We have officially begun the new year. The girls have started school, we have celebrated Rosh Hashanah, and we survived the fast of Yom Kippur. Today we put up our Sukkah. We're almost ready to breathe and experience the routine that comes with a new year.
Libi's in a pre-K class at Adath Israel Preschool with 9 other children. She knew 8 of them before school began and is feeling very comfortable in her 'new' surroundings. Julia had one of Libi's teachers when she was 3, and Libi's other teacher is the Mini Minyan leader, so we are very familiar with both of them. She has also started Drama class again and LOVES it! I am so happy we've found an activity that she really enjoys. She has also started taking gymnastics classes at Philadelphia Gymnastics. So far it's great. We are also looking forward to Libi's birthday party which has a High School Musical theme, of course!
Julia has started first grade at Perelman Jewish Day School in Wynnewood. It's been a huge, wonderful, exciting adjustment. Julia likes both of her teachers, especially her Hebrew teacher, Orly. I'm still holding out on my opinion of her English teacher...not so impressed yet. Julia seems to be a little bored, but I think that her teachers are still gauging the skill levels of their students. Soon they'll be put into groups with other 1st graders at their level in reading and math. Hopefully Julia will feel more challenged then.
There have already been a number of Perelman events that we have attended, including a PTO meeting (same as PTA). Of course I attended, and volunteered to keep track of Kippah orders with another parent in Julia's class. I can't say NO to volunteering. It's like a disease. Everyone seems really nice though.
In other Julia news, she has been selected to join the "gymbusters" program at Philadelphia Gymnatics Center. She was chosen with 6 other girls to begin a 2-day per week program after school. If they like the program then the girls can choose to train for the Competitive Team next year. Julia really wants to be part of this so we're going to try it. It's a lot of driving, but as long as Josh can still pick Julia up on Tuesday evenings we'll be OK.
Marigold has started a class at the Little Gym. She's a "Beast" and she loves the class! There are 18 little ones from 21 months to 2 1/2 years old. It's adorable. And even though this is my 3rd child I am totally enjoying this stage. Marigold is talking up a storm, and she especially loves singing songs from High School Musical (1&2). I left her for the first time in a school setting when Josh and I attended Yom Kippur services. She was in the classroom with Libi and did great! She cried initially, but calmed down quickly when she found the baby stroller and a dolly. Libi helped her calm down too. I was very proud.
Now we're ready for Sukkot entertaining, running the Book Fair, having 2 intricate birthday parties...and that's just thru October!
