Sunday, August 28, 2011

Fleeting

I'm trying so hard to capture these last few days of summer, they seem so fleeting!! We have truly had a fantastic summer, we spent hours at the pool, parks, movies, bike riding, popsicle eating, playing, playing and more playing. I've loved every second of it, even the sweltering temperatures in July were cause to turn on the hose and celebrate. We enjoyed a visit from my parents, outings to the big city for museums, trips to the farm to pick up vegetables, lazy dinners of grilled sandwiches and corn on the cob, late bedtimes and sleeping in- waking up to the fan blowing and and an empty calendar, to fill up as we wanted. Now that school's started, we have soccer practice, homework and the need for a more reasonable bedtime. For a birthday gift from his best buddy Juliana, Harrison received a butterfly kit, including a coupon to send away for caterpillars that turn into beautiful painted lady butterflies. He was thrilled, and spent the time talking to them in a cute baby voice, calling them his "little buddies".  Of course all things must come to an end, and it came time for us to release the butterflies...


This was the last of the 5 butterflies that we hatched from caterpillars.


Right after I snapped this picture, a warm gusty breeze lifted the butterfly off his hand and launched it to the sky...

And just like that the butterflies are gone and summer is coming to an end. I can't wait to see what's in store for fall!!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Kindergarten....

Harrison turned 6 this past July, which technically means he should be in 1st grade, but I made the (very difficult) decision to hold him back one year. I really felt this was the best thing for him, I'm glad I did, but boy was he ready to ride the bus this morning! He was awake and dressed (including his backpack) at 6:30 this morning. I made some delicious apple cinnamon muffins for his first day of kindergarten. After 2 hours of waiting, it was finally time to head to the bus stop!

 3 of the best kids around...

 Did I mention Harrison got glasses? I took him in for his kindergarten eye exam and turns out the kid can't see!! Oops... Sorry Harrison!!


 Headed to the bus stop on a misty morning.

Look at that grin!! He's been waiting years for this!
When he got home today I asked him what his favorite part of kindergarten was- "Riding the bus!!" he said, I should have guessed!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Grade 2

My darling second grader started school this morning. She was filled with nervous energy and woke me up at 7, she wanted to make sure she had enough time to get her hair done, nails painted and have a proper breakfast before the bus came at 8:30.  I love that she wanted everything pink this year! She really looks adorable in pink and the longer she can be my little girl, the better! They grow up way too fast...



 Her favorite "hairdo" - actually, it's the only kind of braid I know how to do! Auntie Candise is going to need to teach me some new braids when she comes!


 Pretty pink manicure, every girl needs some fresh polish to look her best!

 Pink pedicure and new sandals! Here in the midwest, we need to enjoy the warm weather while it lasts, the winters are way too long!

 I love this smile!

Daddy was able to go to work a few minutes late and see her off on her first day of 2nd grade. We love this little girl!!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Getting our feet wet


Our strict "not pets" policy was breached a few months ago when we got a pet beta fish, which the kids lovingly named Sushi. The kids were so excited about the fish for approximately 3 days, ever since then, it's been Tadd's job to feed Sushi and change the water. Well, lately the kids (mainly Harrison) have been begging for a dog, or a hamster or at the very least, a BIRD. With a baby on the way, I'm positively not going to budge on our "no pet" policy, but when my dear friend asked if we could bird sit for a week while they went on vacation, I thought it would be a good way for my kids to see that a pet bird really isn't that exciting. Well, she brought the bird over this morning, and the kids haven't moved more than 10 inches away from the cage for the past hour, so far my plan is failing miserably, but I'll report back in one week and we'll see if they even remember that we have a temporary pet!