Return trip to the "Other Portland"

Audrey and Kate enjoyed their staycation in NW Portland last fall and wanted to go back. Either because she misheard or misunderstood "Northwest Portland," or because it felt so different from her own part of the city, Kate once referred to her trip "to the other Portland." The name stuck, and Mama arranged a return trip to "The Other Portland" this weekend.

After getting settled in at the Inn at Northrup Station and watching some cable TV, Audrey and Kate headed up to Northwest 23rd to have dinner at Little Big Burger, do a little toy shopping, and eat some gelato. The next day, they went back to the toy store, rode the streetcar to the Central Library, then went back to get their car and head to a showing of "Mary Poppins" at the Northwest Children's Theater.

Christmas 2015

Audrey and Kate had a busy couple of days of Christmas celebrations. It started on Christmas Eve at Grandpa Dave and Judy's house, after which the girls and cousins Lily and Elsa went bowling at Big Al's. They then went to GG's house for dinner and more gifts, followed by Christmas Eve church services at GG's church. They came home, made preparations for Santa's arrival, and then went to bed. On Christmas morning, they opened some gifts and then packed up themselves (and their American Girl dolls) and headed over to Honey and GPa's house. (If the slideshow below doesn't work or doesn't appear, click here.)

Kate starts to write

Among Kate's first writings (no help from us, except the first word): "Nonfiction. About me: I like horses and owls. I love my mom and dad and sister and friends and teachers. I like chocolate and candy. : )"

Kate ties her shoe

Kate learned to tie a shoe today. It took just a little bit of instruction and demonstration from Mama and she got it.

Kids' table

Audrey and Kate tried out the new nook table in our remodeled kitchen for the first time this evening. They seemed to like it.

Settling into kindergarten

Kate's transition to kindergarten continues. Today she went to the computer lab with her class for the first time, met her fifth grade buddy, MacKenzie (whom she wanted to make a card for), and went to a special assembly with African drummers to kick off the Run for the Arts. She also got hot lunch for the first time, choosing chicken nuggets and grapes.

Kate loses tooth #2

Kate lost tooth #2 -- another lower incisor -- today. It came out as she arrived at school in the morning, although she lost it temporarily in the hubbub as the kids streamed into school. Thankfully Audrey and Kate's friend Cora helped her get some adult attention to help stop the bleeding and find the tooth out on the pavement. She got to bring the tooth home in a little envelope to leave for the Tooth Fairy tonight.

Kate's first ride on the school bus

Today was Kate's first full day of kindergarten, and her first ride on the school bus. She had a lot of folks to show her the ropes, including Audrey and their friends Hannah and Olivia. We heard later that Audrey and Hannah were really sweet and helpful in showing Kate the way to her classroom and helping her get settled in. Honey met Audrey and Kate at the bus stop in the afternoon and reported that Kate was in good spirits, a good sign after such a long day of new experiences.

Back to school

It was the first day of school for Audrey and Kate today. Audrey had a full day of school, while Kate had an assessment with one of her kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Masunaga, and then had the rest of the day off. The girls and Mama and Dada joined the throng of parents and kids streaming into the school after the first bell rang, catching up with their friends Lilah and Hannah. Mama and Dada helped Audrey get settled into her desk in Mrs. Bailey's second-grade classroom.

Kate loses her first tooth

Kate lost her first tooth today! It was a lower incisor. She and Audrey were goofing off in the bathroom and the tooth came out in a towel they were playing with. She put it in an envelope for her first visit from the Tooth Fairy.