My favorite time of the year (as far as teaching goes) was always the beginning of the year. There is always that new-school-year energy floating around as teachers get their rooms and curricula ready for that new batch of students. The smell of the hallways, the classrooms with new bulletin boards and decorations going up, the 7th graders who have that lost look in their faces as they try to learn the art of locker combination before the first day of school.
School started for teachers on Wednesday of this week. For the first time since I was 5 years old (that's 25 years for all you math-challenged people), I missed the first day of school. Or rather, I wasn't there for the first day of school. I wouldn't say I missed it. :) Instead, I was at home with my sweet daughter.
And although I was nostalgic about the beginning of school, I was so at ease knowing that I am right where I am supposed to be... on the floor, being used as a "pull-up" machine, slobber catcher, and toy saver.
I meant to post these pictures a couple of weeks ago, but I am so busy these days that thoughts and intensions disappear almost as soon as they appear.
Riley enjoyed her turtle floaty again in Nonna and Poppy's pool. But she liked kicking and splashing in the water more. Since we have been home, she has been practicing her splashing in the bathtub, soaking the floor and me. How can I complain when she has so much fun at it...and it helps me mop!
I love getting Riley and Millie together. They are so cute when they try to talk to each other. This last get together was the most fun for us to watch. Here they are chatting away (I bet Riley was asking Millie how she got so good at crawling.)
Look at those two smiling faces. It was sheer coincidence that they were both wearing brown and pink polka dot outfits. Brooke and I must be on the same brainwave.
Millie spent a few minutes trying to kiss Riley. When Riley realized what she was doing, she kissed back. I wish I could have gotten a picture of that because it was unbelievably cute, but my camera was not obeying. Grrrrrr.
We spent the last weekend of summer break at mom and dads. Riley is loving pool tme more and more each time we go! I love this picture of her leaning her head on her daddy. 
And you know how baby's are; see it and put it in your mouth for further investigation. She loved exploring the edge of the stairs.
This is her concentration face, lips pursed.
Again, those blue eyes are just dazzling. She was in the middle of a sentence. I think she was saying "This water feels so good mom! And it feels funny on my diaperless bottom!"
