Anna and Madeline's first day of school - 2nd and 1st grade respectively

these two.

i can't believe how big these girls are getting!  first and second grade!  we were so happy to know Madeline would have Mrs. Casey this year! She was such a wonderful teacher last year for Anna, and it was so comforting for Maddie to know she would have the same teacher.  Here's to a wonderful school year!

Madeline's Loses her First Tooth!

every kid looks forward to losing their first tooth, but i think little siblings are even more anxious.  after watching Anna lose 9 teeth, Madeline has been anxiously awaiting her moment.  she felt the first wigglings weeks ago.  then the tooth became really loose.  then she showed us how different she is from her sister, by treating the tooth VERY gingerly over the last several days, almost never wiggling it, or playing with it at all.  she refused every offer to help it along, even the dentist couldn't convince her to tug it out.  then, while brushing her teeth, Colin tried to grab her toothbrush causing it to bump that tooth just the right way. finally, she lost that first tooth!

 it's amazing how small it is compared to Anna's.  she has Jason's teeth and Anna mine. 

 i found these toys in their room last week and had Avery put them in the toy room where they belong. tonight I was chastised because Madeline had placed them there in preparation for the loss of her tooth.  my bad.  so, the girls went to work creating a luxurious oasis for the tooth fairy.  there's a spa to relax in,some treats to enjoy, a bed if she needs a nap, and to top it off princesses and ponies hold up a "Welcome Tooth Fairy" sign.  

the pixie dust Madeline discovered the next morning confirmed the fairy did indeed take a break in the hot tub but probably didn't have time for a nap.  she also apparently loved the sign, because there was pixie dust all over it.  i know Avery is dying to lose a tooth, i'm not sure the pageantry is appreciated by Colin.  

Madeline is a Ki!ndergarten Graduate

i'd like to take this opportunity to once again declare that we, the Earl family, LOVE our school!  our experiences thus far at Benjamin Franklin have been nothing short of phenomenal!  not the least of which are the wonderful programs our children have participated in.  Kindergarten graduation is a great time to see the progress and fun these kids have had during their first year of elementary school.  

Madeline's class recited the Preamble to the Constitution, sang a cute rendition of "New York, New York" with the lyrics 1st Grade, 1st Grade.  her teacher, Mrs. McGregor gushed about the children in a way that let you know she loved your child this year.  and to finish it off, each student was presented with a darling certificate with a photo in a cap and gown.  

 we were so happy to have Mrs. McGregor as Maddie's teacher this year, and such a small world that she used to be in the 6th ward as a child.  Mrs. Dawson was the aide in Anna's class last year, and what a treat that Maddie got to have her too.  we love our teachers!

 Anna was happy to come cheer on her sis, and make a quick visit to her classroom to say goodbye to Mrs. Casey and all her friends.  since she is still covered in a rash, this was as far as she went on the last day of school.  Avery and Colin we enthralled with the program, and can't wait to be just like their big sis!

 we snapped a few cute pics with Maddie and her friends.  

 i will miss our cute little carpool buddies!

Madeline,

We are so proud of you and the big girl you are.  You have grown and excelled all year, from the first month of kindergarten as Student of the Month, to your confident performance at Kindergarten graduation, you have shown us how much you love to learn!  Your teachers have nothing but the best to say about your sweet personality and work ethic.  Thank you for working so hard, and being such a great example to your siblings.

We love you so much,
Mom and Dad

snowflakes!

the Snowflakes had a great season, and Madeline had a great time meeting new friends and playing hard!

this season was so fun, that we are already signed up for another with Coach Hal and the gang!  great season Maddie!!!

and the soccer lovin' saturdays continue!

so, soccer season is in full swing, and the Orange Crush and Snowflakes are dominating.  

not to mention looking super cute!  

 in years past I have lamented that I never catch goals with my camera, because i am too busy watching the game.  well, this year the girls decided to make it super easy on me and average at least 3 goals a game.  this allowed me the freedom of focusing my lens on the first goal, and then relaxing and enjoying the 2-5 others that were sure to follow.  thanks girls!

 it is a pleasure watching all my girls play sports, and grow and excel in their various activities.  but Avery has been especially fun as she dons a cool-as-a-cucumber persona on the field.  

