These kids are amazing. After a year of not being in school, both of them have jumped back in without issue. Well, we have snotty noses for the first time in a year and a tummy bug ran through our home recently, but no ACTUAL issues with school.

Ember LOVES being back in school 3 days a week. They play on the playground, learn new things (insects, musical instruments, etc), and have so much fun.

Zora has amazed me. She struggles each morning, but does great all day including naps, and is always overjoyed to see me for pickup time (Mah-Meeee!).

Sometimes the girls even get to see each other at school! The babies took a walk on the Big Kid Playground and Ember rushed over to hold hands and walk with Zora.

We still have two days at home together and they’re such fun. The girls play together and we get to visit with friends.

Both are learning new things ALL the time. Sometimes with help and sometimes on their own.

Zora is babbling (and singing) constantly. She’s becoming more friendly after she’s gotten to know folks – she visits each door in our office with “hi. Howsyourday?” Or something along those lines (we think). They are both BIG fans of the tablet and watching a “show”. They both know where the snacks are, how to get them out, where the bowls are, and how to ask for refills. They are pretty self sufficient around the house as long as Mommy isn’t doing something – then they need everything.

Swimming has been one of our main activities with friends lately due to a good friend having a heated pool (yay) and both girls really enjoy it – for about 45 minutes. Then everyone is worn out and it’s time to get home for naps. Zora has started working on swimming skills and Ember has mastered the puddle jumper. It’s been a big leap from last time we had time in a pool for sure.

Although Kevin and I have started to venture out, the new variants in COVID make us both nervous for the unvaccinated girls so mostly they are getting the chance to visit with grandparents more regularly which is great fun for everyone. Ember has spent the night at Gigi’s house as well as MaMaw and Granddaddy’s house and has plans in her head to spend the night with pretty much everyone – she’s constantly asking about this newfound option.

They still enjoy playing together and only yell every so often. School has been great for everyone – I’m amazed at how simple being in the office feels after trying to juggle both for so long. Of course I will miss our slow summer days when the girls go back in the fall (maybe 4 days? Not sure yet), but seeing them take to school so well gives me a lot of confidence in their ability to adapt and I have very few worries that their bond will be at all harmed by more time in school and less time together. They seem to get along pretty well.