First Day of School!

This week has been huge for our little boys - Monday was the FIRST day of Kindergarten for Samuel - and Tuesday was the FIRST day of Preschool for Micah!  

Both days went wonderfully!  There were no tears (except for Mom, a little bit) and just a lot of excitement!  Samuel woke up bright and early ready to go.  He got dressed by himself, and even made his bed (because "that's what kindergartners do" he said).  I didn't complain about that!  

 Walking up to the front of the school... (this is when I lost it, but only a little.  I had to be brave for my little guy!)   

 Waiting for the gates to open at 8:15am!  

 Samuel already loves his teacher.  She is so nice, super organized, and you can tell she loves the kids.  

 A picture with Mom & Dad

 We watched as Samuel stood in his line, waved goodbye and walked into the classroom.  So proud of him!  What a big boy he really has become!  

*****

And because one first day of school wasn't emotionally enough for this Mom, why not make it 2 in one week?  Micah's first day of preschool was this Tuesday!  He did so great!  

 On our way to school that morning - he was ready to go!  

 Walking in, hand-in-hand with Daddy

 Micah was super excited to play on the playground!   

 I get to play with cars and trucks?!  Preschool is the best!  

 There are 15 kids in Micah's class (9 of them are girls), with two teachers.  He posed a quick smile with Mom before it was back to playtime.  He didn't even notice when we left, but was very happy to see us at pick-up!  

What a big week this is!  We are so proud of BOTH our boys!!

Samuel's Birthday DAY!

Just last Tuesday, August 19, our precious boy officially turned 6 years old!  He is such a treasure, so precious to his Daddy & Mommy.  Samuel has been so excited to turn 6!  Right when he woke up that morning, he asked if he could hold Kendall, because he was SIX now, and he knew that she would feel lighter since he is, of course, so much stronger as a 6 year old.  :)  

His special birthday started out that morning with a special trip to VG's with just Daddy & the birthday boy.  :)  He got to pick out his very favorite donuts! 

Then came birthday presents, a fun playful morning with Daddy at home... 

...a special 6 year old lunch...

...and then a special surprise date with just Mommy in the afternoon (thanks, Mamoe for babysitting!).  I took him miniature golfing for the first time, and he loved it!  We also did the bumper boats, go karts and some video games.  Samuel even got a hole in one!!!

We came back home for some birthday cake.  I had recently admired a piñata cake, which I saw on a friend's blog.  So, I decided to make him one!  It was easier than you'd think...  when we cut it open, a huge load of m&m's poured out onto the plate!  He was totally surprised!  

That evening we took the birthday boy to Chuck E Cheese...  a kid's dream!  And if the day couldn't be special enough, Samuel WON the big prize on this game... 250 tickets!  :)  

  It was such a special day with our big 6 year old.  So much fun!!!  

We love you Samuel!  :)  

One fun summer day

On Saturday, August 9, our little family of 5 decided to take a summer adventure together.  We didn't tell the kids what was going on until we pulled into the Oceanside train parking lot!  Oh, how the boys were so excited to take a ride on the train!   

 The girl was excited too.  She just wasn't really sure what was going on.  :)  

 We chose some window seats on the top, of course!  

Since the boys love trains, we knew it would be so much fun.  The boys were really excited when the conductor shouted, "All Aboard!" right before we left.  

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed the views of the ocean as we rode all the way up to San Juan Capistrano.  

 We crossed the tracks and took a stroll to this little petting zoo.  We've never been, but have always wanted to go.  

 We bought some of the food to feed to the guinea pigs & goats & sheep.  Micah thought it was so funny feeding them!  

 Kendall had a blast watching all of the animals!  

 The boys got to ride a little train, which was another highlight of day.  Samuel rode in the engine... 

...and Micah was in the caboose.  

 There was this little pit of dried corn for the kids to play in.  

 They jumped, splashed and buried themselves in it and even made "corn angels."

 

 Next was the pony ride.  Samuel was brave and rode the horse.  Micah opted out from this activity.  :)  

Micah did, however, hold a guinea pig and loved it!  

 After the petting zoo we had lunch at Ruby's where a balloon artist made the boys their very own balloon swords & belts!  

Then we hopped back on the train for a ride back home.  It was a busy morning, but loads of fun!  

Samuel is 6!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Samuel!  

 Our sweet son, our firstborn, oh how we love you with all of our hearts!  

You delight your Mommy & Daddy with every ounce of your being.  

Your heart loves the Lord, the One True God.  We love your desire to know God and the Bible.  We love that you keep God's truths hidden in your heart.  

 You are an amazing big brother to your little brother & your baby sister.  You set a kind, obedient & responsible example for them to follow.  

You are silly & funny and a little crazy at times!  

You love to talk to us and thing up the very best ideas.  

You are playful, imaginative, and an amazing friend and we are so blessed by how you bless others.

We love how you are adventurous & brave, but that you still have a cautious spirit.  

And we love how you believe in yourself and can conquer your fears!  Because, my son, you can do anything you set your mind to!   

 Oh how these 6 years have flown by!  You are such a big boy now!  
We are so proud of you and eagerly await to see where the Lord will take you in the years to come!   

Happy Birthday to our darling boy, we love you with all the love our hearts can hold.  

xoxo,

Mommy, Daddy, Micah & Kendall Rose