Spying on your kids.

Today was the day for mom to spy.  I had to run to the school to pick up a tag for my car and the exact time I was standing in the office, Ashley and her friend walked by.  It was so cute, her and Alena were holding hands.  Alena is in first grade and gets off the bus the same stop as Ashley.  It was so cute, Alena walked Ashley to her class for her.  Then I walked over to Ashley's class and peaked in on her.  She was intently getting ready to start her day.  And since she missed school yesterday because she was sick, she was trying to catch up with her friends.  Oh, how I love to watch them start to grow and make their friendships, that will hopefully last a lifetime. 

Since I never like to treat the kids differently, I got a chance to spy on Ms. Alison while she was napping.  Kiki apparently likes snuggling with Ally's pink fleece blanket as much as Ally does. 

Picking apples with the family.

This past weekend was a lot of fun until the girls and I became ill.  The four of us, that's right Daddy was

there too, went and picked apples.  Then we made homemade cider and pies.  Everyone had a blast.

A couple of random pics.

One nice thing about haveing both kids home sick for a day.  We have time to catch up on blogging.  So here is another blog with some cute pictures of the girls.  The first one is when Ashley lost her second tooth. 

Here is a cute picture of Kiki's boyfriend, Cloud.  The girl's named him, who knows where he lives or what his real name is. 

Grandma Chicken and Grandpa Cow's visit

While Grandma and Grandpa Schroeder's visit, we took time to enjoy the view in the Shenandoah National Forest.

We also went to the Shenandoah County Fair.  It was such a nice time with the grandparents. Since Grandpa Schroeder has a passion for animals, we took the time to check out all the animal barns.  It was awesome to see the girls listen to him while he spoke about the different animals, especially the cows.

Being picked on.

Overall, a good first week for the girls in school.  Very normal, to say the least.  After dinner and family time this evening I saw Ashley demonstrating what we use to call an"indian burn" on Ally's arm.  So I nonchalantly asked where she learned that.  She replied, "from Alina, my friend on the bus."  So investigative mom kicked in:

mom:  "Did you like it?"
Ashley:  "no"
mom:  "Did you tell her that you did not like it?"
Ashley: "no"
mom:  "Monday when you get on the bus, and she tries to do it again just tell here to STOP, I DO NOT LIKE THAT!"
Ashley:  "okay, she also calls me a thumbsucker."
mom:  "Is she the only one that calls you that?"
Ashley:  "yes."
mom:  "Then just tell her she is rude and to stop calling you that."
Rusty:  "you do need to stop sucking your thumb."
mom:  "it is not good for your teeth."
Ashley:  "okay; but what if I forget."
mom:  "I have faith in you, that you will tell her to stop."

I also told Rusty, that Ashley's mom wore combat boots and would stomp all over her.  So for Ashley's sake, I hope she takes care of it on her own.  And Rusty is still trying to apply his chi.

1st day of school

As you know by the title, today is the first day of school for the girls.  Ashley goes 5 days a week and Alison goes to church preschool twice a week for a half day. 

Alison at her school.

Alison in her classroom.

 I was a little worried about Alison; bur apparently she is fine.

Keeping up with the blog.

Now that school is due to start Tuesday and everything should be in a routine soon, I am really trying to keeep up with the blog.  So here are a few shots from the past week.

Kimmer, the girl's big sister, took another trip to NYC and took the time to send her sisters awesome trinkets.  A hat and a necklace for each girl and to top off the girl's day a map of NYC with Mamma Mia on the cover.  If you don't know by now, Ashley and Alison know every word to the movie AND almost all of ABBA's songs.

This week was also very special to each girls, we had orientation for each of their schools.  Alison is seen here with her teacher, Mrs. Dean.  I think Ally is going to absolutely flourish in the school we chose.

Below is Ashley.  Her teacher's name is Mrs. Sheley and I am not worried about her one bit.  I can not wait to watch her learn.

My 35th birthday

So today is my 35th birthday.  And my dear best friend sent the most wonderful sunflowers from Kansas (how appropriate).  Thank you my friend, I could not live without you love and support.