I almost forgot....

The shirt project.  

Harper is supposed to have her picture taken on the first day of school wearing her graduation year shirt.  Here is the 1st grade version!   I looked back at last year's and she doesn't look too much different.  Maybe a bit taller!  

A few things 

1- it was the 3rd day of school before I remembered this little project.

2- the fact that I remembered at all is a complete miracle. 

3- I didn't lose the shirt from last year - another miracle.

4- I swear nobody beats this child despite her always looking like it.  

Relaxing before the big storm

We had a pretty low key weekend.  We had all the kids home which was nice.  

We spent the weekend relaxing, catching up, watching a little ninja warrior and grilling.  I was happy to have all my kids under the same roof!  

Blitz is seriously a great dog!  So sweet and good with the kids.  Having a great dog to grow up with is a gift.  

I am glad we had some down time because this week we get into full blown fall activity mode.  

Preston's team had photos this weekend.  I think it is hilarious how they look all tough (serious little faces).  Preston is #07.  

First day of school 2016

Our mornings are a little bit wild.  Everyone needs to leave at different times so no photos together!  

Madison starts bakery and pastry school at Johnson County today.  I am excited for her.  Go chase your dreams kid!  She was up and out the door early!  

Preston is in 6th grade this year.  He is excited that 6th graders get to switch classes and be part of the jr. High.  

Quincy is in 5th grade with Mrs. Shivley.  She was less than eager to go back to school, but was happy about being in a class with Landrie!  Poor Mrs. Shivley! 

We put Preston and Quincy on the bus in the pouring rain this morning.  No pretty outdoor pictures this year!  

Saige is going to be in Miss Julie's preschool.  We love Miss Julie and Saige was up and ready in record time this morning!  

Harper is in 1st grade with Mrs. Kraus.  She will have a great year because Mrs. Kraus is amazing and we love her!  Harper had a little anxiety about starting but I am sure she is doing fine!  

Cameron is a Junior!  He had been counting down the days and was ready for school to start weeks ago!  The whole working full time/adult life thing just isn't as fun as school I guess!  

I dropped Harper off and apparently she was done with me by then!  ;).  She has a lot more 1st day photos before she graduates!  

I then took Saige to her first day at Scranton.  She will be riding the bus from now on, but since her bus para was not someone she was familiar with, I felt uncomfortable sending her off to meet a stranger.  She walked right in class and made herself at home!   I can't wait until she gets back so I can hear all the stuff she learned today!   

Also, today was not her first day, but Mallory started back for her junior year at ESU this week!  

Prayers for a good year for everyone!  

Last day of summer!

Today was the last official day of summer break 2016!   We had a fun day!  We even managed to pick up Harper's new glasses (good timing Huh?). 

Grandpa Ken gave the kids a gift card to Hobby Lobby.  I will admit that the idea of taking the kids into Hobby Lobby terrified me.  So much stuff to break.  The kids and I talked about projects that they might like to do, and decided that a return of sharpie tie dye was in order! Yesterday, we ventured in and picked up supplies.  Very happily, nothing was broken and we have not been forever banished from that store!  

The kids had a great time decorating their shirts.  I did not manage to get any "after" photos.  They turned out neat.  

Quincy and her bff decided that a trip to Pomona Lake on the last day of break is a tradition worth repeating.  The kids had a little bit of anxiety over the weather, but this afternoon was warm and the sun even peeked out for a while!  

The kids had a blast playing with their friends!  Beach volleyball is a tad bit difficult when using a beach ball on a windy Kansas afternoon though!  

These 2....quite a pair.  Always dirty, forever together, always finding new ways of entertaining each other.  They are in the same class this year, say some prayers for their teacher!  

As I sit here during a part of the evening that hasn't been quiet for a few months, I was reflecting on summer break.  We had so much fun.  I truly like hanging out with my kiddos. I am so very blessed.  

Meeting teachers and taking photos

It was meet your teacher/open house night for our district.  It took forever because we have kids literally all over the county!  Preston had football practice, but trusted us to get his schedule!  Everyone else was excited to take their school supplies, meet their teachers and see their classrooms!  

The Lyndon 4-H club planted a sunflower field.  It is free to walk through, and if you want to cut flowers they ask for a donation.  We met Mallory there (she forgot a book at home and we saved her a little drive time).  The girls are not much on being willing photography subjects, but they did have a good time walking through and looking at the flowers.  

We didn't pick any flowers, but we did make a donation because I love a good community service project!   Plus I love pictures!