the end of the year

Tomorrow marks the end of my school year and I am not very happy about it. So quickly I went from crying crying crying when my mom dropped me off to wanting to be at school every minute of my life.

This dog, Millie, is one of the things I love most about my school. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, she greets me outside. I am always the first student to arrive.

There was no school last Tuesday because of parent/teacher conferences. There were no surprises, really, for my parents. In the opening minute of the conference, I was described not once but twice as intense. I can be, and no one knows this better than my mom.

When I started at the school in January, I was able to become close friends with the kids in the class who did not easily make friends prior to my arrival. I am loved by all. And I love all of the kids.

It came as no surprise that I am exceptionally bright. I have a more sophisticated level of play than a child of my age normally has. Also, my planning skills are remarkable.

What else?

I have an obvious love of language. I love to read and I notice patterns in language. My conversational skills are well developed. I have a wonderful sense of humor.

The only thing my teachers thought was a drawback is that I don't always like to follow directions. I can and do follow directions but I sometimes disagree if I don't see the point to whatever I am supposed to do. The little known trick around this is to get me to think something is my idea. I can sure bark out directions!

It will be a sad day tomorrow when I have to say goodbye to my beloved teachers. I cried for an entire hour when I got home from school on Tuesday.

our new neighbor

At long last, the Whole Foods near us finally opened today. We had been impatiently watching the construction for months and months.

If we were any crazier, we would have gone to the ribbon cutting this morning and been there right when the store opened. As it turned out, we had appointments and other responsibilities to tend to so we didn't go until the dinner rush. Apparently, we were not the only people who decided the new Whole Foods would be the perfect place to dine tonight. I enjoyed a piece of pizza (which was even better than at the flagship store) and the bakery features a cookie bar.

Our lives just got so much easier. No more hour-long drives into downtown just to buy groceries.

lesson of the day

We woke up way too early today so we could drive my dad to work. I visited his co-workers for a short while so I could brighten their day and then my mom took me to the park because it was still a pleasant and cool morning (less than 80).

The park was stunning with its rolling fields of yellow wildflowers. The most important lesson of the day was, if I run five miles along the path, someone is going to have to carry thirty pounds of toddler all the way back.

By the time we were done, it was no longer less than 80 degrees.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day started out like many days do: cleaning up cat barf followed by a little plumbing project. The water problems continue but my mom is handy enough to be a certified plumber by now.

My dad and I went to the new bakery near us and got treats. He got my mom quiche (which I loved) and a dirty chai. I had cocoa and a blueberry muffin. My dad had a croissant that he said was delicious but he could tell it would taste much better in Canada. As much as Americans might try, they just cannot get the pastries quite right. And you cannot even find black forest cake here! or proper crumpets. Don't even try to order a London Fog at the coffee shop. sigh.

I made a Mother's Day gift at school. I even painted my own wrapping paper. The biggest surprise of all is that we did get a bluebonnet photo this year. I did not tell my mom that day back in April when they marched us all out to the field of flowers and took our photos that were then turned into magnets.

Speaking of school, the year is almost over. I only have two regular days of school left. Tuesday is a parent/teacher conference so my parents can hear just how smart and popular I am. Then I have two normal days of school. The last day is a celebration to send the oldest class off to kindergarten and to say goodbye to my dear friends and teachers. I am looking forward to the academic rigor of the Montessori school, and I really need it, but this has been such a positive preschool experience for me. I have made plans to visit with my school friends during the summer and to stay friends with them forever.

35 months

I celebrated my 35-month birthday yesterday. It was a relatively uneventful day as I am currently in planning mode for my third birthday party. It is going to be a grand affair. I tell everyone I meet that "I am 2 1/2" and I suppose I will need to soon practice saying I am 3.

We have enjoyed some fierce storms this week and, thus, much cooler weather. My dog has been quite afraid. I am scared of thunder too and even ate dinner under the table one evening. My dog turns to me for support though so I need to act brave for his benefit.

There has been no greater joy than frolicking in mud puddles.

99 degrees and counting

Yes, you are reading the temperature correctly in the top photo. We made it to 99 degrees today. This did not stop me from thinking I should be outside for a good long stretch of time to practice my football skills. My touchdown pass is remarkable.

The second photo was taken earlier this week when we foolishly thought a comparatively cool 93-degree day was hot. silly us. I have been reading a lot during the hot afternoons and I devoured the latest issue of National Geographic.

upside down at yoga

Here is a photo of me at yoga yesterday. I have perfected the fine art of handstands against the wall. I highly recommend this pose to anyone who suffers back, hip, or circulation problems.

I have been going to my yoga studio since January of 2009 - months before I was born.