Kickin' it new school

Annie started school last week. She's switched from going two days per week (9-2) in Houston, to going 3 mornings a week here. The first week went great, as did Monday. Today, however, tears. Lots of them. It surprised me how hard it was for me to keep from crying too when she was that upset. I know it's just a normal adjustment, but goodness, does that girl know how to get to her mama. But focusing on the positive, last weekend we got to do our first homework assignment with Annie. The teachers had traced her body and we all got to decorate it together. Here's the final result (click on it to see it larger). Annie's favorite part was applying the rhinestone stickers in the lower left corner. Papa obviously loved him some glitter:

We also enjoyed our first "school picnic" to welcome the kids back at a nearby park (first photo at top). There are a lot of great people at the school and I know Annie is going to have a blast. I'm sure once Annie gets settled into the routine of school days, we will have less tears ... on both ends.

In other news, I promised a picture of the deck (nursery is still a work in progress, although you'll be happy to read, it is no longer a storage room). Again, click on it if you want to see it bigger. So here it is, deck furniture and all. Still no grill, but we're working on it. We also want to get one of those little fire pit things so when it gets chilly and the mosquitoes finally die off, we can really enjoy those crisp autumn evenings. And, we have plants and fresh herbs! I am such a grownup! I can't tell you how gratifying it is to go out on the deck and pick some fresh basil for our pizza. I feel like Mario Batali (and not just because I have a big belly and a ponytail, no offense, Mario).