Learning letters

Vi has been singing her ABCs for a long time now, but we have now transferred into the letter recognition phase of the ABCs.  Then add sounds to those letters.  Oh, and sometimes they look different because each letter has two versions, upper-case and lower-case.  The more you think about it, learning the alphabet really isn't as easy as simply singing your ABCs. 

So, that is why I am excited to report that Vi identified (instantly, with no help) 18 upper-case letters and matched them to their appropriate sound!!!!!!!!!  We still need to work on a few letters like L, R, P, J, Y, and some others.

I ran across a great blog with a section called "Mommy School" that contains lots of ideas for children 4-6 years of age.  I was able to laminate letter "apples," cut them out and put them in a basket, and then learn this little jingle to help Vi work on her letter/sound recognition:

Apple, apple nice and round

Pick an apple, and make its sound!

Vi loves this activity, and it's easy to review our letters while we are sitting at the table.  Hopefully we can make some progress with our Bob Books in the next few weeks!

Fall's a ball at the beach!

I'm at the beach AGAIN, my favorite vacation spot.  Mamaw and Paw were nice enough to let my Mommy and me join them during their fall week in Destin, Florida.

The beach service is really excellent here.  I just jump into the beach buggy and voila! I'm at the beach in no time.

Here I am buried in the sand to create a "mermaid tail" effect.

Mommy had to take my beauty shot in the dunes before sunset.

I had a few firsts at the beach this October.  The most exciting was my first go-kart ride with my Paw.  I also stepped off the last step at the pool without my float (oops!), but before going under I used my swimming lesson skills, held my breath, and closed my eyes before being rescued by Mommy.  I had so much fun that I even fell asleep at the dinner table (very rare for Vi the Energizer Bunny!).

Here I am looking like a big girl.  I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather no matter where you are!

A very "ruby" anniversary

 Can you guess where I am?  I am playing in muddy water at Mason Mountain Mine in Franklin, North Carolina!  I spent a fabulous weekend here back in September to celebrate my Grandma and Grandpa's 40th wedding anniversary, the RUBY anniversary (and yes, I said 40 - what a milestone!).

 

 Here I am before mining.  Rubies and sapphires are native to the dirt in this region, and boy did we find some winners!  I helped everyone dig up their dirt and sift through it.  I was very good at throwing the "dud" rocks over the edge and yelling "garbage" really loud while doing so.  Grandma used one of the rubies found to create a beautiful set of earrings and necklace pendant. 

 

No wonder I like hanging out with these people.

 

Here I am looking cute and precious with my Uncle Bini.  Our cabin was located on the banks of the Little Tennessee River with a beautiful mountain view (and I could watch the cows and turkeys roam across the river each morning).  Thanks to Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Joe for locating such a beautiful cabin for us to enjoy.

Some more breathtaking views...

...and the happy couple.  We love you!  Congratulations!