so grown up

Ella wrote me the sweetest note...I love how she signed her name.

she will hear this story for the rest of her life

Prologue: This is a story about Sophie. She just turned 3. Sophie's a little hard to describe in one sentence, but we usually hear one of these two from other people who meet her. "She sure is independent." or "Wow, she's a girl who knows what she wants." I personally think the words "completely uninhibited" fit pretty well.

Setting: A summer evening at Brick Oven Pizza Restaurant (Provo, Utah) with 25 extended family members (Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles, and cousins in attendance).


Synopsis: We had a fantastic dinner, and everyone was finishing up. It wasn't until our servers came out with desserts to celebrate the June birthdays in the family that we realized that Sophie wasn't at the table. She also wasn't under the table. Or at any of the nearby tables. Just as I started to panic a little, Sophie walked into the room holding all of her clothes, wearing nothing but her birthday suit. She walked over and calmly said, "Mom, my clothes are all messed up." Little Miss Independent had decided to go potty all by herself, but couldn't get her clothes back on. The poor server (who could barely be heard over the laughter) just said, "Well, um...we're going to sing Happy Birthday now."



Epilogue:

my favorite preschooler!

Finally! Sophie's turn to go to school.


she spent lots of time getting ready this morning...


making sure her hair was just right...
classic sophie camera face...

Yep, still here.

Our summer was great. We had the usual...swimming, girls camp, soccer practices, road trips, fireworks, etc. I hope to post a little about our summer exploits soon...

...meanwhile, back at the ranch...

School started today.

Ella started 1st grade. She's been so excited all summer, but we could tell she was pretty nervous last night and this morning.

Clue number 1: Last night when I tucked her into bed she asked me to pack soda crackers and applesauce (we have a bunch in stock, left over from a bout with the stomach flu last week) in her lunch, in case her tummy wasn't feeling good at school.

Clue number 2: She was up at 6:15 sharp.

Clue number 3:She was on the verge of tears all morning

Clue number4: She did not want any photos taken this AM. Negotiation ensued, and we came to the following compromise. Ella would smile. I was limited to 5 photos....


Photo number 1: the outfit
Photo number 2: the shoes

Photo number 3: excited to see a friend

Photo number 4: 7:55 AM


Photo number 5: waiting for the bus
Photo number 5a (don't tell Ella): Homecoming-hot but happy.