ROOTS, WINGS AND THE WOG

Today was the last day of The Wog's first year of preschool. She has grown in so many ways, and it makes me both sad and happy that she's not the same little girl now that she was eight or so months ago. (I'm too lazy to do the math.) Bringing her the first day was like dropping off a puppy--she was so sweet, young and eager, and we had absolutely no idea how things would go over. She never looked back. Every morning when I dropped her off throughout this first year, I felt lucky to be part of such a wonderful school full of like-minded teachers, administrators, parents and volunteers, all of whom have helped The Wog thrive and grow into the happy, independent little girl she continues to be. Hurray for the Lilliputians! (And, as The Wog says, the "Pollyputians," too.)

The collage made by a parent at The Wog's school:



With Miss Emily:


With Miss Suzie:


With her little friend Lily:


The Doodle (Lilliputians, '12) enjoyed the festivities...and the watermelon.



A whole mouthful of watermelon (as much as he can cram in):

A WOG WITH A BICYCLE

Today was the eagerly anticipated "Bike Day" at The Wog's school. The teachers set up a little course, which included a gas station and bike wash. Cuteness abounded!

It was hard to get a good picture of The Wog between her zipping around and The Doodle's gimping around:




The teachers even brought in tools for pretend bike repairs:



The Doodle got in on it too:


Later, he accepted an invitation to a Pampered Chef party:


The Wog loves her bike and her brother:

PRIMA WOGERINA

Practicing at home for the big night:







Not just graceful; strong, too!


With her good friends Una, Cooper and Jett (in the background) who brought her flowers in advance of her dance debut:


The Wog's class:



The Wog thinks this is the proper way to pose for every photograph:


Warming up with one of the older dancers:

A STAR IS WOGGED

The Wog had her very first dance recital this weekend, and she was a star! We had some concerns since the dress rehearsal did not go well (dark stage + loud music = very frightened little Wog). We talked it up and she seemed excited, but about an hour before she declared, "I'm not going on the stage." The more we tried to convince her, the more she insisted. So we decided to just drop the subject and see how things went. Halfway there in the car she announced, "I think I will go on the stage." And so she did, with some concerns. (To find The Wog, look for the one standing up crying.)

Night One "ballet" (I use the term loosely) dance; The Wog isn't crazy about the dark stage, but she rallies:



Night Two "ballet" in which The Wog realizes she loves this whole performing thing. (She recognized some familiar faces in the front row and danced for them.)


Night One Tap Dance in which The Wog loses a shoe but wins over the audience:


She did a great job, and we are very proud of her!

KISSES FOR MINNIE

The Doodle reserves all such kisses for his Minnie!

DADDY DAY

Today was Daddy Day at The Wog's school. It says a lot about the town we live in that every single father was able to attend! Not too many hardcore 9-5ers around these parts. Both The Wog and her father reported a good day; apparently, The Wog is quite adept at peeling a hardboiled egg, cutting it up, and serving it to her classmates as part of her daily Montessori work. Who knew? (The Wog's father was a little grossed out by minor issues of hygiene, but I let things like this slide.)

Here they are getting ready to head out the door. As you can see, The Wog was awfully excited!

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF WOGS

The Wog has a little pink "ipod" that plays a different tune for each of the Disney Princesses. (It's elevator music and has nothing to do with the actual Princess songs, but because there is a picture of each Princess on the toy, The Wog is pleased nonetheless.) The Wog does not call it an "ipod," however; she calls it an "earpod."

And my bathing beauties:


(The Wog would stay in the bath all day if we let her; The Doodle cannot get out fast enough.)