See You Later Alligator

Karcie's last day of 2K was last Wednesday.  They had an end of year program and family picnic.  Again, I was sad because it was just me who could attend.  I checked Kamdyn out of school for a couple of hours so Karcie wouldn't be the ONLY kid without an entourage of family.  :(  Still, she only had two.  Oh well!  I'm sure that it didn't bother her in the least.  She didn't even notice, I'm sure.

She sang her little heart out despite the burning hot sun that was shining down on those sweet little kiddos.  She did yell out one time, "I'm sweating!!"

Miss Kelly was such an awesome and patient first teacher for our Karcie.  She desperately needed the socialization in a small, structured setting.  Kelly is so soft spoken.  Karcie loved everything about being there.  I am forever grateful for wonderful teachers like Miss Kelly and Miss Jenn.  

Here we come 3K!!  Can't wait to see how great Apex Baptist is for Karcie girl.

"Look, there is Mommy and Sissy!"

Where is your picture, Karcie?

"Five little Monkeys swinging from a tree.  Teasing Mr. Alligator, you can't catch me.!"

Hands UP!!

Karcie getting her award and treat bucket.

Miss Kelly and Miss JEnn

Yay, Karcie!  We are so proud of you!

Karcie giving Miss Kelly her monogrammed beach towel and gift card!

Karcie giving Miss Jenn her monogrammed beach towel and gift card!

Picnic time!!  I sure do love these sweet angels of mine!!

Karcie's Birthday at School

Karcie seemed a bit confused on her actual birthday. I think she was looking for the big party!!  I learned that at this age, we should celebrate BEFORE her actual birthday.  The day after her birthday, we celebrated at her school with her sweet little class.  I took cupcakes and juice.  The kids sang to her.  Karcie was happy and just smiled while they were singing.  Her Preschool has been so great for her.  We are sad to be leaving Miss Kelly and Miss Jenn!  Happy Birthday, little Karcie!!

  

Very Hungry Caterpillar Party

We love Karcie's Preschool.  Her teachers are phenomenal!  It's amazing to me what they have been able to get two-year-olds to do.  The parents were invited to watch the little caterpillars turn into butterflies.  First, they stuffed themselves with each of the different foods that the Hungry Caterpillar eats in the story.  Then, they went into their cocoons and came out beautiful butterflies.  This was the cutest thing EVER!!  If I ever go back to teaching little ones, this will definitely be an added celebration in my curriculum.

Karcie was thrilled to have us there.  When we walked upstairs, her little face was so sweet when she saw me, Kamdyn, and Georgia.  I'm still amazed that they get this little booger to stay in her seat!  She's never sat this long for us.  Ever.

We watched them try each new food.  We sent in apple pie and sausage.  Their little placemats were Ah-Dorable.  There was a picture/amount for each of the foods.  And look at the costumes that they made!

Our precious little caterpillar!

Proud as punch to see us!!

LOVE!

Look at those mini ice cream cones on Bugles....genius!

Big Sister didn't want to miss a thing.  She was snapping photos and videos on my phone.

This smile just lights up a room!

Georgia helping Karcie.

Karcie said the pepperonis were "Picy!"  a.k.a Spicy!

Dancing Caterpillars about to go inside their cocoon.

OUT comes our beautiful butterfly!!

Look at that precious face and smile!!  I could eat her UP!!

Artwork by Karcie

Karcie's two-year-old class is perfect for her.  She goes one day a week and absolutely loves it.  Mrs. Kelly informed me the other day that Karcie was one of her best listeners and always follows directions

.  Huh?  You must have her confused???  I guess I can be thankful that she is an angel in public.

Anyway, each week they create a craft that goes along with their weekly theme.  They adorn my window over my kitchen sink.  The window sill is filling up quickly so I had to take some photos before taking them down to make room for more "Artwork by Karcie."  She is so proud when she sees her work displayed in the kitchen.  She loves telling us how each is her "favorite" one.

Mr. Penguin

Little Polar Bear

Precious Valentine's Day Wreath

Little Lambie!!

First Day of 2-Year-Old Kindergarten

I had looked into several options for Preschool for Karcie when we moved here.  I really didn't want her to go more than once a week.  I didn't see the point since she could be home with me.  However, I did want her to have at least one morning of going to a "school-like" environment with structure and a social setting.  I had been in contact with Mrs. Kelly early last year, but she was full.  The church preschools were for at least two days a week and were pricey.  Luckily, Mrs. Kelly had an opening come available a couple of weeks ago.  Mrs. Kelly is a certified teacher who has turned her bonus room into a preschool.  It is precious and so is she.  She follows a weekly thematic lesson plan that she sends out to the parents.  It's very similar to what I did all those years with Pre-K except it's age appropriate for two-year-olds.   

We went for a tour last week and we knew it would be a perfect fit for Karcie. Mrs. Kelly is great with children and I could see that from the start.  Little Karcie couldn't wait to actually start "school" last week.  She did keep saying, "I don't want Mommy to leave me."  I was a little nervous that she would cry when I left her, but she did great.  She sat down at the table to play with Play-Doh, her favorite activity, and never looked back.  I didn't want to take any photos that day because I wanted to drop her off quickly to avoid any melt downs.  

I couldn't wait until those two hours were over.  Kamdyn and I had errands to run.  Even Kamdyn kept saying, "I wonder how Karcie is doing."  It was so sweet that she was worrying about her!  

When we arrived to pick her up two LONG hours later, we were thrilled to hear that she did great!  They said that Karcie sat and listened to the story.  She participated in music and movement.  Karcie couldn't wait to tell me that she made applesauce and learned all about apples!  It was so cute!  I hope this Wednesday goes just as great!!

She wasn't at all excited about having her picture taken that morning before we left though!  She was more interested in the sign that she was holding!  :)

Fake "CHEESE"

Hooray for 2K!!

She is growing up so fast!

It makes me sad, but she is turning out to be such a precious and beautiful little girl!

Yes, she's precious with A LOT of personality!!