Children's Museum Visit

Finley actually took a nap at school, though it was only 30 minutes, a nap is a nap. And so I rewarded her with a visit to the Children's Museum. I hope that makes this school year better than the last as far as naps go. I promised her rewards of fun if she actually naps at school. Finley had a blast at the grocery store and we even ran into Coach Courtney from gymnastics. He said it was his second day working at CMH and I cannot imagine anyone more perfect for the job, though I will be sad he if he is no longer at HGA.I don't think Finley recognized him without his gymnastics gear on. After the grocery, we made some shape artwork and worked in the vet's office for a bit. Finley thought one dog was a raccoon, which was quite adorable. She would use the stethoscope to listen to the animal hearts and put her ear up to them as well, what a cutie! Finally, we visited the commodities exchange where Finley became a commodity trader. She made $116 in sugar in three minutes...wonder if there are any openings at her dad's office...

First Day of Dance Class

After two years of dance with Kings, it was time for a change.  There is a fantastic dance program right at Finley's school, so I was excited to sign Finley up for it.  There are 12 little girls in the class, including a few girls from Finley's class last year.  Finley had a great time at dance, she did amazingly well.  In a couple weeks, I will grab more pictures of her actually in class. I am still trying to get used to moving from our lazy summer to fall with school, gymnastics, swim lessons and dance.

First Day of School

Finley is back in school today, I cannot believe it is already time for her second year of school! She has a new teacher, Miss Madison, and Miss Jackie is assisting her class again, so there is a familiar face as well. Finley was so excited to go to school, her daddy and I dropped her off this morning and there wasn't a single tear. She really loves school, I hope that love continues. Here is a look back at last year's first day of school. I think it is really cute that she wanted Meerkat in her pictures again with her this morning.

Playdate with Max

Max came over today to play with Finley. The two of them are absolutely hysterical together. The games they come up with are so fascinating. Finley and Max were wrapping presents for each other, serving each other food from the grill and sending each other to time out. They really have a special relationship. We have Thursday as our new set playdate day since Max and Finley will no longer be in school together. 

Happy Birthday Grandad!

On Monday we headed to Clear Lake for swimming, pulled pork sandwiches, cake, ice cream and to celebrate Grandad's birthday. Finley was quite proud of the card she had made for Grandad. Finley has gotten very good at writing her own name, but she had a bit of trouble trying to copy Grandad.

At the Ranch

Grandma sent over a few pictures of Finley at the ranch. Finley was too scared to ride the tractor because it was too loud, but she was very happy to hang out in the chicken coop.

A Family Trip to the Museum

On Friday we met up with Uncle Walter, Aunt Sidnoye, Grandma, Aunt Rose and cousin Faith at the Museum of Natural Science to check out the dinosaurs.  Aunt Rose and Faith had to head home before I was able to snap a picture of the whole family.  Finley was super excited to take everyone to the temple upstairs, it is still her favorite place to visit.  Finley's favorite part of the new Paleontology Hall is the petrified wood displays, she ran around in circles in there for a bit.

Happy Birthday, Samantha!

Last weekend we went over to Samantha's house to celebrate her fourth birthday party. I cannot believe Finley's friends are turning four! They are all growing up so fast. There was a bouncy house, Chick-fil-a nuggets and snow cones. Finley was a very happy party goer. Ariel, The Little Mermaid, came to sing at the party with Prince Eric.

Finley's First Musical

The Lion King is playing at Hobby Center this summer. Neither Clifton nor I had seen it, but his co-workers said it was great for kids. I was a bit nervous about Finley making it through the nearly three hour show, but she did great. The opening song with all the animals parading through the theater had Finley entranced. She sat on my lap the entire time so she could see everything. We had great seats in the first row of the mezzanine, so she was able to see very well. I think she may have nodded off a bit towards the end, but once all the animals were out again, she was wide awake. During intermission she selected a Zazu bird to take home. At the start of the second act, there were women all over the theater flying birds on sticks, Finley flew her Zazu too! Finley did so well that we went ahead and ordered tickets for Beauty and the Beast in September.

Is it Halloween Yet?

Carousel Flashback

I am fairly positive it is the exact same carousel, just with an old paint job.