Kindergarten!

Wow, what a day. It's so odd yet inspiring to have your little one embark on a rather significant milestone -- it all happens so quickly and before you can stop to think, it's gone and you can never have that opportunity again.

Well, fortunately I have a very flexible work schedule -- uh, just don't tell that to my fellow co-workers -- and I was able to participate in Gianna's first day at (real) school. The verdict?

Magic.

She took it all in stride like a pro -- no apprehension, nervousness or fear. Just pure excitement.

And, wow -- have things changed. I'm filling out the contact form and they have a line for the kid's cell phone...

Up early for the big day, she had her clothes lined up and ready to wear.

Photos went quickly, and dashed off to class. Violetta urgently tried to get to the jungle gym while we waited for the teachers, with Liz catching up on the summer's activities with old friends from pre-school (not hers, but you get the picture).

Gianna stood quietly, in anticipation...

We then lined up, but soon realized that the rest of the class had already filed in to the room. Quickly, we dashed in and Gianna took a seat up near the front -- directly center to the teacher. Following initial instructions, she spent her time drawing, coloring and preparing materials for the rest of the year.

I watched on with pride as she introduced herself to new friends (and their parents), including the kid who loved Star Wars -- I don't think anything else came out of his mouth -- as his mom looked on, embarrassed (Mom, if you're reading this: I'm sorry. I was just a kid, but those movies were so cool...). I reassured her that it wasn't a big deal -- just imagine the same thing, but with Princesses as the main topic. As the father of two girls, I found it quite refreshing.

And as soon as things began, time was up for the first day. She said her goodbyes to new friends and we walked off to home (fortunately, only a couple of minutes away).

Well, she's asleep now, but already has her clothes lined up for tomorrow -- she's ready to go.

It's great to step back and think about days like today -- they come so infrequently but are remembered with fondness. I'm so grateful for the fantastic little girl that Gianna's become, and I look forward to future milestones, being a part of some while watching with a proud eye at the others.

Okay, back to work -- only 12.7 years left to save for college, and she's got her eye on Stanford of late (thanks for that one, Dad)...

A few pics below...

Gianna

Gianna will be starting kindergarten in a week. I still can't believe it. She has grown into such a good little girl. She is my mellow one but she has started to be more opinionated which I don't know how much I like. She's definitely started to exert her independence but still loves to cuddle at night. I'm trying to enjoy that time as much as possible because I know my time is limited. Before I know it she's going to be all grown up and not wanting to be seen with me. She's been reading so well already in Level 2 of the I Can Read books. She's into Barbie, Hannah Montana and HSM, gone are the days of the Disney Princesses :(. She'll be starting the Tiny Dance Team at her dance studio this year. They're supposed to be doing a couple of dance competitions and performances this year and we're very excited for her. She absolutely loves to dance and perform so it should be a ton of fun and a great opportunity for her to learn. I'm looking forward to this next school year to see her grow and learn and have fun. I'm very fortunate to be able to be home to witness all these wonderful moments. Thank you Geoff for all that you do for us.

Violetta

Violetta has just blossomed these past couple of months. She babbles and screams a lot. She has such a determined little personality. You just better watch out if she doesn't get what she wants. She loves to dance and sing, especially "The Wheels on the Bus" and " Five Little Monkeys". She can't say the words but does a good job with the hand motions. She knows how to say "Shhhh" and "NO" with her little finger and loves to rough house. She knows how to do knuckles thanks to her swim teacher. She is so much work but so much fun at the same time. I'm looking forward to seeing her blossom even more especially when she starts talking more. I just love that stage.

Audrey enjoying the carousel at Disneyland.

Love that smile!!

Gianna's beautiful face paint.

Audrey at Legoland. Looks like she's having fun!

Summer-July

I can't believe we are in September already and Gianna will be starting kindergarten next week. Wow did time fly. We have had such a fun time this summer I'm a bit sad to see it end. We were able to enjoy the pool and parks this year now that Violetta is pretty much running everywhere. July was a very busy month with swim classes for both Violetta and Gianna and dance classes for me. I started jazz dance classes at Saddleback College this summer and it was so refreshing to be back doing what I love. We had the Dalton Family reunion at the end of July and had the opportunity to spend some time with Jeremy, Jennifer, Jake and Audrey who flew out from North Carolina. We had wonderful days at Disneyland and Legoland with them after the reunion. We also got to celebrate Jake's and Jennifer's birthday. It was so much fun seeing all the cousins together.