Proof that there are Marchant genes in this one...

Check it out...Ian has inherited the Marchant male trait of sticking out his tongue when he is concentrating. At almost 6 months old, it is finally making an appearance. We knew there had to be some of my genes in there somewhere.

Swimming in June

Texas heat provided the need for lots of swimming and we started taking Ian in with us. At first, he wasn't sure, but has started to love it.


And here is one of his sister - same time last year. She has gone from a baby to big girl in such a short time...



Ian usually falls right to sleep after a swim.

First Day of School

Clare started preschool today. She is going on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM to 2 PM to a local church program. We met her teachers on Tuesday. That afternoon, we were practicing their names. I said them and asked her to repeat them which produced huge smiles. She said Miss Becky, shyly, then Miss Regan, another cute smile, then I said, "And Miss Florence". Clare smiled and repeated, "Miss Flowers".

We got up early today. Clare normally sleeps until about 8:15 and had to get up at 7:15 today so that we could be on time for school. She didn't eat much for breakfast - mostly because I was rushing her. She is used to leisurely drinking her milk and then eating, so it was a little different today. We made it out to the car with her lunch, nap mat, change of clothes, her Lolly (stuffed monkey) and her little brother. We also managed to get to school early. She went right into her class as I talked to her teacher. Her friend, Jacob, got there at the same time, so she had no qualms about going inside. I'm not sure if she had realized at that point that I wasn't staying with her, but I think she was quickly occupied by the other teachers.

This is the best we could do for pictures. As usual, she is more interested in playing in the flower beds than taking a picture or getting in the car.

Ian was excited to have Mommy all to himself for a few hours!

I ran a few errands at a leisurely pace - I'd forgotten how easy it is with just one. I went back to get Clare at 2 PM. As I turned the corner to go down the hallway to her classroom and heard crying and thought to myself, "That sure sounds like Clare." Her class takes naps at the end of the day and apparently, this was not on Clare's agenda. She wanted no part of it and really gave the teachers a test. My little girl was not happy. Parents are not allowed in the classroom, so I waited at the door for her. Luckily, I was the first parent there for pick up, so they brought her to me and she began to settle down. So, we'll be practicing with her nap mat this weekend.

As we walked out of school, she tripped and skinned her knee a little. So, I let her ride on the back of Ian's stroller - she sits across the carseat bucket that attaches to the stroller. When he saw her, he lit up. He was so happy that his big sister was with us again.