Sweet Little Belle starts preschool

Belle has started preschool at her new school. She is growing up so fast! She was so excited on her first day!

I, on the other hand, was completely depressed because I had to go to work since it was my school's first week. Jamie too. We didn't get to see our little girl's excitement, fear, laughter, hugs goodbye, and her running to us after school was over.  I made my mom take a gazillion pictures for us and she did such a good job capturing it all. Thanks Mom! I have since been able to drop her off and pick her up quite often and I am getting all of those things I missed, so I guess it's okay that I wasn't there the first day. Jamie has some days he plans to take off so he can be there to experience it too.

Some "kissies" for "baby" brother Mark before leaving. She loves to call him her baby brother.

A little nervous and hesitant to enter.

 Mark thinking he is going to school with her. This ended with him throwing a fit, screaming and crying the whole way out of the school...kinda glad my mom had to deal with that :-). Sorry Mom.

First day was a success!!

Although the first day was successful, the last couple weeks have been tough. She is still getting used to her new school and really misses Montview. She is definitely going through a bit of a transition and has had some tears. I'm not feeling like she is loving this school right now, but I think she will soon. Going 5 days a week (half day) combined with Jamie and I suddenly going back to work after us both being home all summer, and missing her friends from Montview has been really tough on her.  I hope she will end up loving it. She is so friendly, sociable, and smart and I think soon it will all fall in place. We are so proud of you Isabelle!

Mommy's Birthday

I had a great surprise for my birthday last month! Jamie booked us a hotel in Snowmass. It was the most perfect celebration from the best family ever!

We did some hiking, one of which was to Maroon Bells. A short, yet perfect hike for
Belle and Mark. There really couldn't be a more beautiful place. We wandered around Aspen, went to the fire museum (highlight for Mark), swam in the pool, rode the gondola, and ate some yummy food and ice cream!

 

Maroon Bells is getting very touristy! We had to take a bus ride to the hike which Jamie and I thought was unfortunate, but Belle and Mark thought it was the best idea ever.

 

 Even though this is a fuzzy picture, I love how sweet and peaceful this picture is of the two of them.

Wandering around Snowmass Village before dinner one night.

 A little birthday dinner love.

 On our way home, we stopped at Glenwood Hotsprings for a swim and then had a picnic at the park.

 The drinking fountain at the park was way more fun than the play equipment.

I had a great birthday celebration. Thanks, Jamie, for being a wonderful husband and dad!