Lots of Firsts!

The Bambinos are growing and changing in what seems like leaps and bounds lately . . . Emily got her first haircut last week (although this picture doesn't do it justice). Her bangs kept getting into her eyes, so we finally had it done! She is saying "Mama" like crazy now, which was very cute at first, but she has already learned the loud, whiny way to shout at me. :)  She is also becoming quite the little climber and is getting a mind of her own regarding not cleaning up or standing on chairs.  But, she's still about the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Vinny has amazed me the most lately. Especially once he started school, he is doing lots of new things.  He goes down slides, swings on the big swings, climbs up the ladders at the playground. He can sing the whole ABC's (which is especially endearing while he is sitting on the potty), and recognizes most letters.

He wanted to draw a picture the other day, and it turned into a whole story, which he narrated to me while I wrote it down (which he'll do lots of in kindergarten and 1st grade).

And, he even, completely unprompted, decided to write his name! I almost cried right there.

 And, Ashley is thoroughly enjoying her time at school. Her favorite time, of course, is recess on the playground and playing with her new friend Charlotte. It's the first friend she's made on her own. This is the first year she's been graded or tested, and she seems to thrive on the challenge. She loves to see that 100% at the top of her Math test. :)  We've also enrolled her in a Yamaha music class (group lesson), where they do singing, piano, ear training, basic theory, all with Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol. She's doing a great job at her legato playing. :) And, in preparation of our Bike-a-Thon fundraiser, she's finally learning how to ride a two-wheeler. Today was the first day. Nick didn't let go yet, but very soon!

Mommy is trying to let go, too.  :)