Almost Summer

Admittedly, adding Sophia to my blog has been a mixed bag. Part of the reason I blog less often is because she says that she wants to blog about certain things, but she gets too distracted to follow through. I could just go for it, but her posts always add such a great perspective, especially as it relates to things she's doing that I really want to give her the chance to do it.

This is the last week of school for Sophia. It's been a lovely year for both of us. Last night, as I was putting her to bed, Sophia said, "I'm just sad about it because first grade has had such an impact on my life." I kid not. That's what she said. I could say the same thing, I suppose.

Like most parents who are at home full time, I have mixed feelings about summer. Most of me is excited. I truly like spending time with my kid. She's a hoot. However, I've gotten quite attached to my routine. So I'll fill this week with all my favorite activities and look forward to my days with Sophia to come. I do realize how lucky I am. 

Science Project - by Sophia

,,Hi today I will tell you about my... SCIENCE EXPERIMENT! It went awesome, thanks for asking.I did a experiment on what happens when you put food coloring in water, with fruit in it.In other words, I was looking for if the food coloring went through the skin.It didn't! So learned that fruit is very protective.As I said before it was fun/awesome. I hope you enjoyed.Bye.






By sophia creach

First Grade Basketball

There is something that I've been getting more and more okay with as the school year goes by. First graders just don't have the "Awww" factor that Kindergartners (and younger kids) do. Of course they're awesome. No debating that. They're learning and stretching their minds and their wills and doing incredible things! They're awe inspiring more than aww inspiring.

But here's the thing. Last night, Sophia went to her first basketball practice with her team of first grade girls. I have not seen this much cuteness in one room all year.

These girls are so excited! So serious. Determined. Happy. Attentive. They have such a desire to please, improve, excel and dribble that damn ball.

It was ADORABLE.

I just don't know how to describe these girls. Or explain why it was so cute. They're not even unskilled. They're just cute. Really, really cute.

Saturday, they're naming their team. That will be entertaining. Sophia's preference is the Dragons. Why? I don't know.

Plus, she seems pretty pumped about having a "coach." Of course she loves having a new adult in her life. When we got home, "Should I call him 'Coach,' or should I call him by his name?"

First Grade Field Trip

Today was Sophia's first field trip of first grade. To say that she was excited would be a gross understatement. The funny thing is that she was going to the zoo, which she goes to dozens of times every year. Riding the bus the five minutes that it takes to get there apparently kicks the zoo up about a bajillion notches.

Because there were so many parent volunteers, I had a group of three little girls. Easy peasy. That's not sarcastic. It really was. At least as easy as walking around the zoo all day ever is. Did I mention they were three chatty girls? As long as I nodded occasionally and looked like I was paying attention, they were happy as three cute little clams.

No matter how many times we go to the zoo, it never gets boring or old. But, apparently, you can have more to say about it. Chat-ty...

Look how excited she is to get on that bus. It beats walking, which is what she knows I'd make her do...

Play Date Chatter

This afternoon Sophia had a friend over to play. And chat. They had a magnificent time. And I had an entertaining afternoon listening to them. Sophia listened when her friend talked, but she was the one who felt particularly "share-y" today.

The afternoon started off with a look through Sophia's baby book. Always a favorite pastime of hers. Other topics covered this afternoon were: all three of her dead pets (two fish and a hermit crab), the Missouri Tigers, the Portland Timbers, her aunts, her singing career (five years in the making) and much, much more. She is very lucky to have friends who find her as interesting as she finds herself. Hopefully it stays that way.

I've been pretty fortunate in that area myself, so I assume Sophia will choose wisely as I have.

And it begins...

...Again.

Sophia started first grade this morning. She was very excited to get the day going. She doesn't even pretend that she doesn't love school, although she insists that she doesn't like math.

Maybe that's what she's thinking about as she gives her lip a little nervous chew...

The nerves didn't hold out very long, but she wouldn't give me another smile. I'd used up my quota in the back yard apparently.

When it came time to leave, this was her response. I think she's relieved just to get it started. See what this big kid first grade thing is all about. I can't believe it. No more Kindergarten. No more cute little songs. Now she's just hanging out on the blacktop with all the big kids! Sigh. She seems to think she's ready.

I certainly hope she's right!