Graduation

   Today was Rachel's last day of nursery school. And subsequently, our whole family's last day of nursery school. Ever. Laura attended this school for two years, and today marks the end of Rachel's second year. That's four years for our family, and if that isn't testament enough, I really cannot sing more praises about this program. The staff are above and beyond fantastic. The programming is fantastic. I feel like we are part of a big family there, where the staff support not just the children, but the parents inside and outside the school walls. I have been anticipating today as a "going to be rough" day, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when I ugly cried while saying goodbye to the teachers. To say I will miss this place and these people is a gross understatement.

But enough about me! Our sweet little Rachie is now officially a preschool graduate! The concert was as cute as always, and although she was a little shy, she did a great job.

  I guess I am officially homeschooling two kiddos now! Yikes!

Bargain

Rachel is having a... challenging time developmentally lately. She has decided she does not like being told what to do, and has taken to using and sharpening her negotiating skills, accordingly.
For example, I will have told her that she cannot have candy before breakfast, and then a few minutes later I will ask her to get dressed. She replies that she wants to wear a weather-inappropriate sundress. I counter with a logical, "Maybe you should wear pants today because it is cold."
"WELL IF I CAN'T WEAR A DRESS THEN I HAVE TO HAVE CANDY!!"
 Sigh.
Rinse and repeat. All. Day. Long.

I'm glad she is asserting herself, and she is probably just looking for a little more freedom. But my, it is tiring!