Ok, so the deal was that when Ashley turned three, we had to give up the 'P' (pacifier). Keith and I racked our brains about how in the world to do this because we had been so unsuccessful in the past. UNTIL one day Ashley mentioned wanting to go to dance class like Clara. The studio where Clara dances requires that they be 3 years old. SOOO, we made a deal with Ashley about 2 weeks before her birthday that when she turned 3 she could start dance class IF she gave up her paci. For her birthday we gave her a new leotard and tights and asked for her to hand over her pacis. She did gladly and everyone at the party cheered and clapped for her. It has been 10 days and she is doing it great! She only asked for it for about 2 days and then it was a thing of the past.
Other goings on in our family - EVERYTHING! With the start of school, marked the start of dance class and boy scouts. Since Ashley has started dance, I have to sit there for 3 hours on Monday (each girl's class is 1 1/2 hours long) and then we have boy scouts at 7:30 (which is about the time I get home from dance. So Mondays are LONG!!!!
So we are in full swing of the school year and it is a milestone year to say the least. Richard started 4th grade which in Keller is the last year in elementary school so he will start intermediate school next year. Clara and Ashley started a new day care which is fabulous but this is Clara's last year in day care as she will start Kindergarten next year. Wow, how time flies.
When I reflect back on the last couple of years, it is amazing to see how the kids are growing and the way life changes are they get older. It really is important to enjoy every minute with them. These are their pictures of the first day of school this year.