First of First, Last, and First

It has been quite a week in the Lippman household! 

Last Tuesday, both kids starting up swimming lessons again.  Lexi moved up to the big pool - which she declared was freezing and ended her class early. However, she was told it would be warmer next week, and she is looking forward to getting back in.  Zach had his first class without mom or dad.  He was shy at first, and tried to pull me into the pool with him, but ultimately he got in and did a great job swimming.  By the end of class he was very happy, and he is looking forward to going back next week.

Swimming.  :)

A happy boy!

No pictures of Lexi because by the time I got in there with Zachary, she had already gotten out of the water.

Last Wednesday, Lexi became a First Grader!! 

Snazzy!

Her first day of first grade was fantastic.  While she was slightly nervous (only because she didn't know where to line up for car pick-up, she says) she went charging into that school with plenty of confidence, and came out six hours later with a huge smile on her face.  She declared that she has the BEST teacher, because every time she talks she looks right at Lexi!  (As a side note:  Mom will take a small amount of credit here because after being placed with a teacher who is well known to just be waiting to retire, I made a small stink with the principal, and had her switched to the teacher who is young, excited about teaching, and...runs marathons.  :)  Even though she is fantastic in my book, I have been told by many other moms that I did her a huge favor by switching her.  So, I'm taking the credit and putting it in writing to never be forgotten).  Lexi is especially exciting about having her own desk, being allowed to decorate her own cubby name tag, and doing math.  My daughter loves school, and I love that she loves school.  I think first grade is off to a great start!

Lexi with her Proud Little Brother

Zach, making sure to get equal photo time.

Off she goes!

Morning meeting on Day 1

The very next day was a bittersweet day in our home.  It was Zachary's last day with Fadia (or, Yaya, as the kids call her).  Fadia has been caring for the kids for almost seven years, and is a huge part of our family.  It was very difficult to say goodbye to her, her husband Tom, her son William, and her wonderful neighbor "Auntie Rita" who helped out in the daycare.  The kids were so loved there and I know she had a tremendous and permanent impact on their lives.  I am so blessed to have found her, as there is nothing more comforting to a working mother than being able to drop the children off in a home where you know they'll be loved as much as they are at home, and so safe that you never have to worry about them.  She has been such a gift to my family.  We are certainly going to miss seeing her every week, but we plan to visit a lot, and keep in touch forever.  She gave Zach a small, stuffed eagle on his last day.  He has barely put it down since, and tells me that holding it makes him think about Yaya.  :)

Zach's Graduation was in June, but he continued until September.

Dancing to the music...

Zach and Charlie waiting for Kelly

There were some technical difficulties with the hats.

Fadia LOVES her kids.

So much love in those arms.

Fadia and Auntie Rita

The proud graduate!

Luckily, we had a weekend to rest.  (With the exception of Lexi who started dance on Saturday morning.  She LOVES that new teacher too!!  Karen Carberry, my old dance teacher's daughter!)  Zachary has been battling a terrible virus for over a week, and really needed a quiet, and low key weekend.  That is just what he got.  The one excursion we made was up to Wingarsheke Beach for a couple of hours on Saturday evening.  It was a perfect way to say goodbye to summer - sitting in the soft, white sand, and playing around in the warm water.  And the healthy salt air was great for Zachary.  It was a wonderful weekend.

We LOVE Wingarsheke Beach!

Very warm and shallow water made for a great place to play!

But, of course, all good weekends must come to an end.  Zach managed to zap that virus just in the nick of time.  He had a great night sleep and woke up on Monday with a HUGE smile, ready to start PRESCHOOL!  It's just so hard to believe that my little baby is going to preschool.  What makes it really hard is that looking back, it feels like Lexi flew through her two years at NEMS, so of course in my mind he's a day away from 1st grade...and then college!!  My baby! 

Orientation was Friday morning.

He loves his "pack pack"

Ready for school - with Baldy.

Zachary with his proud big sister, Lexi.

Traveling to preschool in style - wearing Daddy's hat!

He was a little shy starting off the day, but when I picked him up at lunch time his smile was so large that I thought he might burst.  He had a wonderful day and told me every little detail on the way home.  (I remember when Lexi used to do that!)  He is really looking forward to going back tomorrow, and I can't wait either!

So, it's been a busy, but fun week.  We have a new schedule with lots of new, fun things to do.  I'm hoping we'll be settled into the routine by Christmas.  :)