Just Because

Here are some sweet pictures taken by Jess about a month ago when the kids were visiting her in Memphis. Love my blue-eyed babies!

Back to School

It's that time of year again! Kaitlyn started first grade at a new school this year. "Big School" (as we've been calling it). She's been a mixture of excitement/nervousness/apathy all summer about her new adventure. But the big day finally rolled around and she was ready. Check her out. She's all decked out in her favorite attire (a skirt, sparkly shirt, and sparkle shoes) and a backpack that is just perfect for a first grade little girl who loves fairies. When I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, she waffled between "cowgirl" (last year's answer) and "veterinarian." I couldn't fit both of those on the chalkboard, so I made her choose. In her perfect world, she would ride horses all day AND be ready to take care of any sick animal that came her way.

Sometimes she's six, going on sixteen. Sigh. 

And sometimes she's just a six-year old...with a little brother who was determined to be part of the action after being told to stay inside until we were done with Kaitlyn's pictures.

Ethan had a big day too--his pre-K Snoopy Day at OC. Our last Snoopy Day EVER at that sweet place. I don't want to talk about it. 

Both siblings starting new adventures on the same day. Almost too much for this mama's heart!

 We walked Kaitlyn into her classroom.

She found her seat and immediately started coloring. She didn't really want me to leave, but she stayed strong. And she came home later bubbling over with excitement about her wonderful day. I think she's going to be just fine :) I'm so proud of her!

And this little boy has been saying all summer how he didn't want to go to school because "school is boring." Excuse me?!?! Are you my child? I loved school. Every. Single. Second. Surely those genes were passed down to him in some way, right? Well, never fear. He is VERY excited now about going to school each day and loves showing me each and every worksheet and art project as soon as I pick him up. The teacher said that he's "just fabulous." And I tend to agree :)

One thing that Kaitlyn was most looking forward to was riding the bus. So every afternoon, Ethan and I walk down to the end of our street and wait for the bus. Here's some bus stop silliness! 

July

Some of our adventures in July...

Daddy/Uncle Jeff is a rock star! Jeff's band played at Crockett Park this year, and the cousins were in town for it. I think they all slept GOOD that night given how much running, jumping and dancing they did that night. 

While the cousins were in town, we all went to Lipscomb's Summer Celebration one day. Ethan and Eli played for a surprisingly long time in these little lockers in the student center. They loved playing hide and go seek in them. They entertained lots of people who walked by. Oh to be an age where you're still small enough to hide in a locker!

This is Ethan on his way to a birthday party! Not afterwards, mind you, but before. He perked up pretty quickly once we got there though.

Mommy and Ethan silliness waiting to get his hair cut.

Mimi and Papa came for a visit. Always a treat!

Kaitlyn's obsession this summer--Lego Friends! Seriously, she has spent all of her saved/earned money on some new kits and already has her Christmas list made out. Ob.sess.ed.