John-Makynna-Livia: As summer comes to an end...

Hard to believe that it is October already and that we'll be carving pumpkins soon. This summer went by way to fast. It was filled with t-ball games, hockey camps, lake trips, family get-togethers, grilling out, swimming lessons, switching daycares and enjoying time outside.
John's highlight would have to be his New Orleans trip. They had such a great time exploring the southern part of the country, growing in his faith and making new friends along the way. Well, getting his permit probably ranks pretty high up there too. It's amazing how much he "wants to come along" to run errands now. It's like I have my own personal driver. I wouldn't call them "stress free" trips, but he is getting better. After a couple of hockey camps in August, football practice started and so did sleeping in. He mainly plays a wide-receiver, that get frustrated that he doesn't get the ball more. Hockey actually starts this week, with clinics and tryouts at the end of the month. I'm looking forward to the season, but I was told not as much as John - he couldn't wait to get his skates on again. He will be a second year Bantam this year, and we're looking forward to a successful season.
Makynna's summer was spent learning the game of T-Ball. I guess there were a few things I took for granted that she already knew: which hand the glove goes on, where you stand to bat, how you catch the ball, and which way you run after you hit the ball. It was great entertainment. She also also pasted the preschool level in swimming lessons. That is a HUGE accomplishment for her. She has been VERY afraid of the water for the last couple of years. But by the end of the summer she was dunking her head, swimming under water (with a noodle) and jumping in. She is VERY proud of herself. She started kindergarten this fall. She was so excited! Mom and Dad were very nervous. She just seemed so small in such a big place. Of course SHE didn't have a problem adjusting and us, well, that's a different story. She is in Spanish Immersion, which means that the teacher speaks 90% Spanish during school. The teacher has a puppet that only speaks English, Queen English, that the kids can ask questions and get answers in English. I think this will be a great way for her to learn and pick up a second language as well. They have all Spanish classes through 5th grade. She has shared some words that she's learning along with a couple songs. She doesn't seem to be frustrated with the language barrier. Conferences are in a week, so it will be interesting to see what the teacher has to say. Makynna has also started her dance classes, Just for Kix, which she really enjoys. Wednesday nights are spent at our old daycare provider's church participating in the Awana program as a first year Spark.
Livia Grace has spent her summer enjoying the outdoors. She always wants to go outside to play. Her vocabulary has just exploded, knows most of her ABCs, counts to ten, loves singing: "Itsy Bitsy Spider," Twinkle, Twinkle," and anything else that her big sis teaches her. Although she does have a sweet side, her diva personality has let itself be known. She has her tantrums that she throws that usually end by her saying, "Happy now Mama." She sometimes will even put herself in timeout when she "loses it". Her and Makynna are virtually attached at the hip. She loves playing house, doll house, reading books and eating :) She is very independent, wants to dress/undress herself, get into her car seat and buckle (just the top Jody:)) We haven't mastered the potty training, heck, she's only gone once - and that was an 1 1/2 hour ordeal - on and off the toilet 257 times. There should be a toilet training camp that we can send her too.
The girls enjoyed a week with Grandma and Grandpa Ribstein this summer. They were joined by my niece (3) and nephew (5) for the last half of the week. I think my mom knows exactly how old she is now. We really appreciated the time alone, it was really different without any kids. We had a lot of dates, went to the movies, and put in some extra hours at work.
We had to switch daycares, from the one that has had Makynna since 15 weeks, because of school. We needed to be at one that was close to Makynna's school and that one was in a different town. It was sad, not that we don't still talk, email, and see each other. Jody has just been such a big part of the girls' lives and helped in making them who they are today. Yes, I have shed many tears over this :( Makynna adjusted well, and it took Livia a couple of weeks to actually not mind going to the new one. Everyday, she still asks me "Mama, pick me up?" just to make sure that I'm not going to forget her come the end of the day.
Enjoy the photobook below, and I'll be posting pictures after our "getaway" later this month.