School!

Mara's first day of school was a smashing success.  She is now an official 'student' in Cisco's daycare junior pre-school and the Rainbow Fish classroom.  We had made many visits and was very excited about going to "school".  Immediately when she woke up, she started dressing to get ready to go to school. 

Here a little apprehensive getting out of the car.

 But then walking in with Mommy.

She immediately took to it, talking with her teachers, Ms Jeanette and Ms Nelly and the other kids which were mostly boys).  Her favorite was washing her hands and playing on the jungle gym which seems to be helping build strength in her legs.  Clare spent the morning there with her and when she left Mara said "bye bye Mommy, go to work".  Obviously, Mara's Mommy seemed to have a harder time watching her grow up and entering the next chapter of her life ;-)

Since starting school last Thursday, her little brain has been set on fire.  She is talking up a storm and is as social as ever.  She has taken to the iPad with a vengeance, playing word & counting games.  The power of education!!

Here our first bikeride together on the Velo.  At first she was scared of the helmet but quickly put it on after she saw that her Mommy had one (yes we will milk the emulation card as long as possible!).

This past weekend Mara had another playdate with her friend Alessia.  It is so heart warming to see the two girls become fast friends and communicating non-verbally.  Mara loved to watch Alessia ride her bike and play on the jungle gym at our local school - she's a great role model for her!

She is still a little scared of the swings but has a grand time when she sits on her Mommy's lap.

How could we resist posting the picture that Alessia drew of her, Mara and their Mommies walking to the school together?  How adorable is that???!

This past week Mara was also introduced to her Mommy's all-time favorite past-time: fabric shopping at Britex in Union Square.  One of their best customers, all of the store people were thrilled to meet Mara and see what fancy creation her Mommy was making her.  Mara was non-plussed with all the attention and spent her time wearing her Dad out by walking up & down the 4 flights of stairs five times. 

Here at Union Square carrying her new "purse" filled with Britex goodies the ladies gave her at the store (swatches and a measuring tape).

Driving to school this morning - proving that her excitement for school wasn't a one-time thing! 

Meeting friends and family

Mara is making the rounds with playdates.  Here visiting our friends Maia & Paul, Emily, Will (both 4), and Sarah (8) who introduced her to the finer aspects of American culture: donuts!!

It's so wonderful to see other kids care for her and take her under their wing.  Clare loves that Sarah calls Mara "the baby".

This past weekend was a big one for us:  Mara met her grandparents and her Auntie Linda and Uncle Mark.  Here at the airport with Nona and Grandpa.

During their visit, we drove to Santa Cruz to listen to the yukes.  Everyone had a ball - the weather was perfect and music & dancing infectious.  Mara is very musical; strumming the yuke while she played in the sand.   Here with her grandparents together!

Sitting with Grandpa and Mommy, wearing her Hello Kitty raincoat and umbrella that Nona & Grandpa gave her.  The rain won't come soon enough!

Meeting Auntie Linda and Uncle Mark in front of our house.  Having her meet her family still brings tears to Clare's eyes.  It's such a special moment, bringing joy to everyone's lives!

Here the Szluk family together at Santana Row.

And another with Cousin Max.

The weekend with family was fun (but exhausting).  After the grandparents, we were happy to have a date-night out, with Auntie Janelle watching Mara.  Here, the two happy souls together!