Summer of 2013

How is it September 4th?  How is it possible that my last post was nearly three months ago on June 9th?  Let me get over it and get started...

 

June 2013: Last day of school and the start of camp
Not surprisingly, the last day of Kindergarten for Lauren and Nursery for Elizabeth was very sad for me. Lauren was incredibly lucky to have an extraordinary K teacher named Bianca Lavey. Her love of children and teaching was so evident. Mrs. Lavey knew each child's strengths, weaknesses and individuality. She challenged, praised and worked with each child as if s/he was her/his own. We will remember her for the rest of our lives. Kindergarten highlights from my perspective were:

1. Writing.  Lauren started the year doing 1-2 sentence reading responses and ended the year writing several sentences spanning 2 pages at times.
2. Learning to READ!  She powered through the early reading levels and ended the year at Level J.  She continues to read with intonation, comprehension and pure joy.
3. Athleticism.  Her physical education teachers discovered her outstanding athletic ability - speed, coordination and competitive spirit.
4. Monkey bars!  Read previous post here.
5. Friendships.  Lauren developed a strong friendship in particular with Caroline Blatti (who sadly didn't return to 1st grade for some unknown reason) and Ava Chan.  Lauren's social development this past year has been so heartwarming to witness.

Elizabeth also had a fantastic teacher, Mrs. Lori Zwick, affectionately known by the children as Miss Lori. She created such a warm, loving and fun environment.  Miss Lori shared during one of the parent-teacher conferences that Elizabeth started the year quiet, shy and to herself.  But a few months in, her true colors shined and she became outgoing, funny and confident.  In fact, “funny” was a word used to describe Elizabeth on many occasions.  Elizabeth loved and bonded with Miss Lori.  At various points throughout the summer, Elizabeth said how much she missed Miss Lori.  I reassured Elizabeth that she would see her in school again.  Nursery highlights, again from my perspective were:

1. Friendships.  I couldn't believe how many children in Elizabeth's class asked me for playdates.  I honestly think at least one child asked every single time I did drop-off.  Elizabeth's closest friends were Gabriella Tomei and Gabrielle Silva.  I'm thrilled both of them are back for Pre-K.  Maelyn and Dylan also asked me frequently for playdates.  Too cute.
2. Participation.  I'm sure I have written this before...but my Elizabeth can be a tough cookie.  She has a strong will and is already very set in her ways.  It is not uncommon to hear Elizabeth say, "I don't want to do that."  So imagine my surprise when her teachers told me - and I witnessed myself - that Elizabeth actively participates in all activities.  Music, gym, painting, story-time, snack-time, recess-time.
3. Speaking her mind.  One of the things I love most about Elizabeth, is also what challenges me the most about Elizabeth...she will say what's on her mind.  Period. End of story.  She has no problem asking someone, "What's that?!?" or saying, "Eww, that's disgusting."  She will learn through her own development and some coaching from me to add a layer of tact before verbalizing her thoughts.  But as a nursery student, I was so product that Elizabeth spoke up whenever she felt it was necessary.  For example, she asked her teacher if she couldn't reach something.  She told  fellow classmate that it was her turn on the alligator seesaw.  Elizabeth stated with conviction which morning activity she wanted to do (often, it was coloring with markers or water-painting).
4. Letters and numbers.  Elizabeth can almost write her name.  In fairness, it's a long name!  She learned all the letters (all uppercase, some lowercase) and early numbers.  I know they drill down on each letter and number in Pre-K so I am looking forward to Elizabeth solidifying her knowledge of letters and numbers this year.

Last day of school June 2013.  Lauren's last day of Kindergarten, Elizabeth's last day of Nursery.

July – August 2013: Buckley Camp

Towards the tail-end of June, Lauren and Elizabeth started camp.  They attended the full 8 weeks.  Lauren was no longer in Junior Camp, and instead moved up to Intermediate Camp.  She was in the Beagles 2 Group with Miss Kassie as her Group Leader.  Similar to the school year, I received positive feedback from Kassie throughout the summer about what a great child Lauren is.  Kassie shared how Lauren was always ready for the day, actively participating, always trying her best and kind to her friends and counselors.  Elizabeth was in the Beavers 4b Group with Miss Kim as her Group Leader.  Both of them had an amazing summer but Lauren in particular had the time of her life.  I think it’s a combination of her natural personality coupled with her age.  Lauren was especially sad to say goodbye to her favorite counselor Brianna.

 

August 2013: Annual family vacation to Montauk

As we have been doing for the past four summers, we spent the week leading up to Labor Day at The Surf Club in Montauk.  There were some new eateries that popped up this summer which made dining out there heavenly!  Of course our tried-and-true foods/restaurants like Harvest, the fried chicken at Herbs Market and the oysters and South Edison and pizza/calzones at Sausages didn’t disappoint.  Our biggest decision of the day for an entire week was, “Should we go to the beach first?  Or pool?”  Now that’s a vacation.
 

From Lauren’s eyes, it was a lot more profound (unintentionally).  I think it was about 2-3 days into our vacation when she asked me, “Do you know why I love vacations so much?”  I asked, “Why?”  She responded, “Because I get to see you and daddy every day.  When we are not on vacation, I only see you on Saturdays and Sundays.”  Though that’s not entirely accurate (I work from home on Fridays and we usually get home right after they finish eating dinner), I understood what she meant.  She just loved the simplicity of spending all day and night with her family.
 

The weather wasn’t great this year.  Almost every morning was overcast.  There was rain one morning.  It was windy and chilly.  But it didn’t matter.  The girls recognize and look forward to our annual “Beach Vacation” and are already looking forward to next year.  On the last day, of course the girls were sad about leaving.  Lauren asked Tae, “Can we buy a house in Montauk?”  Tae replied, “Yes.”  J  Let’s see where life takes us.

 

September 2013: Back to school

I did zero back-to-school preparation.  Literally not one single thing.  I did not buy a single notebook, backpack, pencil or eraser.  I didn’t buy a single t-shirt, dress, a pair of pants, a pair of socks or underwear.  Lauren even wore the same uniform shoes she wore last year.  That’s two of the many things I love about Buckley.  Uniforms and all supplies are provided for by the school.  There is no need to stress about BTS.
 

I cannot believe I have a 1^st grader, especially since I still have some of my own memories of being in 1^st grade.  Mrs. Janzow was my teacher.  I cannot believe my baby is starting Pre-K.  We got to school right at the start time of 8:25 and as I walked Elizabeth to class, Lauren met the 1^st grade line coming down from Grace Commons.  She jumped on line and proceeded to make her way to the 1^st grade classrooms with her classmates.  I quickly gave her a hug and a kiss and whispered, “Have a great day.”  Then I unexpectedly felt a moment of sadness.  She didn’t embrace me back.  She was more focused on getting to her class.  Her backpack was filled with her summer writing journal, book log and math workbook.  Additionally, she had her one of her favorite books Ella Sarah Gets Dressed and some pictures as requested by her teacher Ms. Carin Shackel.  I think Lauren was just ready to get the 1^st grade party started. 
 

We made it to Elizabeth’s Pre-K class (same room as Lauren’s Pre-K classroom) and her teacher Ms. Heidi (Weintraub) greeted her.  Elizabeth waved to her friends in the class.  And then after just a slight hesitation, she walked in with Ms. Toomla (assistant teacher) and officially started her first day as a Pre-Kindergartener.
 

And so here we are again.  Another end-of-summer/start-of-a-new-school-year.  I am feeling pride, optimism and happiness.   

 

Sept 4, 2013.  Elizabeth's first day of Pre-K.  Lauren's first day of 1st grade.