First Day of PreK

When I was pregnant, there were certain milestones reached with every week that I carried. I remember that at week 28, they say that your children will be able to start school as developed as any other child. Well...today was the day. I can't believe that these teeny babies are now wearing backpacks and eating in a cafeteria. The house is so quiet and will be ALL day!

(charted their heights on the inside of my closet this morning....look at the differences!)

A week ago, I couldn't wait for August 8th....a month ago I wanted it to stay summer forever....today, I am lonely.

I will never again have a "first day of school." While I am glad to be done with the "baby" portion of mothering, I am still reluctant to let it go. It is hard to believe that my babies are all growing up. Part of me wishes I could go back in time. Life was so simple in a way. Although there was a lot more physical work to do, the worries were fewer. They were always with me. I knew what each little one was experiencing. Now, someone else has them. Someone else will be influencing who they become. Change is never easy I guess.

It is such a range of emotions created from a new set of expectations - both exhilarating and oddly sad. What will they learn in public school? Will the teachers love on them the way I do? Who will be their new friends? I guess time will tell :)

Finally.....1.5 years of living on the river, we FINALLY caught our first fish! Way to go Maggnadoodle!!!! Katie really was disappointed that she couldn't keep it as a pet but what impressed me the most was how happy she was for her sister. I love moments like these :)

Happy 36!

Had a wonderful birthday this year! Started the day with a bunch of littles coming over to swim one last time before school starts next week. Had a great time with Wyatt Scott, Mary Claire DeMico and Lennon Stephens - along with all their moms of course! Followed by pieces of Grandmama's delicious pound cake! Later that night, Aaron threw a huge party with all our friends. It was a late night but we sure had fun! I guess the camera never really made it out that much but here are a couple of shots of my birthday cake :)

Ronald McDonald Storytime

My first real job out of college was with a Ronald McDonald House...It was a very special and meaningful time that I will always be fond of. When I heard Ronald McDonald would be at our local library, I couldn't resist. Seems the kids loved him as much as I do!

Potty All the Time! Potty All the Time!

I know....cheesy! But we are now on our way to being one less in diapers - WOOHOOO!!! Katie has done an excellent job learning to use the big potty (for rewards of course!) Never thought it would make me so proud. She started on Monday and goes all the time by herself now. Could it really be this easy????

On a side note, I know that we have been MIA. I have thought a million times to jump on here for an update and then things start moving and I never did. Going to try to pick it back up.

Things have changed in so many ways recently. All the babies can say everything now. Their little languages seemed to have developed overnight. They answer questions and tell me what they want. Amazing. Their bond has really strengthened also. I find them giving one another hugs and kisses here and there. They will also come up and grab my leg with a huge squeeze...melts my heart!

Yesterday morning, I was talking to them while driving to school. Katie was able to name every single child in her class....Ben (which she LOVES), Jake, Hannah, Ashton, Livie, Stella...she just went on and on.

I am so proud of them. I have to say they are some pretty smart little babies :) I'll download some pics soon :)

Karen

Howdy Halloween

Cowboy and Cowgirls...Three Amigos? Whatever they are, they sure were cute! Using some outfits that Minnie and Papa sent from Houston, the babies went Western for Halloween this year.

Wylie is ready to go!




Our First House - Thank You Nyenhuis'!



Checking out his Loot :)

"This isn't MY first rodeo" Maggie thinks...



Leo from next door...How cute is he!!!

After doing a few houses on our block, we went over to the Lane's for some chili and pizza. Here is Luke all dressed for Jersey!





What a night...What a night! Time to head home for a long bath and NightNight.

SURPRISE! Aaron's 35th

For Aaron's birthday, we had a surprise party for him at Bubba Up's - a Mexican restaurant on St. Simons. Not sure if he knew ahead of time, but it was a great evening!


Chocolate Cake - His Favorite :)

Jennifer Blackerby and Birthday Boy





A trophy for his Fantasy Football Team