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While I was away, Molly had her first orchestra concert. She’s been learning to play viola since October, and has really improved. I was sad to miss the concert, but it was on the same day as the funeral.

Below is a video of the Beginning Orchestra from her school. That’s the third graders. The school also had the Advanced Orchestra, Beginning Band, and Advanced Band play as well as the Chorus sing, but you don’t get to see them here (Molly’s not in those). Molly is in the video, but sadly you can't see her for most of it. She's front and center with her viola, right behind one of the music stands.

She did great. We’re so proud of how well she’s done and how committed to learning the instrument she’s been. We can’t wait to see how far she comes.

After her concert, Molly posed for a picture with her viola. Note that she was required to wear black and white, so Jen made a white tunic for her to wear (using the same pattern as the one she wore on Christmas Eve.

Molly participated in an after school Lego robotics program, and I volunteered as the parent helper. The program was run by Bricks for Kidz (which we love), and was awesome. We used the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits and software. Here’s Molly building a jumping spider.

Molly’s program this week used a proximity sensor to detect when something came close to the spider, then activated the robotic arm to make it jump at that thing. The first time it jumped, she was a bit shocked. Sorry for the heavy vignette, but I did not get permission to post a picture of her partner.

Also back in August, we attended the annual Back to School Picnic - this time with two students in the family. A good time was had by all.

Molly was excited to participate in the hula hoop contest. She did well, though it wasn’t her best showing.

The photo booth is always a hit attraction. Molly and Jordan showed off their normal school apparel in their picture.

In 3rd grade in Howard County schools, kids can join the orchestra. Molly, like many of her classmates, was excited to do so. She chose the viola as her instrument, and has just started lessons. They haven’t gotten the bow out yet, but she’s learning the strings. Here she is playing the “DAD” song, which is called that because it bounces back and forth between the D and A string.

Yes, the day has come. Yesterday, Leah headed off to kindergarten. No longer a preschooler, she now joins her sister in elementary school.

Molly’s now an old pro, headed off to third grade. She’s wearing a skirt that Jen made for her this weekend.

Grams made this dress for Aunt Caroline’s first day of kindergarten. Molly wore it her first day of kindergarten as well. Now Leah is wearing it her first day of kindergarten. The smocking plate is even called Kindergarten Scissors.

Here’s Molly wearing it 3 years ago.

And Aunt Caroline wearing it 19 years ago.

I know that lots of kids dread the start of school, but these girls are definitely not like them. They’re very excited to get back in the classroom.

Two sisters, walking to school together for the first time.

As usual, the neighborhood kids gathered for a picture on the walk to school.

While many of the kindergartners were crying at drop off, Leah and her new friend were happy to start the day.

Kindergartners lined up and following their teacher to their classroom.

Both girls had an excellent first day, exiting the school with big smiles on their faces at the end of the day. We’re looking forward to a great school year.

Friday, the girls had each got to go to school for a Sneak a Peek to meet their teachers and some of their new classmates and tour their new classrooms. First up was Leah. Yes, Leah is headed to kindergarten.

Here’s Leah with her Kindergarten teacher, Miss Leotta. She’s been ready to start Kindergarten since we signed her up in March and now it’s finally here!

Leah was excited to make a new friend in her Kindergarten class. The best part is that they share a birthday!

3rd Grade in Mrs. Wanex’s class will be super fun since Jordan and Molly are in the same class for the third year.

It’s been almost 10 months since Molly headed off for her first day of second grade, and the end has finally come. School ran until June 19th this year, which seemed late though it was actually one day earlier than last year. Molly loved the school year, but she was definitely ready for summer vacation.

Here’s Molly ready to head off for her last day of school (in the new dress Mommy made her, of course).

For good measure, here’s a flashback to the first day of school this year.

As usual, we took a picture of a bunch of the neighborhood kids on the walk home from school.

Hooray for summer vacation!

To celebrate the end of preschool, Jen organized a party at Leah’s friend Norah’s house. They have a creek in their backyard, so all the kids spent most of their time there.

Squirt guns brought smiles.

Both Molly and Leah have this little boy in their crosshairs.

Playing in water can be such fun.

Towards the end, after many people had already left, the kids finally got out of the creek to play in a dry place.

Thanks so much to our hosts for such a great time!

The week after graduation, Leah attended camp at her preschool. It was a Jungle Book theme, and she had a great time. Here she is with her shirt, hat, and binoculars after the last day.

The camp was lots of fun, educational, and served as a good way to delay the pain of goodbye.

Molly’s school had an outdoor movie night a few days ago where they showed Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. In preparation for this night, we checked out the original Night at the Museum from the library for the girls to prep. They loved it, so we looked forward to seeing the sequel outside.

We arrived early to set up our seats and play a bit. As is commonly the case, the school mascot was there to join in the fun. Leah has long been scared of costumed characters with giant heads, but no more. She walked up to me and asked if I’d take her picture with the wildcat. She’s clearly not scared any more.

We all enjoyed the movie, and the girls did great staying up super late to watch it.