Back to School

I went back to work on Aug. 30th and threw the whole family into shock.  The girls had to attend a week of Taekwondo Camp.  They were dismayed that the days of wandering down to a breakfast of their choice at 9:00 a.m. were over!  They had to get up almost as early as I do for the first three days.  Then, on Thursday and Friday, they got to sleep in a little because they had school orientations.  They actually enjoyed the camp.  Each day included an outing.  They went swimming, played laser tag, and had a pizza party.  

The week before school, Cassie and her friend, Sydney, spent each evening "practicing" for the first day of school. I went up to the girl's bathroom one evening and was a little horrified to see the condition of the bathroom.  Cassie's stereo was in the center of the floor.  The blow dryer was in the sink.  And, there were hair clips, bows, scarves, necklaces and other accessories covering the counter and floor.  I don't think I was as upset by the mess as I was by the realization that, "it's only just beginning."

We celebrated Labor Day with a backyard picnic.  "Magic Bob" came and did his tricks and made balloon animals for the kids.  The kids ran from the bounce house to the play house to the balloons.  The weather and the fellowship were both magnificent.

Magic Bob and the kids

The first day of school finally arrived.  For Cassie, the first day was all about accessorizing.  As you can see, her efforts paid off!

Cassie on Day 1

Lacey was also excited about school.  But, she was more excited about being able to carry a lunch.  In fact, she was so excited that she came home with not just one, but two lunchboxes!  Yes, she had her lunchbox and a lunchbox that belonged to another child, complete with a lunch inside.  Lacey was unable to explain what happened, but happily returned it the next day.

A Day of Firsts!

Our new sitter didn't start until today.  Les stayed home to put the girls on the bus the first day.  "Uncle Bob" helped out Wednesday through Friday.  We've all adjusted to the new routine.  Mommy and Daddy have agreed that there's no TV until homework is done and violin has been practiced.  After spending most of the day indoors, the girls are happy to play outside. 

We ended the week with a fireworks celebration that would have made my Dad proud.  We set up chairs in the driveway, invited the neighbors over, and let the bottle rockets fly.

Sparklers

 
This past Saturday, we headed to the annual cat show.  We convinced our friends, Mickey and Sydney, to come along.  The cat show is not something to be missed.  It's attended by a rare, subculture of cat people, who really are beyond my descriptive ability.  I'm sure the event really left Lacey wondering about her new homeland and its inhabitants!!  First, we had to look at all the glamor kitties.  The cages were almost as beautiful as the cats.  Some of the cats even had their own vanities.  Next, we took in some of the cat shows.  There were about six shows going on simultaneously.  We really had no idea what was happening.  But, the judges were really entertaining. 

The Cat Judge

Of course, there was a multitude of vendors with every conceivable kind of cat toy.   Then, there was a multitude of rescue groups and shelters, all appealing to our cat natures.  One shelter had face painting as a fund raiser.  As you can see, this was well worth the investment.

Cat Girls

We ended the weekend with a trip to the hair dresser because picture day is this week. 

Glamor Girls