So Long, Summer - Hello, Preschool!

Guess who's in preschool? Shelby!

She had two first days this week (which meant two new first day outfits...I couldn't resist...). Monday was an open house where she got to meet the teacher and see the classroom.

It is hard to get this girl to stay still for just a second! She was too excited. But I got a few mid-stride shots.

And a Cameron shot, too.

She loves her new Dora the Explorer backpack. She looks so big!

She had a great time in the classroom and was far too busy to say cheese for any photos here, too.

Still nonstop when we reached the playground. She loves these tricycles.

Today was her official first whole day of preschool. 

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I think she was excited!

Think she wanted to look at the camera? Nope! Too busy!

At first I think it will be a lot for Shelby to adjust to the schedule. We haven't ever been beholden to anything else besides our own whims, so our day to day has pretty much always been our own. It's time to create a new normal in our house. 

While she gets used to it, I think this may happen a few more times...

It's been a fun summer, and since it's officially over with the start of school I wanted to post our remaining summer fun. 

We went to two different splash pads in the last week. It's a great way to cool off.

Here's one in Simi Valley...

 

And we went back to the one in Oak Park where we had Shelby's birthday party.

 

 

Shelby made a train with Cameron while going up the ramp. He wasn't a fan.

Saturday was our ward beach day. I wish I'd taken more photos. It was a chilly day and it took the sun a long time to break through, but we stuck it out and had a blast. And Tom spent tons of time boogie boarding and swimming in the water in spite of the frigid temperature. He's awesome.

Tom carved Shelby's name into the sand. I snapped this right before a wave washed it away. Tricky tides!

Sand ice cream cone, anyone?

Something always gets buried when Shelby's in the sand. Her hands went missing this time.

Me? Eat sand? Never!

Sunday Shelby built an amazing Jenga tower. This thing was no joke. I didn't touch a block of it, the thing was all her.

Our summer nights have been especially awesome thanks to some especially awesome neighbors. Chris and Heather and their cuties Nash and Sadie live just ten doors down. We've spent just about every evening riding bikes and chatting, pausing to chase the kids out of the street when a car comes by. People have started taking the corner very slowly knowing we'll probably be swarming around. 

Heather texted this photo to me when they watched the kids for us. I smiled so big!

Chris and Tom like to join in the fun. They filled our circle with this sidewalk chalk drawing of a fire truck and a building on fire. It lasted for days and made me chuckle.

We love this adorable family. It's so nice to have good neighbors close by and good friends for our kiddos. 

Heather texted this one, too - milk break! Cute boys.

Here's a parting preschool shot. I can't believe that the back to school season involves us now. Shelby is so big these days!

She'll have a great time in preschool and I'll have a great time one on one with Cameron. I do admit that I got a pang as the teacher said it was time for the kids to go in the classroom. It was borderline panic - I just leave her there? For three hours? It was so against everything I've gotten used to as a mom. But it didn't last. I'm so excited for her to have this independence and I know she'll thrive. And I'll have my buddy Cameron to hang with on preschool mornings. I'll get used to our new normal.