Illinois 2011

We had a great time visiting family. I took some senior pictures for Nathan, we went to a farm, zoo, Wisconsin water parks, visited Gramma Pat, and mostly played with Gramela Pamela and cousins. Lots of fun!

Pumpkin Patch 2011

This year we went to the pumpkin patch with our new friends: Lauren, Ally, Melissa, and Jeremy.

Costumes 2011

This year, Rubie was interested in 2 costumes: Beyonce and a bride. We bought the bride costume first, but it is completely see through - so she is using it as casual dress up for around the house.

Her real costume this year is Beyonce from the Single Ladies video. She is creative, I'll give her that much...

Testing for Blue Belts

The girls had to break boards to pass their test. The instructor writes a bad habit on the board, for the girls to break - Rubie chose to break the bad habit of "talking back."


Blue belt is half way to black belt! Go Rubie!

5 year olds still take naps with their daddies - while wearing Wonder Woman costumes.

Rubie's First Award

Rubie received her first award - for reading! We are so proud of our reader. Here she is with her kindergarten teacher - Mrs. Thompson.

First Day of Kindergarten!

Here she is with her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thompson (my partner teacher)...

Here, she is shocked that the parent helper (her dad), wants to paint her hand - she's worried it might ruin her polish...

Henry and Watermelon

Preschool Graduation

This year of preschool hasn't been an easy one. Rubie hated going to school - came up with every excuse one can think of not to go (one day, her eyes hurt - she said she couldn't see well). I went to the director and had her changed to a different classroom. Those amazing teachers turned her back into the girl who LOVES school! That's the power of a positive environment.

For her graduation gift, I gave Rubie a Tiffany necklace that Ramon had given me a few years ago. Rubie has always liked it, and I always tell her that one day I will give it to her. Let's hope she is ready.


Ms. Kari and Ms. Beckie...

Hawaii - 2011