Week of First Days

This past week has been a week of "firsts" for my kids. It was the first day back at Mother's Day Out for Layton and Preschool for Ashlyn (sniff, sniff) this past Tuesday. The kids were not completely hyped to be getting their picture (as you can tell from Ashlyn's expression), but I snapped away anyway. Here they are looking so grown up on their first day back. Can't you tell Ashlyn is so excited to get her picture taken? Ha!

Here's Ashlyn with her new preschool teacher, Miss Jessica. We are so blessed that Ashlyn has her this year--Jessica is a new teacher to the Preschool, but she is a former kindergarten teacher and is sooo sweet! Ashlyn really likes her and told me on her first day that "Miss Jessica knew how to tie my shoes for me", which made quite an impression on Ashlyn. Its so funny what kids find interesting.

Ashlyn was also glad to have her friends from the 3 year old class last year, in Miss Jessica's class with her. She was especially glad that she had her friend, Eddie, back in class with her this year. It was so funny (and surprising!) when I asked her about her first day and she told me that she 'kissed Eddie' today. Yikes! I asked her why and she told me that she loved him and wanted him to marry her. Does it start this early?! I guess as long as it stays in the cute, preschool phase it will be okay, because daddy will definitely not be ready for that (or mommy for that matter!)

I tried to get a picture of Layton on his first day with his teacher, my dear friend, Heather, but he was too busy to play to want his picture taken (hmmm, maybe I'll take a 2nd day pic and post that). I had wanted Heather to have both of my kids in her class and was overjoyed that she would be teaching Layton this year (she had Ashlyn last year). She has always been so sweet, firm and loving with my kids and they love her. I know this will be a good year at school for Layton (and Ashlyn) and I can't wait to see how they do throughout the year.

Not only was it the kids' first day back at MDO, it was also Ashlyn's first day of dance class. Here are Ashlyn and Layton in front of the sign to her dance studio. (Everytime I tried to take a picture of Ashlyn by herself, Layton jumped in. Oh well, they both do look cute together.)

Here's a picture of just Ashlyn showing me her twirly skirt. She was very excited to be dressed in her purple leotard and tights.

Once we got into the studio, all of the girls went back to the dance room together with their teachers, who were so very nice and good with the children. Layton tried running back to the room with the girls, but I quickly detained him. He wasn't too disappointed, though, once he found another little boy to play with while I (and the other mothers) rushed to take pictures of our girls. It was so funny to see all of the mothers (myself being one of them) running like a pack of paparazzi behind the line of girls going back to the dance room. I had to laugh when one of the teachers had to shoo us out as we were taking pictures to watch behind the window so they could start class. It was definitely one of the cutest things I think I have ever seen. It was so cute watching all of the little 3-5 year old girls twirling around in their tutus. Ashlyn was so excited that she kept smiling from ear to ear and jumping up and down. It was so sweet watching her enjoy herself so much. After the class was over, we all took some more pictures and got to visit with the teachers, who did say that this was one of the best classes they had since the girl's were all so well-behaved. Here is a picture of Ashlyn with her new teacher, Miss Jill, who is also the owner of the studio.

All in all, it has been a fun week for the kids. I can't wait to see how this year goes--its going to be good!