Gage's Turn...

On Thursday Gage started Tuesday/Thursday pre-school class.
He has been very excited about going!
After we dropped the kids off at school I took him to a special breakfast at McDonald's before his class started.
When we got to his class he started clinging to me and would duck in my lap every time the teacher would speak to him.I was fearing the worst and starting to tear up t the same time.
Finally he spotted a truck and ran over to play with it.When i was ready to leave I told him bye and he barley looked at me when he said it back! Its a wonder about boys and their trucks..
I on the other hand felt like I left my right arm behind.The first hour I was very sad and teary but it gradually got better as I was able to run errand by MYSELF!That was really nice.
I was excited to pick him up at 2:30.He was not so excited to see me though.He wouldn't talk to me for about an hour after we left! Mrs.Tiffany , his teacher,said he had a great day and played hard in the gym.If other people asked him he would tell them he had a great day but just not to me..I think he wants me to feel bad for leaving him even though he had a good time.
From what he is telling other people he is excited to go back.Maybe he will speak to me on Tuesday!

Big Day!

Monday was the twins first day of school...I woke up definitely feeling a little sad..
Alex was not ready to get up as you can see from the picture but Austin was energized the second his eyes opened!
Getting ready was a lot of fun and they were very serious about getting dressed and having exactly what they wanted in their lunches.
Shawn was able to come so it was a big family event.
They seemed a little cautious going into their class rooms but they were so excited.In Alex's class there was a board with special notes from the parents that were done at Meet the Teacher night.I of course teared up when I say hers.I teared up when I took them in and watched them take their seats too.
Alex's teacher gave me my first Room Mom project and then we left.
I took Gage and Mandy for donuts to make it a little special for them too.
When we got home i started putting together these decodable reading books.OH MY GOD , I put together over a thousand! I get to tackle Austins classes today..I will be glad to get done with those!
Picking them up was time consuming..it seems everyone picks their kid up on the first day/.i was in the line for 30 minutes! When I saw Alex walk out with her back pack on i cried a little then too!
Of course no one really gave any details other than school is "super awesome"! I will take it!
This morning they were just as excited and I didn't even cry.We shall see what happens when Gage starts his classes on Thursday...

Meet the Teacher!

Tonight was the twins turn for meet the teacher night at their new school.Before we left I had them draw numbers to see who's class would be first ,that way it saved a big melt down.Alex was first and she has Mrs.Sherill.I knew it was going to be perfect when I saw the room was decorated in all safari animals.Talking to the teacher we learned she is a real animal , National Geographic buff,just like Alex! That really made Alex happy.
Austin could not wait to get to his new room! His teacher is Mrs.Oliver and she seems like a really nice lady.Austin has been talking all week about getting to see his locker.He was very pleased when he located his name and tried it out!
I volunteered to be room Mom for both rooms and Mrs.Sherill said she already had a project for me!
I am so excited for my babies and at the same time my heart is aching.I will miss them during the day and its definitely going to be an adjustment for all of us.
After we left the school, we went and had a fabulous Babe's dinner with lots of friends.I am so full but it was a great night!

Playing Around..

The guest speaker at my Moms group this week was a professional photographer and I really learned a lot.She taught us all about the texture of the photo and background.I played with it a little tonight and ended up with this shot.I know not a one of them are looking at me but they are pretending to play guitar and I just loved it , especially the way Alex is looking up at Austin.I have sooooo much to learn but I am having a blast taking pictures and learning along the way..

Creepy Crawly Things..

Today we went and did some more work on Grandmas yard.It still has a ways to go but its getting there..
While Gran was weeding one of the many flower beds,she came across some baby snakes and snails..The kids were in complete awe over them and keep them in bowls and water bottles.They carried them around all afternoon.The boys let the snakes go right before we left.Austin though brought home 2 "pet" snails named George and Russell.We will see how long this last....

Some Favorites...

Here are just a few of my favorite portrait pictures I have taken with my new camera.I am in absolute head over heels in love with my new camera!

Day at the Lake....

Saturday we spent another wonderful afternoon at the lake.
More fun in the sun and water! This time the new knee board was tried out and everyone loved it.Taryn even got out there and gave it a try.We gave Kyle a hard time because she out boarded him! We grilled another fantastic lunch and I rented the peddle boat for the kids again.They all love that darn boat!
I am going to be sad when the weather gets cooler.This summer has been great being in the water and on the jet skis so much.
Looking forward to going back!

Circus!!!!!

Friday night Nana took us to the Circus and it was truly amazing.We went early and got to see all the animals and get on the stage with the clowns before the show started.Our seats could not have been better.We sat 1 row behind the center ring! FABULOUS view.
The show itself was so awesome.Nana and I had just as much fun as the kids I think.
Nana got them each a light stick of their choice and snow cones in souvenir cups at intermission.
It was a perfect night for all of us.Thanks Nana!

Goo.....

Who would have thought just a few things in your pantry could be oh so much fun!
The kids had tons of fun and the mess wasn't that bad either...

Old Settlers Reunion...

Upon arriving home on Monday afternoon we hurried to get ready to decorate the A.Y.A. cheer float for the parade.
Christy and I decorated while the girls watched a movie!I think we did an awesome job too!
The girls rode on the float and they were hot , tired and whinny at the end of the parade.After dinner and ice cream at DQ all kids and adults were doing much better!
It was a great experience for our first official "Cheer Mom" duties...