Jakob Daniel and Everleigh Grace Hall

What difference a year makes!  Last year at this time, it was a daily struggle to keep Everleigh from running away from her classroom or to deal with anything less than what she demanded without a major meltdown.  Just understanding what she said the majority of the time was so tough.  It was a frustrating stretch. And now, she's the most charming, loving, and amusing little creature I know.  She loves everything and everyone (even when she talks about the Red Sox, who she doesn't cheer for, she says "I cheer for the Ankees but I still like the Red Sox, and she'll say "I love everybody in the whole world, except bad guys").  She's coming into her own with her friendships, making new ones easily while cherishing friends she's had for years.  Transitions are much easier and tantrums are minor and quick.  Her language is progressing and her paci use is way down.  She's truly a delight. We're so proud of all of her learning and growth in the p

When I picked Everleigh up yesterday, I was greeted instead by Hiccups, the dragon trainer from How to Train Your Dragon.  Everleigh's buddy Sadie (in bottom picture) had her face painted half like a light fury (a white dragon) and half like Toothless (the main dragon), and the two of them had spent the day reenacting the movie.  Her fire sword on her arm was particularly impressive!

From Sra. Moulton: " Jakob is really making jumps in his reading! He is building stamina and using his 'leer solitos' time well practicing his just right books. This Fly Guy book is now a good fit for him. I'm so proud! "

When he got home from school, Jakob finished opening his gifts.  Dan had found a Pokemon set of one of his favorite characters, and his reaction was absolutely perfect.  First, he was shocked, then he was over the moon excited.  I'm shocked he was able to sleep that night!  And Everleigh continued to be a fierce tiger.  There was also more cake and a drone.  What a wonderful weekend of celebrating...and we have the kids' pool party later today!

I already posted the series of yearly pictures we presented in Jakob's classroom for his birthday.  The kids loved being in front of the class, and Jakob's classmates seemed to really enjoy going through his pictures and asking questions about each year.  Then they sang to him in Spanish, which I think made him a little uncomfortable (it was a LOT of attention), and later they enjoyed some mini muffins we brought in for a snack. Also, one of Everleigh's teachers did face painting for her class on Monday, and she was the most awesome, happy little tiger ever!

Sunday's celebration of Jakob included opening a small gift (baseballs for each kid) and having cake after a campfire and BBQ!