I forgot to mention that Zoe experienced a (not-so-pleasant) first when we were on our recent trip: She got stung by a bee. The girls and I were in the lazy river when Zoe started hollering and saying her hand was “paining me;” once I realized what had happened I plucked the girls from the water and ran through the water park to the first-aid area. (I’m sure we were a real sight, with me and Avery dripping wet and Zoe screaming and holding up her hand.)

Zoe wound up being fine, of course (the good thing is that we know she’s not allergic!) and Avery wound up enjoying herself (she got free Dippin’ Dots from the hotel out of the deal). And what I’m most happy about is that Zoe hasn’t developed a fear of bees after the experience; when a bee landed on my floral bathing suit the next day, Zoe was calm and told me not to panic. “Don’t worry, Mommy,” she said, knowingly. “The bee just wants to pollinate.”

-M

School is just about to start for Avery, too, and there was an open house at the preschool on Friday. Avery met her new teachers and classmates, explored her new classroom and, of course, posed for a few pictures on her way out.

-M