Lucgoose Goes to Preschool

And just like that my sweet, little Lucgoose is off to her first day of preschool. She'll follow in Vera's footsteps and go to school at our church. It's such a wonderful program and I am so excited for her to continue to grow and learn in Jesus. I wish she could stay snugly and little forever, but she's so ready to be a big kid. 

Could she look more excited? I mean, really. She kept saying "I go to school too"!

She was so excited that she was literally bouncing all over the porch. She was ready...or so I thought. When I dropped her off she cried for almost an hour, or so the teachers tell me. I know she'll learn to love school as she as she realizes I always come back. 

Showing off her backpack. The one I was planning on using was just too big for her liking. It kept  rubbing the back of her legs and she freaked out. We'll try that on again at a later date. 

Holding the sign just like Veve. She insisted on it. 

 

Best friends 

Just going to school with my sister

On our walk to class we stopped for a few more smiles and giggles

This was her face when I explained that I could not go to school with her. She kept saying "Mommy stay with me?" Sorry Lucy, you gotta do this one on your own. 

ON MY OWN!?!

Making sure her pigtails were in perfect position. 

Vera wanted to take Lucy to class, but her class starts before Lucy's so they had to settle for walking into the building together. 

She picked some flowers for her teacher on the way to class. 

Still all smiles as she got ready to go inside. She was not a happy camper when I had to say I love you and leave.

Lucy was watching her teacher, Mrs Baker, set up the choo-choo train. What you can't see is that she was crying because she knew I had to leave. They told me at pick-up that she cried on and off all day. I know she'll get there eventually, but holy moly. 

She just amazes me.

Lucgoose,
As you start your school journey remember how much I love you, and how glad I am God picked me to be your mom. It was hard dropping you off today, but I know that you are in good hands. I pray that you will always have Jesus in your heart and follow Him all the days of your life. That you will be His hands and feet in your classroom, and that you will be the kind, sweet, fun little girl that I love. I am already so proud of you and couldn't love you more.
Mom

And She's Off!

Today we woke up and Vera started her public school journey with preschool. She goes five mornings a week at our church and she is pumped to learn. She loves her teachers and friends and I can't wait to see what this year brings. 

I just can't even. I adore her. 

My blue eyed Veve is almost a full time student. 

She picked out her dress and necklace and was so excited to meet her friends at school. I think she still sees it as a giant play date instead of work. 

Getting her to smile without completely tilting her head in an art form that I have not yet mastered. Insert heavy sigh. 

She had one foot out the door and was beyond ready

She was totally annoyed at this point and just wanted to go to school. 

Vera Anne, 

May you always have a love for learning and a heart for Jesus. May you see the potential in yourself and others. You are so loved and we couldn't be prouder of you, and it's only your first day. Do your best, and God will take care of everything else. I love you the most, 

Mom

Snuggles

Sometimes you just need a good snuggle and/or nap. And snuggles from the girls can make the worst day better; they pretty much rock. 

Selfie with my sleeping Veve

Shut the front door on all this cuteness. She still looks like a baby here, but tomorow she starts her two day preschool. I hate that she's growing up so fast.  

Pink fingernails and all. She wants to be a big girl so badly, just like Veve. 

I love it when they cimb into bed in the morning and snuggle. What a great way to start any day. 

I was almost kicked out of the bed because of all the stuffed animals. 

Somethings in life are just awesome. These two little stinkers are my smiles and giggles. 

Pinning

Vera has been begging me to let her trade pins at Disney. I thought this would be an expensive, time consuming habit that further fueled Vera's need to collect and organize things. I mean we already have serious rock and my little pony collections, and lots of tiny little objects stress me out. But Vera is nothing if not persistent, so I ordered old pins off eBay for next to nothing. Vera could not contain her excitement when I told her they were for her to trade. The next day we hopped on the monorail and went from hotel to hotel to try out our hand at pin trading. I have to admit, it was super fun. i just had to remind myself that her pin choices are not always the same as mine. She passed up an amazing Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers pins for a weird Pinocchio pin. Whatever floats your boat and finds your lost remote, Ve.  

Riding the rails after trading her first pin at the Polynesian hotel. She chose a ghost pin from the Haunted Mansion. The cast member even let Lucy pick out a pin for free since it was their first time trading. She quickly snagged a Mickey Mouse. 

Showing off her latest trades. I only let her trade five at a time so that we won't lose them or get overwhelmed. I used my motherly influence to get The Great Mouse Detective pin since that is my favorite Disney movie of all time. Ever.

For her patience and cooperation, Lucy was rewarded with a carousel ride. 

She loves riding the horses. 

Vera acts like she's too big for it, but she grins from ear to ear when she thinks you're not looking. 

All that pin trading and magic tuckered Lucgoose out. She put herself to sleep on the monorail. Here's to trading the days away with my sweet gals. 

Bedtime

"Lucy, please close your eyes and go to sleep". 

Her response to my request can be seen below. I just love her to pieces!

Guga Pooped them out

And just like that it was time to fly back home...

No biggie, just a plane ride in my pajamas and sneakers. 

Vera slept like a log after a few days sleeping in her princess sleeping bag in Guga's room. 

Lucy was glad to be home and in her own bed too. 

Back Home Again in Indiana

Unfortunately we had to make an emergency trip back to Indiana to visit my Dad in the hospital. He fell and developed a very serious case of pneumonia, and remains in the SICU to date. Sadly there are not many pictures because I spent the majority of my time at the hospital, but we did manage a few shenanigans in between hospital visits. 

The girls waiting in the lobby for me to come out. i made the choice to not let them go back because I don't think they needed to see anyone in that state. They were as patient as they could be. 

We went and visited Guga at work and even got to photocopy our hands!

Lucy loved it!

After church on Sunday we went to Coney Island, per Matthew's request, and ate some serious hot dogs. 

Lucy finished her first hot dog in about two minutes flat. After repeatedly begging Matthew for another one, she downed that quickly too. Lucy can put it down if the food is tasty. 

We went to Clara's pizza and ordered food from an old school telephone while swinging from a porch swing.
"Dad can I please try," pleaded Veve. 

"You have to talk into the phone Vera," stated Matthew somewhat annoyed. 

"Just ask for the napkins," sighed Matthew.
Vera had a blast, but Matthew was on edge. It was classic and just what I needed after a hospital visit. 

Lucgoose had to take a turn too. 

I wish I could say I enjoyed the trip, but it was rough. I can't wait to go back under better circumstances.