better report today, but Olivia cried before we even walked into the school building today. 

Family Weekend

Prepare for a long, rambling post.  It's been a long, crazy and mostly fun weekend! 

First things first.  Last week was our last week with Nanny Linda, so we made her have picture day!  

We love Linda and can't wait to see her again for just a night out. 

Justin's parents, grandparents, sister, and aunt and uncle were in town this weekend.  We spent time playing at their hotel, bass pro shop, the aquarium, and took some new family pictures!

Our first visit to the Sea Life Aquarium....

 

I think these pictures are pretty good sample of how family photos went down.  This was even with m&m bribery.....

Owen and Olivia took quite the stand against naps this weekend.  They spent much more time playing in their beds than sleeping.  Considering Olivia has always been emotional in large crowds, skipping nap did not have a positive impact on her days.  

First, Hudson's First Birthday Party.  She missed presents and cupcakes.  When she woke up, she ate a cupcake upstairs by herself and looked around and said "Sing Happy Birthday Hudson?".  Ha.  She had missed the whole thing. 

You'll notice in her aquarium picture above that even then she has a puffy sad lip.  She cried on my shoulder almost the entire time.  She almost fell asleep on the way home, but then still didn't take a nap.  She fell asleep in the car on the way to family dinner.  Right before she slept, she got her laptop and said "I work.  I soooo busy". 

Tomorrow is their first full day of daycare/school!  Hope they nap better at daycare than they have been at home!