Back to School

It's back to school time at our house!

Antalya had her first day of Kindergarten.
She was so excited when I woke her up this morning and told her it was finally the day she could go to Kindergarten school. Her smile lasted all morning!

Last Thursday I got a call from the charter school I have been hoping and praying for, that they just had a spot come available for Antalya if we wanted it. After meeting with the special ed director and finding out she would have a one-on-one aide in a mainstream classroom, I jumped on it. I think it will be an ideal set up for this year. The school is only two miles from our home. There are four other little kids with Down syndrome at the school, and two of those had her same teacher for Kindergarten the previous two years. 

I have a feeling it will be a great year for my little girl!

And today was my first day back at school. I graduated with a bachelors eight years ago, and have been wanting to go back to school ever since but couldn't decide what I wanted to do. These last few years had me thinking more and more seriously about becoming a speech therapist. I finally feel like the time is right for me to take some classes part time. 

After some research I realized that in order to apply to the Master's program I have to have a undergrad in communicative disorders. So, today, I began work on my 2nd Bachelor's degree. It will take a couple years of part time classes before I can apply to the Master's program, but that's alright. 

And Victoria starts preschool next week. I decided that if I was going back to school, I needed a few quiet hours a week to get my studying done, so I found a neighborhood preschool three days a week for Victoria to go to. She is so excited!

So, here's hoping it's a great school year for all us girls in the house!

Horses and Haircuts

Antalya has just completed her summer riding lessons. It's been a great experience for her, and I'm hoping we are able to do another session sometime in the near future.

Although there are many places near us that offer riding lessons, we opted to drive the extra distance to the National Ability Center since we had such an amazing experience with them last winter with Antalya's ski lessons (and did I mention they have scholarships available to help cover some or all of the cost?).

At each lesson, before she could mount her horse, she had to brush her, clean out her hooves, help get the reins and saddle, and lead the horse around the arena. I love that they teach about the whole experience, and make the kids participate in caring for the horse.

Once her horse was all ready Antalya would go for a short trail ride with her horse. She had to tell it when it to go, "walk on", and when to stop, "whoa", and listen for prompts to turn left or right.

On a completely different note, Victoria decided to give herself and Antalya haircuts on Sunday while I was busy doing the dishes. When she was finished she came to show me. She was so proud of herself that it helped distill most of my anger. Luckily she just cut a few inches from Antalya's hair, who is now sporting a cute little bob cut (pictures coming soon). But on her own hair, she had cut it clear to the scalp in several locations, and completely butchered everything on top from ear to ear. It was a true mullet! She is now sporting a modern chic look. I still think she is completely adorable, and in some ways, the short hair shows off her dark eyes more.

Splash!

The count down to school has begun.

Two weeks!

Just two more weeks until this house can get cleaned and organized again.

Just two weeks until we have a daily routine back.

 We've enjoyed the lazy mornings and late nights.

We enjoyed all the popsicles, splashing, campfires, and picnics.

 But I am feeling oh-so-ready for Fall!

Ready for structure.

Ready for busy mornings and early bedtimes.

Ready for whatever will come our way this next school year!

But for two more weeks we will soak up whatever summer is left!