Alexa June is 6!

I have a 6 year old. So crazy to even type that. Alexa kept close tabs on the calendar this month. I think it's her first time counting down the days to her birthday. The morning started off with her birthday banner and her favorite school outfit. At school her teacher gave her a hat to wear and her classmates all sang to her. Just before lunch we were able to go to her classroom with the goody bags Alexa made and a book to read to her class. Justin read to the class and everyone giggled. Addison enjoyed being apart of the class as well. Alexa handed out zebra goody bags filled with play dough, fuzzy pencils, erasers, silly straws and glitter glue.  She was really excited to celebrate with her new friends. Her teacher even gave her a special book to keep.

After school we went to Nickel City and played lots of games. Both girls ended up with a lot of special prizes. On our way home we grabbed McDonald's (Alexa's favorite treat.) That night we video chatted with all of Alexa's Grandparents. We played her new games and ended the night with her horse cake. 

The next day (after soccer) we went to Disneyland. Alexa and Addison had their hair done at the Ana & Elsa Boutique. Alexa chose the Cool As Ice them and Addison chose the Elsa style (but she called it Cinderella Bell hair). Both girls enjoyed all the special attention they attracted with their new looks. Alexa kept her hair in for 3 days. The second night I tried to wash it a bit so it wouldn't look dirty. On the third day I had to use dandruff shampoo to remove all the glitter (pixie dust.) All weekend we rode rides, took pictures, and giggled. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Alexa Jun turning 6. We look forward to watching what another year has in store for her.

Back to School

Summer has officially ended for the Cox girls. This was one of my most favorite summers as a Mom and I was sad to see it end. Both girls have started new schools. We made the move to this neighborhood so Alexa could attend this specific school. Addison was switched to a new Christian preschool that is closer to the new house. She is also with children she will eventually go to kindergarten with.

Alexa's back to school night was on a Friday. She was so excited to find her name on the list and then go inside to meet her kindergarten teacher. Her teacher is a third year teacher but is new to this elementary. Her teacher has an amazing resume. She has degrees from some of the top schools in the country and lots of training in alternative methods. She is a wonderful balance for a kindergarten teacher. She is the only teacher of the 4 kindergarten rooms that does not use a behavioral clip chart. Justin refers to her as the dog whisper. She focuses on building a community. So far the kids are building each other up and really taking to her teaching style. Alexa is also getting academically challenged, which was our biggest concern for her. Alexa has made friends with so many children (everyone if you ask her). So far she has 5-6 good friends and many more she is still meeting. She also loves that Julia goes to the same school. We walk to school every morning and some afternoons. On Wednesday's she has a half day so we will have to drive that day since I will be coming from Addison's school just before. So we will be getting lots of exercise over the school year.

Addison met her teachers a few days before school started. Both of her teachers have been teaching 3 year olds for more then a decade at her new preschool. They are both nice ladies and the kids seems to love them. Addison knew of one girl in her class ahead of time. She is a friend of a friend but super great. It was nice to have one familiar face around a new school. Addison was excited but a little hesitant on her first day. She seemed to get comfortable fast and was quick to show her teachers her strong personality. Addison is going to school three mornings a week. She is more tired then she was last year and during the summer. This seems to be just the right balance of days for her.

Both girls have also started Awana. Alexa has moved into Sparks and Addison has started Cubbie's. They both have new vests that they will be working on filling this year. This is Addison's first time learning to memorize things. She has been doing very well so far. Alexa is able to learn multiple verses a week and she also has some added responsibilities that is new to her. It's such a wonderful program. I feel truly blessed that the girls get to be apart of it.

Alexa is still participating in gymnastics. She also joined her first ever soccer team. It has been quite the learning experience for her. She got to play goalie during her second game and only allowed 1 goal. She has learned so much. Addison is doing her second season of Soccer Shots. She is getting quicker and quicker and learning the rules of the game. I love watching them with their coaches. The girls keep busy and they seems to love it. No slowing down for these two.