Last First Day of Preschool

Back-to-school time has never been one of Joel's favorites. He, for whatever reasons, doesn't really get too excited about going back. He gets a bit of anxiety and isn't always so sure that 2+ hours away from Mommy is a good idea! Thankfully, I've grown some pretty thick skin with my not-so-good-at-separating 2nd and 3rd children (Leah did the same thing when she started her first year of preschool).

Once I managed to peel him off of me and push him through the door, his wonderful teachers took over from there. As was the case last year, he was totally fine just minutes after I left. I know he loves it when he's there, but I think he also just LOVES being home...especially now that he's the only one there with me all day long! Anyhow, we will push through this (possibly with some serious bribery) and he'll be happily skipping through the doors in no time!

So we don't forget these moments....

What is your name? Joel

How old are you? 4

What do you want to be when you grow up? I really want to be a zebra trainer.

What is your favorite food? tacos

What is your favorite drink? chocolate milk

What makes you happy? when I see the smiley face at the lake (a para-sail that is a giant yellow smiley face)

What makes you sad? when people take stuff away from me

What is your favorite thing to do at home? Seriously? I want to say....drink chocolate milk.

Who is your best friend? Zoey

Where is your favorite place to go? McDonalds

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? go get ice cream

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? go fishing at the lake

What is the best part about Leah (sister)? she helps me clean up stuff

What is the best part about Caleb (brother)? he lets me watch his shows

What is your favorite book? I Love You Stinky Face

What is your favorite movie? The Lego Movie

Where is your favorite place to eat? McDonalds

What is your favorite thing to wear? my footie jammies

1st Grade

Another milestone for Leah is in the books. She's now a full-time student and is loving every minute of it! It wasn't any easier this time than it was with Caleb two years ago. Sending my baby off to school for the WHOLE DAY is so hard. For the entire week, it felt like something was way off. Yet, seeing her happy face at the end of each day reassured me that Leah is right where she needs to be. She'd definitely been tired, but seems to come home in good spirits. She's already played school a ton of times and recreates her entire day (including setting up a "lunchroom" in the basement and taking her class...aka little brother....out for recess). It's such a relief to know that she's enjoying being in school.

So we don't forget these moments....

What is your name? Leah

How old are you? 6

What do you want to be when you grow up? a teacher mom

What is your favorite food? tacos

What is your favorite drink? soda

What makes you happy? babies and bunny

What makes you sad? nothing

What is your favorite thing to do at home? play school and play kitchen

Who is your best friend? Bridget

Where is your favorite place to go? to Bridget's house

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? hug her

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? hug him

What is the best part about Caleb (brother)? he plays with me

What is the best part about Joel (brother)? I kind of like him

What is your favorite book? I[m a Big Sister Now

What is your favorite movie? Beauty and the Beast

Where is your favorite place to eat? Chicago Dough

What is your favorite thing to wear? my pink dress

3rd Grade

Week one of school is in the books and this kid is already loving third grade! Third graders are the oldest in the school, so he definitely feels cool being the big man on campus. Caleb has two teachers this year, because they are job sharing. He's already claimed that they are both really nice and one is really pretty! He has a few familiar faces in his class, but as always, has had no problem making new friends! It's going to be a great year :)

Just so we can remember....

What is your name? Caleb

How old are you? 8

What do you want to be when you grow up? a dolphin trainer or a vet

What is your favorite food? tacos and stuffing

What is your favorite drink? soda, gatorade, and powerade

What makes you happy? when I get to be with my whole family (like grandma and grandpa and all those people)

What makes you sad? when I lose a sport even though we worked hard to win


What is your favorite thing to do at home? play with all my friends and watch tv

Who is your best friend? Alec and Jack

Where is your favorite place to go? the lake and Florida

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? play board games with her

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? go get donuts or go on a date

What is the best part about Leah (sister)? she plays with me and lets me be a little animal

What is the best part about Joel (brother)? he watches tv or movies with me

What is your favorite book? I Survived and Max

What is your favorite movie? Max

Where is your favorite place to eat? McDonalds and Chicago Dough

What is your favorite thing to wear? "in case of an annoying sister..." shirt

Lake Trip #3

Our last trip to the lake for the summer came at just the right time. We ended our fostering placement and two days later we hit the road for some much needed rest and relaxation. And that is just what we did! The week was SUPER low key and relaxing. The kids loved playing inside with all of Aunt Nancy's awesome games, toys, and legos. They also spent tons of time in the water while Mommy rested on the dock and Daddy fished (two of our favorite things)! Grandma and Grandpa were there to make for added fun. It was a week with no agenda and nothing overly exciting, but that was just fine for us after quite a busy month with our two little visitors!

It's never easy to leave the lake in August, because we know SO much time has to pass before we get to come again. We are very thankful for the awesome memories we made there all summer and can't wait to be there next year. It's such a blessing to have this little piece of paradise to enjoy with those we love!