Kindergarten Round Up

We went to kindergarten round-up....and all we have to show for it is a picture in front of a fish tank.  (It is Hannah's favorite thing about the school.)  We've actually been attending monthly preschool activities at her school since January, so she is familiar with the building and kids.  During round-up, she got to play games, eat snacks, and do crafts.  Meanwhile, I listened to the principal talk, then the kindergarten teachers, nurse, speech therapist, after-school care director, PTA president, and I can't remember who else.  Oh yeah, and I filled out papers.  But the good news is the teachers seem wonderful...and we all know the importance of a good teacher! :)  They emphasized independent learners and told us what to work on over the summer so the kids would be ready for school in the fall.  The parents seem very involved in the school and I even made some new parent friends.  Overall, the school seems extremely similar to my old school (which has awesome teachers, students, and parents).  I am really excited for kindergarten, but not as much as Hannah is looking forward to it!  She is still talking about all the cool things in the classrooms.  We can't wait!

Brew to Brew

Every year Steve races Brew-to-Brew with the UMR alumni team.  It doesn't usually make it on the blog.  Steve wrote about it 2009 when he was blogging (check out a tiny little Hannah!).  And last year it was part of a McWeekend.  This year there were so many alumni that they made two teams.  Both won their division.

And here is a better re-cap of the race from someone who was actually there (Wendy).  I was at a soccer game.  Of course.

More Soccer Pics

Soccer games on cold and hot days...

Girl Fort

Homemade Monster Feet

Last year Olive made tissue box monster feet at preschool.  I remembered how much fun she had with them, so we made our own at home.  The girls like any time they can paint something.

the scariest monster you've ever seen

Zoo

Random trip to the zoo and we walked the African loop and saw some new animals.  Usually we just do the Sky Safari and call it good.

Serval.  It was the first time I've ever seen it at the zoo.   It was Hannah's favorite because it hissed at her.

We saw 5 sleeping lions up close!

It must have been nap time for everyone.

Just eating some granola bars and sitting on animal statues...

Hannah- "This is the biggest cookie I've ever seen!"

Hannah Quotes

"Pleeeeease take us to Chik-fil-A....because we're so cute!"

"I'll never have a surprise birthday party.  Do you know why?  Because I always know when it's my birthday."

me:  I'm tired of Team Umizoomi.  Let's watch something else.
Hannah:  But we have to watch it!  How else will we know how to be super heroes?

Hannah: Oh, I didn't tell you today... I love you!
me:  I love you, too.
Hannah:  I also love the iPad.

Olive: Mama, you bootiful!
me:  What?  I'm beautiful?  Aww.
Hannah:  Olive says crazy stuff sometimes.

Sunday Afternoon Bike Ride

Biking (and having a picnic) on the Indian Creek Bike Trail.

Two-wheeled Biker

Right after her birthday, we tried Hannah out on a bike without training wheels.  I figured it would be a summer project.  She started riding right away!  All that balancing on the scooter paid off.  The next day we worked on getting on and off the bicycle without help.  A few days after that she was zooming all over the school playground.  By the end of the week she biked three miles on a trail, no problem.  She is VERY proud of her biking skills.

And not to be left out:  Scooter Girl.

Hannah Stats- 5 Years

Where did the past 5 years go?!  Hannah is now 44 pounds (75th percentile) and 48 inches tall (99th percentile).  In the past year she gained 5 pounds and grew almost 4 inches.  Here are her stats from year one, two, three, and four.  It's interesting to see how early personality shows up in babies.  Her babysitter described her as a daredevil at age one...and I would describe her the same way as a five-year-old.  She has always been fearless climbing tall ladders, open to trying new foods, and comfortable with new people or situations. She also continues to be a rule-follower.  Although she is not in preschool this year, she loves learning at home.  Hannah can count to 100, knows all her math facts to 10, knows all the letter sounds, and she is beginning to read!  She is currently obsessed with soccer and biking.  In December Hannah got a twin bed and redecorated her room with horses.  Since then she likes to keep her room very neat.  She has also become very interested in clothing and putting together outfits.

What I love about Hannah:
I love how enthusiastic and positive Hannah is about everything.  She loves learning new information.  She gets along well with everyone, especially Olive.  Hannah is Olive's biggest cheerleader and an amazing big sister.  I am very proud of her.

What Steve loves about Hannah:
fearless, deliberate, conscientious, sporty, outdoorsy, adventurer, loves learning, positivity

What Olive loves about Hannah:
She like horses.

What Hannah thinks about herself:
I like that I climb well.  I kick my soccer ball with my left foot, so I do it my own way.  I like that I can ride my bike without training wheels.

Hannah's Favorites as a Five-Year-Old
restaurant: Fritz's
place: Leawood Park
color: pink
animal: horse
foods: macaroni, Nutella toast, fruits
drink: grape juice
song: Let it Go
book: Berenstain Bears series
TV show: Dinosaur Train
toys: horse figurines, iPad, soccer ball
activities: soccer, biking, reading, crafts, swimming, sledding, flying kites
games: Snakes and Ladders, Candy Land, Pop Goes Froggio