 Madeline is no slouch out there either.  if you ever oppose Maddie in soccer, a good rule of thumb is: DON'T LEAVE HER UNGUARDED.  she can outrun anyone, and scores almost every time she breaks away.  

 everyone gets a chance to play "patrol" or the defensive position in 4 on 4 soccer.  but this particular game, coach had to pull Maddie back there right away, since the had 3 in the first quarter.  though the girl loves offense, she works just as hard in the back field as well!

 boot it Maddie!

i wasn't the best player when i was a kid, but i sure loved the game.  it is a thrill for me to cheer on my girls each week!  

we've got spirit, yes we do! BFCS Spirit Week

so, somehow i did not take a photo every day this week in honor of spirit week.  but here are the highlights:

decade day!  first i had to explain what a decade was.  then i had to use technology to show my children how styles have changed over the years.  then i had to explain why it is fun to dress in those styles.   phew!  that was a lot of work for school spirit!  

Anna chose the 80's

 Madeline went with 70's.  both wanted to know how i made "costumes" out of their regular clothes.  i explained that it was all about the hair!   (wish i had a photo, but Madeline won an award on Hawaiian day! woohoo!)

 the other photo-worthy day was twin day.  the girls chose shirts to be twins with each other, and friends at school.  

all in all, Spirit Week was a success.  the girls had so much fun showing pride in their school.  they were disappointed when field day was cancelled due to rain, but since it made snow in the mountains, and then we went to the mountains for spring break, they quickly got over it!  

we've got spirit, how 'bout you!

Madeline is 6! How did that happen?

this sweet little angel went to bed a 5 year old. 

 and woke up a whopping 6!!!

 the day was full of fun, special meals, shopping with grandma, and on the weekend had a fabulous pink and red tea party.  

 the girls started with a hair bow craft, moved on to self-makeovers, ate delicious rolls and lemonade and cake, and finished up with a raucous pinata!  

Madeline,
you are simply the sweetest 6 year old in town.  you are always so happy and willing to help me and your dad.  you love your sisters and brother, and are always up for a good time.  you are a great friend, and teammate.  you love to play: soccer, basketball, swim, run, rollerblade, dance, gymnastics.  bring it on!  you love it all!  your teachers at school and in primary go out of their way to tell us what a great student you are, and that you are an example of citizenship to your classmates.  we could not be more proud of the girl you are!
i love you very much.  and as much as i would love you to stay my little baby forever, it is so much fun watching you grow up!
happy birthday Maddie!
love,
Mom

soccer time!

spring soccer started once again for the Earls.  Anna is playing tennis instead, but Maddie and Ave are both #9, so Anna put on last year's jersey and joined them for opening day!

it's Avery's first season and she was ready to go!  she proudly named her team, Orange Crush, and crush she did with 3 goals!  not bad for a rookie!

 ORANGE CRUSH

 Colin is an enthusiastic fan.  he is dying to be big enough to play!  he has the funniest habbit of shouting the name of whatever sport he's playing.  so, if he's running the football it's, "FOOTBALL, FOOTBALL"  swinging the golf club, "GO:F GOLF."  dribbling the soccer ball, "SOCCER, SOCCER."

 Madeline is on the Snowflakes this year.  she was a little disappointed not to have any goals her first game since she was such a high scorer last year.  but we explained that defense is just as important as offense and that her big kicks were just as useful when they helped stop a goal as when they score one.  

 Jason put the kids in charge of the photos today, and they caught a glimpse of the Dads on the sidelines. 

we look forward to a fun season!