Kate's (Second) First Day of School

No, she wasn't held back. Kate is on her second year of pre-school. Her first day was this week. She has a new teacher named Mrs. Bradshaw. She has been so excited. On Monday we went to the open house, just to meet the kids, pick up the calendar, etc. Later that afternoon Kate said, "Mommy, I can't go back there." When I asked why, she replied, "There wasn't a snack!" I explained that we were only there for 30 minutes, and when REAL school started there would be a snack. Mrs. Bradshaw is a friend of mine, and Kate has played with her little girl quite a few times, so I've been trying to teach Kate that during school we call the teacher "Mrs. Bradshaw" and not by her first name. Obviously, I still call her by her first name, but Kate decided that was unacceptable. "Mommy," she said, "maybe it will help you if you write it down." She brought me a piece of paper and made me write "Mrs. Bradshaw" across it, and now if I slip up Kate runs for the paper and says, "This is her name right here."

One of the most satisfying things to me is a well made bed. I had a friend in high school who joined the Marines, and did he ever complain about how picky the Marines were about how the beds were made. I remember thinking, "Sounds like good common sense to me." Imagine then, my distress at Kiki's favorite new game. She waits until the bed is made, and then nestles herself among the pillows that I have just set in place.

She isn't even sorry! It's a good thing I can love so passionately this little turkey who shows herself to be my absolute nemesis.

We went to the canyon with Paul and Ruth, our friend Donna, and the girls. We headed straight for the water of course. We feel so lucky to live so close to such a beautiful spot.

Lastly, the canning project for Tuesday was peaches. If you are a novice canner, peaches are very easy but very messy. You just feel sticky after, as do your floors and counters. But it is all worth it when you see the fruits of your labors.

Thanks, Ma, for babysitting the kids while Janet and I canned. I hope we didn't wear you out.

Kiki has learned a couple of new words. The first is "Ow" which is pretty useful when your older sister is Kate. It's not that Kate is mean, it's just that she consistently overestimates her ability to lift and carry her "baby" sister (who weighs only ten lbs less than her.). The second word came out when Grandma and Grandpa Hatch were here. Grandma's dinner prayer must have gone a little long for Kiki, because during the prayer she said, "Men. Men. Men."