Today was Monkey's turn.  This is her first year of preschool and her first time being away from Mommy with anyone other than a family member.  She's been nervous for the past week, but she woke up this morning ready to go.  When she got out of the car, she said "I so 'cited!"  She literally bounced into her classroom.  And then she saw someone crying.  That was it...she burst into tears, screamed "I don't want to go to school!" and refused to let go of me.  I literally had to peel her off of me so I could get Bug to her class.  When I picked her up at the end of the school day, she was all smiles again, but tonight she told me she doesn't want to go to school any more.  It looks like Friday will be another rough day for us.

Here she is, all ready to go, and just a tiny bit nervous.

Silly smile.  Say cheese!

I love that sweet little face!  Tonight she told me, Mommy, I love your cheeks.  I love your cheeks too, baby girl!

A little support from big sister.

So excited...for the moment.

I can't believe my baby is already a preschooler.  What a big girl!

Today was Bug's first day of Pre-K, and she couldn't have been more excited.  She had a great day and can't wait to go back tomorrow.

She loves to ham it up for the camera.  I love how silly she is!

She loved her sign so much that she held it up in the van window all the way to school so everyone on the road would know she was going to Pre-K.  (I printed my sign from this website.)

I'm so proud of my big girl!

Tomorrow it's Monkey's turn.  She's absolutely terrified.  The poor baby couldn't fall asleep until 10:00 because she's so stressed out.  Who knew two year olds could be so anxious?!  I'm biting my nails already and praying that tomorrow goes smoothly.

I can't believe it's already September.  Where has the summer gone?  I am so far behind on blog posts that I doubt I'll ever catch up.  We did so many fun things this summer, and I have TONS of photos to share.  I'm going to make it a very big goal of mine to start blogging at least once a week this fall just so I can catch up. 

Today's post is about an event the family and I attended on August 20th.  It was the first annual Run 4 Everett, a 5K, 10K and 1 mile family fun run.  I wish I could say I did the 10K, but I am not a runner.  I stuck to the 1 mile walk with the man and my girls.  We had a blast!  But we weren't just there to have a good time, we were also there to support a wonderful family.  Dave and Steph Ralich's son Everett was born still on August 11, 2010.  The run was organized by the two of them in remembrance of their son and to raise money for Kate Cares, an organization that supports families who have experienced a still birth.  I am in total awe of the way Dave and Steph were able to channel their grief into something so positive.  More than 400 people participated in the inaugural event, and they raised more than $10,000 for Kate Cares.  It was amazing! You can read more about the Ralich's story here.

On your marks, get set, and GO!

The event took place in the beautiful Ft. Harrison State Park.

The organizers: Dave and Steph Ralich and their daughter (Everett's big sister)

In addition to the race, there was a silent auction and a party atmosphere with yummy ice cream, face painters, and music by "That's What She Said". 

One of the face painters was my very talented and all-around wonderful friend Annie (a.k.a. Penny Pickles).  That's another good (and all-around wonderful) friend of mine having her daughter's face painted.  Isn't she a doll baby?!

Do you recognize that face?  That's my little Bug (er...Butterfly)!

Run 4 Everett is destined to become an annual event, so stay tuned for your opportunity to participate next year.