Doodlebug's First Day of School 2010

Today was DB’s first day of Kindergarten

and DD’s first day in 2nd grade!!!! HOW CAN THAT BE???? It was a very exciting day for both of them. DB was up “bright and early” chattering about her first day of school.

We started the day off with a quick music lesson,

and then moved on to more academic areas.  Everything went well, but it was definitely more of a challenge than last year. Trying to coordinate two grade levels and meet the needs of two totally different personalities was tough. Doodlebug wasn’t crazy about spending her entire day in a somewhat structured environment and Desheng Darling didn’t enjoy sharing her teacher….so….this may be a L-O-N-G year.

We ended the day however, on a positive note with a “patriotic snack” to accompany DD’s study of American History.

Guess that means we’ll try school again tomorrow…..and the next, and the next, and the…

GOTCHA DAY GIRLS! 2010

In honor of DB’s 3-year Gotcha Day we made a special trip to NY to meet with our travel group.

We flew to Hartford CT, then drove the remainder of the way.

All the girls had arrived by noon on Friday. This was our first group picture. DD isn’t actually from the same province, but she’s been with the girls since we got them. These girls are very special to her too.

After lunch we loaded all the girls up and headed for the playground...precious cargo!

The playground just happened to be located right next to an indoor skating rink!

They had a blast playing in the ice left by the zamboni machine.

We ended the day at Hoffman’s Playland, an amusement park for small children.

These rides were PERFECT for the girls!

Then, on Saturday we were “off to the races.”

We actually went to the horse races, but we stopped by a beautiful place called Yaddo Gardens for these pictures.

Now, on to the horse races...

The girls were able to get a close view of some of the horses.

In between races, they had fun snacking at the picnic tables just outside the track.

We finished the day with a great cookout followed by s’mores!!!

The next morning we said "Good-bye" to 3 of our families

(Last group picture in hotel lobby)

... then headed up into the Adirondack Mountains for a little sight-seeing with our host family who are native to the area.

It was a very cool rainy day with temperatures in the low 60’s, quite different from anything we had seen in a long time.

Wading in Schroon Lake

Split Rock Waterfall..(picture just doesn't do it justice)

At Adirondack Reflections, a taxidermy shop in Keene, NY.

Two tired, but happy girls waiting to board the plane to return home where the temp. was 107 degrees.

We had a GREAT time! Our wonderful host family made sure we were well taken care of…good food, great accommodations and fun activities. Thank you SO MUCH Skip and Lynda for EVERYTHING!!!!

The Rest of the Story

Doodlebug finally completed the celebration of her 5th birthday with a small party at the mall.

The girls started out with an ALL DAY pass to ride the carousel. I lost count of how many times they actually rode it, but I’ll say that we definitely got our money’s worth.

(DB and her friend, AR)

Next, we enjoyed a huge chocolate chip cookie cake. It was good, but oh SO rich!!! It was probably good that the girls rode the carousel BEFORE eating the cake.

After the cake, DB opened her gifts, all of which were very “girly.” Of course she loved everything! At this point, we sent Daddy D to the car with all the “stuff” and we headed to the ice skating rink.

Everyone is “booted up” and ready to hit the ice.

It was so nice having Sister Darling and her friend there to help.

At the end of the day, we had one HAPPY 5 year old birthday girl! We love you Doodlebug!