Camp Casa Rio 2011

Well, the kids and I have made our summer trek to Santa Fe to my parent's house (aka Casa Rio). I drove them solo this year, and while 13 hours of driving is WAY more than my back can take (it's been bothering me a lot the last few weeks), the kids did exceptionally well. For the first time there were ZERO meltdowns. Some whining, yes, but no tantrums. I left a little later this time (about 5:30am) since I think we have learned that the 4am start never results in them going back to sleep, and always results in them being cranky and tired.

I think Aubrey asked about 1 hour into the trip, "are we in New Mexico mommy?" No honey, it takes a year to get out of Texas.

Finally, 9 hours into the trip, we hit New Mexico

and took a break to walk around the boot store...

But the kids were so excited to get to GiGi and Grandad's that we pushed on, and finally made it!

aaaahhhhhhh

"I'm fee!"

That's "I'm three" for those of you who don't speak three year old. Henry is indeed three. I am so behind on almost everything right now, including posting about Henry's 3rd birthday (which was over 3 weeks ago). I just had to post this photo of him on his birthday. I just love it. Hopefully in the next few days I will have a chance to include the details of his big day.

Sermon on the Mound

Aubrey's choir recently participated in this year's church musical, "Sermon on the Mound." Her choir is the youngest, so I didn't expect her to sing much, but they sang quite a few songs and did an amazing job. Unfortunately, Brian and I missed her first performance while we were on vacation, but GiGi and Grandad were there with her, which was a treat. They do a repeat performance, so we were able to see it a few days later. She loves music and has a knack, just like her father, for remembering the lyrics after only hearing it a couple of times. I hope her love for music continues!

The girls in her choir were dressed as dandelions and had a special dancing part in the show.

The end of a chapter.

So, not only has summer brought us potty training and the stomach bug (the reason I'm so late with this post), but it brought an end to Aubrey's pre-school days. It's bitter sweet. I'm so excited for her next adventure in Kindergarten, but a little nervous too about her going from such a small protected school, to a large Elementary school. I remember a time where I couldn't wait for her to start. When she was three, it couldn't have come soon enough. That's about how I feel with Henry these days. I'd be happy for him to start tomorrow, but leave my sweet Aubrey home a little longer. What a difference a few years makes. Parenting a three year old is physically exhausting. Parenting a five year old is a different ball game. Granted, it's still a challenge in many ways, but Aubrey is so much more independent, is generally a good listener, and is really fun to be around. I never thought I would be eager for her to be home more, but I'm starting to feel sad that she will spend more time at school than at home!

Anyway, Aubrey could not have had a better year. She was in Mrs. Lisby's Pre-K class, The Lions, with nine other precious children. She was a little sad at first that she was separated from most of her close buddies from the previous few years of preschool, but it didn't take me long to see that it was the perfect class for her. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her teacher. She is amazing. Aubrey never once said she didn't want to go to school and she was always eager to greet Ms. Lisby with a smile. She learned about so much this year, including the solar system and the life cycle of a butterfly. I was amazed one day when she came home and told me the names of all the planets and what it means to rotate verses orbit! She is a little sponge and has a gift for soaking things up quickly and remembering them. Wish that would rub off on me. I have no doubt that she is ready for Kindergarten!

Aubrey and Mrs. Lisby

The school has a sweet little graduation ceremony for the kids and Aubrey was so excited for us to watch her. Each child had a turn with the microphone and had to say their name and what they wanted to be when they grow up. Her GiGi will be proud to know that she said... "My name is Aubrey Baumhover and I want to be an artist when I grow up." They sang a few songs and had cake and lemonade afterwards.

Aubrey and Alivia. Buddies since they were 4 months old!

One of her classmates had a party for both pre-k classes, and it was so fun to see them all interact outside of class.

Evan and Jackson. Evan is the only other child from her pre-school who will be at her school next year.

We are very proud of you Aubrey and can't wait for the next chapter!