Catching up

Life's been really busy lately so I have a lot of catching up to do here. First off, we're grateful and happy that we were able to finalize a house rental in a neighborhood that will allow Ella to go to a good school (good not only by state rankings, but also by quality of staff.) You see, we've visited a bunch of schools and this was the one. I want an environment where children can feel cared for, loved, wanted, and appreciated for their own unique skills, and not just a number and I realize this is pretty hard to find in the public school system but we're hopeful this will be a good place for her. Also, school building security and location were two other criteria for our search.  The really nice thing is that the school is within walking distance from our rental! Yay, Ella is very excited. The house is tiny but cute and well-kept. We're excited to move in in a few weeks.

And while all this was happening, she graduated from kindergarten!!! :)

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(We've got an engineer in the making because she wants to be just like her daddy!) :) Of course, the maternal grandparents are pretty happy with this decision! ;-))

Now that we have a place, we'll be registering her for first grade next week. Istill need to make a couple of doctor appointments with new allergist doctors and such for her asthma and allergy action plans so we can have everything ready for the school nurse. And I just can't believe that my little baby will be in first grade!!! Wow, how does the time fly??

But right until before school starts, this baby of mine will have a busy fun-filled summer at Primrose camp. They have field trips almost every day, wow!! There will be lots of sack lunches to pack! :)
Not only the summer camp will be keeping her busy but all the things she's been doing since we moved here: horseback riding, swimming, piano, and now she wants to pick ballet back up. I honestly don't know how she can keep up with all these activities that not only take about an hour or two themselves, but all the other time that goes into it for practice. We'll have to see.

We visited the Houston temple grounds again a couple of weeks ago and had family home evening there. That place is literally my personal Garden of Eden, if it makes sense. It's so absolutely beautiful in every single way, and peaceful that I can't imagine the Garden of Eden feeling beyond than how this feels.

Horseback riding is going great, the new instructor, Ms. Jacqueline is working her very hard.

Bare back riding (bonding time with Buzz.)

And a close-up.

Buzz is quite a horse with lots of personality. Fortunately Ella has been able to handle him very well so far.

Riding backwards for balance.

My favorite thing to watch so far is when she is in her two-point position and the horse trots. It is amazing to watch. Building some strong legs and balance for sure.

Swimming has been fun. Here too she's been blessed with a really nice and hard working instructor who really cares for the children to learn and make progress. Ella has been doing very good with her backstroke, she can swim an entire pool length on her back, and is working hard to get her freestyle better. I don't have good action pics but will post what I have for now. :-)

Squeezing the water out of her swimsuit.

Swimming to get her ring.

The real fun part is when after class, they turn on the water slide. All the kids taking lessons at the time get to go down the slide.

At the Houston zoo, brushing the goats. I love the sweet smile.

I think that is it for now... .

Looking forward to the weekend for some active relaxation and swimsuit shopping.