Swim lessons and Elephant and Piggie

At Anna's Preschool fundraiser we bid on some swim lessons through Midwest Scuba and Swim. We won the silent auction so I called to set up some lessons for both girls. Included in what we bid on was the enrollment fee and 2 months of lessons for one kid. I'd intended to just do the two months since this it is somewhat expensive but I we've decided to continue on through the summer since we're not taking a vacation this summer. 

Goofing around before lessons!

It's kind of an event for a 30 minute swim class but we've gotten into a routine. The lesson is at 5 pm so we have smoothies around 3:30-4 pm so we're not starving. It's a good 20 minute drive during that time of day and then it takes a little longer on the way home. Kevin was gone every swim day during the first month so we started going to Sonic. By the time we eat, get baths, and get to bed I'm usually exhausted! 

Silly girls!

Anna and Jane both really like their teachers and took to them very quickly. Miss Natalie is tough and doesn't mess around but she also is funny and warm and the kids adore her. 

Jane's teacher is also very nice and Jane immediately bonded with her which is unusual for Jane. She loves that Miss Kelsey has blue hair and we talk about it a lot. 

I've been so impressed so far with the lessons and I'm very happy we started here. Once school starts and we're paying for both to attend preschool we'll likely have to take a break. I'm hoping by the end of the summer we have a good foundation and that a few lessons at the YMCA can help the girls keep up what they've learned. 

In April I took the girls to see "Elephant & Piggie's: We Are In A Play" at The Coterie theater at Crown Center. We adore Elephant and Piggie books and we were all super excited to go. It was a little different than I expected (the character's weren't wearing masks or head gear or anything) but it was fantastic. Jane did get a little restless since some of the jokes take a little more maturity to get (Anna probably didn't get them all either but she would never admit to not liking something like this). I loved it though and I'm so glad we went. 

Pre-show selfie!

After the show we had lunch at Fritz's and stopped for ice cream. 

We also wandered around the shops and had fun in the crayola store. 

Anna drew a picture of waves and particles. We had just read a book about rainbows and watched an episode of Storybots that talks about why the sky is blue. I thought it was pretty amazing she decided to draw a picture of this. 

I can't remember what Jane was drawing a picture of but I'll ask her and if she remembers I'll try to update this post. 

We always have to check out the lego people!

The fountains were another source of entertainment. I managed to get this sweet photo. Right after I took this picture Jane pushed Anna away. Hahaha.

They really are sweet together most of the time. Jane knows how to irritate Anna though!

Celebrate Olathe and Spring Soccer

Olathe held a spring event with crafts, games, and an Easter Egg Hunt. It was a nice evening so we were excited to be able to make it this year. Jane wasn't so sure about the Easter Bunny though. 

There was also a bouncy house obstacle course that was pretty fun. The line was long so we only went through once. 

They allowed Kevin to go through with Jane to ensure she could make the climb up to the slide. It was good that Kevin went with her too because she did need a little boost to make it all the way up. 

They staggered the egg hunts by age so Jane went first. It was really crowded because all the parents were with their small children. Luckily Jane was fast and managed to get several eggs and she was happy. 

After seeing the craziness of the younger age group Kevin took Anna off to come up with a strategy for her egg hunt. 

Goofball. 

The following morning was Anna's first soccer practice of the year. After last year not going all that well I wasn't totally sure we were going to do it again. Anna started asking about it though and her age group is included with our YMCA membership so we decided to give it another shot. 

They were asking for parent volunteers to coach and I went ahead and signed up. I knew I was going to miss a week so I signed up as an "assistant". Our friend Ethan had signed up as well as we were able to get them on the same team. Rob (Ethan's Dad) also signed up to volunteer so we were in it together. 

Oranges!!!!

I was worried about how Jane would do with me out on the field but she did great. I think it helped that our friend Eric was also there (and Amanda came prepared with balls and bubbles). She had a blast!

We attempted a group picture since Amanda's parents were there. It's difficult to get 4 kids looking and smiling but I like them anyway. 

Family photo!

Anna did so well this year. She was more engaged and went after the ball much more than last year. I think she was too young last year and I'm very happy we gave it another chance. 

Eric and Anna goofing around

Anna and Jane sure love hugging Eric!

We decided to grab some lunch at Sonic afterwards and we had a blast there too. 

I sure love these two silly, goofy girls!

Parent's Day and Random

Anna's preschool held a Parent's Day at the beginning of April. Luckily my Dad was able to come into town to watch Jane and Kevin was able to be in town to attend as well.

Name practice time!

 It was a nice opportunity to see some of the things Anna does and what she's been working on throughout the year. 

Anna and her classmates all made books and they loved showing us their work and "reading" them to us.

We had a great time sharing a little bit of Anna's day. 

Kevin had to head off to work but my Dad came with me and Jane to pick up Anna after preschool let out. We drove around a bit to show him around Olathe and had a nice picnic at the K-State Olathe campus. 

I've been trying really hard to go through my phone and upload pictures from it since I take quite a few photos on it. These are kind of random but I like them. 

Sonic Happy Hour and and the Park

At the KSU Olathe Open House

On a trail not far from our house

Jane and her many pattern choices.

Birthday Party Weekend!

Our last weekend in March ended with back to back birthday celebrations. First it was Chuck-E-Cheese to celebrate our friend Riona's 4th birthday. 

It was a Saturday afternoon and it was a little chaotic and we may have felt like cattle being herded around by the staff so they could accommodate all the parties but the kids loved it. 

My favorite part was when Riona and her best friend started jumping up and down yelling "We love Chuck E! We love Chuck E!" over and over and over. 

Kevin and I decided to divide and conquer with the girls since they both wanted to play different games and it was so busy. Jane was my buddy for the day and we had fun. 

I didn't see much of Anna but I'm pretty sure she had just as much fun with Kevin.

Immediately following Riona's party we drove over to Rainbow Play Systems for Ethan's 4th birthday party. I had been looking forward to this party for quite some time and I really enjoyed seeing some of my closest "Mom friends". 

The kids loved all the playhouses available to climb and explore. 

This was the week that Anna and Jane decided to make the same goofy face for pretty much every picture.

My favorite Mama's from the Ridgeview Parents as Teachers Playgroup. I hold a special place in my heart for these lovely ladies. 

Meg, JoAnna, Me, Amanda

The girls were worn out but it was a great day and we're thankful for such wonderful friends!