Retro Sherry

For those of you who read my blog often, you know that most of what I post is about my kids. However, today I'm airing a bit of my own dirty (well, in this case, fringed) laudry. I can't believe I'm doing this, but I figure- if you can't laugh at yourself, you're taking yourself and everyone else way too seriously. I certainly don't mind a good laugh at my own expense sometimes. Here's the catch, though. I'm making a game out of it. Posted below is a link to a video I found on YouTube of Club Dance, a country dance show I used to appear on regularly in my college years (I know, this is very hard for some of you to imagine). There are only three or four legitimate Club Dance episodes on YouTube, and most of them were before my time. However, I did find one episode that I appear in. There's a somewhat lengthy closeup shot of me and some other folks doing a line dance. However, you can't see my face because the camera men were shooting us from behind. So, see if you can guess which one is me. Leave a message on this post and give me your guess based on what I am wearing.

And if you do figure out which dancer I am, please feel free to roll on the floor, since that it what I do every time I see it. :) P.S. I am not being interviewed in this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTZ-9mNBT30

First Day of Kindergarten!

Here's the post you've all been waiting for! Caroline started kindergarten last week! She awoke extra early in great anticipation of her day. York County Schools are hard core; no half days for her! We took her to school at 8:15, and I picked her up at 2:56. Dave, Claire and I walked her into school as soon as the doors opened. I told Mrs. Bennett, her teacher, that I was going to be one of "those moms" who annoyingly documented everything her child did before they finally kicked me out of the school. But it didn't really happen that way. Dave took Claire out into the hall to walk around as I took a few pictures of Caroline at her desk, and then she looked up at me, rolled her eyes a little, but then spoke gently so as not to hurt my feelings too much and said, "It's okay, Mom. It's time for you to go now." I was thrilled that she felt so comfortable and excited about her first day of school, but I secretly yearned for her to throw her arms around my neck in a last-ditch plea for hugs and kisses. When it didn't happen, we watched from the door as she quickly introduced herself to the little girl sitting next to her. Then after Dave went to work and Claire went down for her morning nap, I noticed how very noisy a quiet house can actually be...

This week, Dave and I each went to school to have lunch with Caroline. We were both so impressed with how well mannered she was in the cafeteria. She surprised me this week, and despite my apprehensions, wanted to ride the bus, which I think might be her favorite activity of the day. And so far, she loves homework and insists on doing more than is assigned. I hope this enthusiasm keeps up all throughout all her school years!

Take your Child to Work Day

I meant to post these pictures a couple of weeks ago, but there's no time like the present. In August, Caroline got to enjoy Take your Child to Work Day with Dave. I must say that NASA went all out, providing several projects, crafts, experiments and displays for the kids. Caroline couldn't stop talking about all the fun she had. She was especially thrilled that there was "a real live astronaut" there for greetings and pictures. Caroline is beginning to take after her daddy, showing great aptitude for math and a tremendous interest in science. Her latest career goals include mommy, astronaut and soccer player. I don't doubt that she can do it! :)

Labor Day Fun!

We spent our Labor Day at the Children's Museum of Richmond. The kids loved it, as did Dave and I. We especially enjoyed the fossil dig, the apple-picking tree, the giant treehouse, and the creative art area. Claire got to paint for the first time, and Caroline created a special banner that will soon hang as part of a children's art exhibit at the museum. To top off the afternoon, the girls got to put on their swimsuits and play in the museum's new "back yard," complete with a mini stream, playhouse and giant squares that played music when the kids jumped on them. It was a great last hoorah to close out the summer and get excited about school!

Girls Bring more Game

Caroline wore a pink t-shirt with this on it as she attended soccer camp this week. This was her first experience with organized soccer, and she had a great time! The first day, she came home and said, "Mommy, I was about to make a goal, and then someone took the ball away from me!" :) I had to explain to her that this is the way soccer works, and that next time, she should just take that ball right back! She agreed. I didn't get any photos or videos of her at soccer camp, but here is a short video of her practicing in the back yard.

At the Beach

Even though school doesn't start here until September 2nd (can you believe that?!), we feel the summer quickly slipping away from us. Last weekend, we decided to take advantage of some free time to take the girls down to Virginia Beach (about 45 minutes from our house). We all had a great time! Caroline, of course, made a little friend, and Claire enjoyed watching the waves and letting the tide rush over her feet. It was a great way to beat the heat.

Those Little Moments...

Thursday evening, Dave brought out the camera as Claire was being a ham. A while back, she started tapping us on our heads and saying, "dong!" For a couple of months now, she has entertained herself repeatedly just by saying, "dong!" over and over again. Just one of those little silly quirks that makes her unique. This particular evening, she wouldn't stop. As Dave was capturing all of this on our camera, Claire spontaneously looked at me and said, "I love you." Now, to all of you skeptics: I know, I know, her jibbering may have just came out that way, but I don't care. We all heard "I love you" very clearly. And you never know, she could very well have really been professing her affections for me. Claire is a very smart kid. :)

Here is the video Dave recorded. Listen very carefully to Claire. Sorry about the mess on our kitchen table. We were in the midst of finishing dinner/cleaning up. And the video itself is a little dark. Just goes to show that those special moments don't wait for perfection. :)