First Grade

Haven't heard much about first grade...but we told the teacher all about you tonight! 

Hopefully your year will go smoothly...sounds like you don't really care much about school. (I don't really want to raise my hand) 

I bet once you get comfortable it will be a little different...hopefully great. 

Hang in there. 

That's my girl!

"Mom remember when we did this with the baseball guys and I peed in my pants, it was so funny!" 

(Shooting baseball guys off the keys of the piano with little drew, not Nora)

I remember hearing the laughter, but I don't remember you telling me you peed in your pants from laughing so hard! 

School days

Dad always finds a way to make your day fun. Julia, you got a special ride to school and Jacob, well you got a couple pairs of shoes and some rice cakes! 

As far as your school days went...no complaints from either of you. Oh wait, Julia said it was boring and asked her teacher when snack was going to be (only once). Jacob, you seem to have adjusted rather well. No surprise there. Your complaint was the sidekick slushies tasted better at your old school. However, you have enjoyed the big field at recess and mentioned you play 500 with other boys. 

I can't wait to hear more details from you guys when you decide to share stories. Until then, I'm going to treasure these next couple days with you and your friends after school before everyone is off being busy with practices and events. 

My little taco buddy got a treat after school and a park all to herself. Instead of a brother running and chasing you, your friend was the purple "horse." Your imagination comes in handy miss Julia. 

Last few days of SuMMeR

After a long bike ride and no leopard frogs caught, our neighbors invited our kids to check their window wells. A toad and two frogs later has you guys yearning to go over and check it out every day...

On Monday we had our friends visit us...and they approved our new house! That's a huge compliment since they are the ones who own the house you guys beg to go and visit. 

Oh, and they brought a painted turtle to release in our pond...they called him gramps. What do you know, we spotted a friend for him that day! Now hopefully we will have two turtles to spot. 

Not sure how this was the quickest release you have ever had? 

On Tuesday we celebrated Don and Sandy's birthday after you got a quick frog hunt in with the neighbors. Then squeezed in a quick visit with Kathleen. And you managed to talk us into a family frog hunt back at our old stomping grounds. Yes, this was all in one day and you even had flag football practice that night! 

No leopard frogs at the UNI pond, maybe next week. 

Just little bull frogs at the softball field pond...I wonder if you will ask to bring your net to the next practice.

On Wednesday, we somehow managed to fill our day with your favorite things. I'm glad you reconnected with old neighbors while I took Julia to backpack day. 

You both played while I got 45 minutes to myself to just clean. (No picture, bad mom) 

It was worth treating you guys to ice cream and lunch with your old friends. 

While you played outside I cut grass and pack the van for the next adventure...to the ice rink. 

All I had to do was mention ice skating and you were running back to the house to get ready! Your outfit was just s perfect as your attitude on the ice. Boy were you determined to get it! You only fell a handful of times and could March and glide 4x in a row. I love your determination. 

Next stop was Jacob's backpack night followed by chicken ranch. 

Thank goodness we already got your clothes out and lunch packed for tomorrow. I'm so tired...and neither of you were at bed time tonight. Why is that? 

Cheers to summer 2016 in the books and looking forward to next summer already! (Sorta...after a couple hours off)

A new adventure

Just when you think your life can't get any better it did. Not one day, but two days in a row. 

The sky was beautiful and the breeze accompanied by the sunshine was nothing but a dream. This is when I give you guys my undivided attention. No cleaning, no cooking, no nothing for several hours. 

 

Our neighbor is the best. Not only did she invite us on a bicycle ride, she let me use her husband's bike to make it possible! It wasn't just a bike ride, it was a bike ride that we would normally have to get in our car and drive to before we would even get close! 

I just loved listening to you and Tammie talking and sharing stories. 

The second ride was longer due to more breaks, but was further away and your favorite because you caught a glimpse of leopard frogs. That was all it took for Jacob. Because Jerry came, he suggested we stop for ice cream on the way home. Lucky you. 

Busy

We are wrapping up summer and I'm pretty sure we are all going to miss it.

We will miss the...

late nights and lazy starts to the morning.

 

The multiple trips to the pond, followed by the multiple changes of clothes.

The knocks on the door accompanied by 2-3 children ready to play. Play lasting all day...in between meals, around trips to the store, after practices are over. Now I won't even see you once you get off the bus...it might be a good thing that they can't play until their mom gets home. But I'm sure you'll find someone who can play. 

The all day frog hunts and hours of building frog habitats. 

The impromptu afternoon swims followed by the empty snack bowls 

Ice cream any time during the day and sometimes for meals

It's going to be a tough adjustment going from free play to a structured environment. I pray your teacher can ignite your excitement for learning again...and then you'll be just fine. Love you guys. I love your silliness, your laughter with friends, your sense of adventure and love of nature.