My BIG Surprise

  Every school year when I finish school I get a graduation present from Mommy and Daddy. For Kindergarten I got a pink nightgown with a pegasus unicorn on it. When I finished First Grade I got Legos! Now that I am finishing Second Grade, my Mommy and Daddy gave me a BIG surprise.

I named him Spot because he has a spot around his left eye. He is lots of fun. Spot likes to go for piggy back rides,

beg for treats at the table, 

and wrestle with me.

He also likes to play the piano even though he doesn't know how to.

Sometimes we like to swing outside or read a book.

Hershey did not know if he trusted Spot at first.

But he decided that Spot was ok.

I think Spot and I will have a lot of fun in Third Grade! 

Forescore and Seven Years Ago....

 Just kidding, it was really only 2 weeks ago that we found this amazing, never before used, still in the package, Civil War themed Chess and Checkers set. 

The Union Army

 

The Confederate Army

Kings and Queens = Abraham Lincoln and Grant, Jefferson Davis and Lee

Even the checkers are decorated with the two flags.

Sammy is doing pretty well learning Chess but she is GREAT at Checkers.  It is tough to beat her! I learned years ago, when teaching her to read, that when she starts monkeying around and doing gymnastics, that is when her mind is really moving.  Just like in this shot of her contemplating her next move.

I can only teach her the basics in Chess so it looks like Grandpa Vater is just going to have to make a trip out here soon! (Please? We'll let you be the South!) :)