Nate the Great

Today was a BIG day at Kindergarten -- the kids were tasked with bringing their favorite book to school and dressing up as their favorite character in the book. Brayden was thrilled with this assignment and knew immediately who he wanted to be: Nate the Great! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Nate the Great (you need to remedy that), Nate is a boy detective who has great adventures with his dog, Sludge, and loves to eat pancakes.

Over the weekend, we prepared his costume -- the hat is from Party City, the coat is one of Nicole's top coats with the sleeves rolled up, and the magnifying glass is one of many Brayden already used around the house. This morning, Brayden woke up to eat a breakfast fit for Nate the Great!

Pancakes - Nate AND Brayden's favorite!

Looks like the taste good

After filling up on some detective-appropriate vittles, Brayden went out into the backyard to get into character.

How do we look now?

The cover shot 

Zoey was ready and willing to play "Sludge"

Finally, it was time to catch the bus -- I can't wait to hear how the day went (and to see pictures of the whole class!).

Layna: Shear Genius

Tomorrow is Layna's first day of true Preschool. The Saint Luke's Day School doesn't have a structured curriculum until the 3K and 4K years, but starting tomorrow, Layna will be in "real" class! She is extremely excited about it (and giggles when I say things like, "You'll be the only Girata in the Day School this year!").

We spent the day (Dad-day Monday) running lots of general errands, but there were two important pre-school events to take care of. First, Layna chose a special dinner - tacos - and second, she needed to get her hair cut ...but not just any haircut, a special haircut by ME! Yes, friends, per Nicole's suggestion (which Layna loved), I gave Layna her back-to-school haircut!

Layna began her experience at The Girata Grand Salon & Spa in the Wash 'n Rinse room, where she received a refreshing and nourishing wash and condition, along with a relaxing scalp massage.

Lathered up!


She thought this was hilarious


A warm rinse before conditioning


The true salon dry

After we lathered, rinsed, and didn't repeat, I brushed out her long locks (so much longer without the curls!) and prepared for the cut.

Look at those split ends!


The curls began to fall, one after another...


Now that looks nice and clean

Layna had requested some chunky layers, but I recommended a simple trim ...maybe next time.

After we left the W'nR room, it was off to the Styling Suite, where Layna got the full, styling treatment!

Ready with the dryer


...I took over after a minute of self-directed play

And now, introducing the new and improved...

Check out that style, such glamor!

One happy girl -- ready for school!

First Day Pictures

We just got a group of pictures from Brayden's teacher, Mrs. Barnes, from the first day of school. They're not the best pictures ever, but they're pretty cute -- and a great look into his school life.

The kids go from their cars or buses into the amphitheater where their teachers pick them up to go to their room.

Waiting patiently


Brayden with Kennedy Rose (hello Southern!) and Kailey

Then it was off to his classroom!

Mr. Crazy-face

...and lastly, in the lunchroom.

With a mouthful!

Still Summer for Layna

Although Brayden's been in school for almost two weeks already, Layna's still been enjoying the pleasure of summer -- playing all day! She and I had our very first Monday without Brayden this week (let me tell you, it's going to be a big shift to spend Mondays with just Layna ...although if this week was any indication, it's going to be fantastic!). Here are some pictures of the fun we had at the playground and Publix.

She began by riding around on her scooter...

...then it was on to the rock wall...

...and then the Infinity wall. She climbed them over and over and over!

She made it!!

Here's a little video of my climber:

After a fun day at the playground, we ran to Publix. The kids typically get a chicken tender for lunch (FREE here in Alabama!!), but they were out ...so Layna had her first buffalo chicken wing! She loved it!

Layna's Day

While most of the recent excitement has centered on Brayden's first week of school, we didn't want Layna to feel too left out. So last week, she shared a few special days with Nicole and me. Nicole took a vacation day on Brayden's first day of school, and spent the bulk of the day with Layna (and thinking about Brayden!).

They began their day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens (Layna's choice) and saw lots of beautiful flowers. She was hoping to see butterflies in the garden, but she'd have to wait ...more on that later. (NOTE: there was something smeared on the camera lens and Nicole didn't notice until later that night -- she was just going for a "soft filter" look.)

They began in the Rose Garden, where Layna wanted her picture taken with lots of different roses (and wanted to take pictures of Nicole, too!).

Under the central trellis






Layna's turn with the camera!

Then it was off to the Japanese Garden.

A little break for a self-portrait

After they finished at the Botanical Garden, it was off to the Birmingham Zoo! Layna wanted to do two things: see the giraffes and pet the butterflies. She got to do both, along with a few others.

Hello, boys!


In the Trails of Africa


Watching the zebras

On the way to the Butterfly House, Layna stopped to chat with the chicken.

Finally, they reached the day's ultimate goal: butterflies!! The Butterfly House is filled with butterflies during the summer, and Layna said they were flying all around her. Although you're not supposed to touch them, Layna promised to be very (very) careful -- and she was! She was thrilled to see (and touch!) so many.

The girls had an excellent day -- one of many that week. I suppose Brayden starting school isn't so bad!

Sunday's Sermon

I plan to post about Layna's first week without her brother at home, but until then, CLICK HERE to read my sermon from Sunday. (and let me know what you think!)

New Classroom

A few days before Brayden's first day of school, we were all able to visit his classroom to meet his teacher, Mrs. Barnes, and to hear about her plans for the year.

When we arrived (we were the first family to arrive), we took a quick tour of the classroom.

Checking out the boards


Reading some books in the library corner

Mrs. Barnes had Nicole and I take a picture with Brayden to add to her family book.

Then it was time for Mrs. Barnes to speak to all the families of her new students. Although she invited all the children to sit down front with her, only a few seemed comfortable enough to leave their families. Guess who did...

Layna and Brayden, listening to Mrs. Barnes

Before we left, we stopped to take a quick picture with Mrs. Barnes.