The plan was that this would be a "off" year for friend birthday parties. Pathetically I was weak, and gave into the pleading of a sweet seven year old little girl. After making eleven bonnets, aprons, and doll bonnets this is the result. A real authentic pioneer party, complete with candle dipping, strawberry jam making, butter shaking, and country dancing party. I hope Kate enjoyed it all. It seemed like the girls were really engaged in the activities. I couldn't believe how simple the party seemed. Originally I thought candle dipping would be a chaotic mess, it wasn't though. And thanks to my Mom, who helped the girls make the jam, it all went well without a hitch. Here are the pictures. I think this was by far my favorite party to plan. Who can resist those adorable bonnets? Most importantly I think Kate had a wonderful time! We decided to celebrate her birthday early. Her real birthday isn't until Friday. But I have a special weekend planned to Kate and I to enjoy together for both of our birthday's. Of course I'll be publishing more about all of that soon! 
It seems like the kids are going to have fabulous teachers this year. Kirk's teacher already new him from when I'd occasionally bring him along when volunteering in Kate's class last year. She was a wonderful teacher, and I know Kirk will love her class. Kate has two teachers, and two classrooms. Morning's she goes to French immersion. They study math, and science completely in French. The idea is that they naturally pick up the language from hearing it day in and day out. Then the second half of the day they go to their English teacher where they learn their reading and writing. Kirk is also in the French program. They start out just doing small amounts of french. After a year of french kindergarten Kate can count in french, understands shapes, colors, commands such as add, subtract, or point too etc.... One thing I've noticed is that the Kate understands much more than she can verbalize. It was amazing to watch her french teacher ask her do point to a certain shape, or number in french and she understood. I guess if you think about it babies are the same way. The understand what we are saying to them, much sooner than they can actually speak fluently. It will be fun and exciting to watch the kids learn french this year. Kirk came home a said that they played duck, duck, goose in french. I asked him how to say it in French and he said he couldn't remember. It takes alot of practice. Well now that the first day is done and out of the way it's time for me to tackle on my new projects. I've got to start getting into a routine, and organized before this baby comes. So it's off the the laundry room, the goal to day is to see the floor by the time I'm through. 
