First day of school

Three weeks ago, (has it really been that long already?), we had the first day of the new school year. I've gotta say, so many of my friends were dreading this first day. Not me. Kevin's busy time is the summer, so he's gone a bunch. I am just getting bigger and more tired and uncomfortable every day, and the kids were starting to fight...alot. I was kinda ready. Not for the schedule, and rushing out the door in the morning, but ready for the kids to have something else to do besides rely on me for entertainment every day. 

I know, I'm a slacker mom sometimes. 

Luckily, it wasn't like I was shoving them out the door, these three little ladies were beyond excited to get started. 

We were ready for school bright and early, and all three of them were super anxious to get the day going! There's so much excitement and anxiety about that first unknown day. They all handled it fairly well though!

I know I'm slightly biased, but I think I might just have some of the most gorgeous girls ever!:) 

I mean really, you can't look at these faces and not just wanna squeeze their little cheeks, and hug em to pieces!:) Well, maybe you can, but I sure can't!

Kevin was able to hang back from work for the morning and help me escort these kiddos to their new classrooms. Halli LOVES how fun her new teacher is, but what girl wouldn't love a teacher that decorated her room with hot pink, lime green and zebra print? Seriously, its everywhere in there!:) 

I didn't get a hug or goodbye from Halli. She rushed into the classroom, put her stuff away and got started right away on her paper. I had to chase her down for a last hug and goodbye. Then I snapped this picture from the doorway. Then, I called her name so I could get another picture with her looking at me.  It turned out way blurry, but she wasn't smiling and was pretty embarrassed that I did that to her. I got a total annoyed look from her! My baby is growing up and doesn't want mom and dad around...sad day!:(

Next we took Peyton to her kindergarten class. Sometimes I think its better if I'm not around. She was trying to hold it together, but I could tell she was on the verge of tears. I couldn't leave without knowing she was okay, but I think the longer I sat there the worse it got. She was just so nervous, I knew by the end of the day she'd be fine, but man, it's so hard to leave your child for 7 hours when they're so sad! I debated going up for lunch to make sure she was alright, but figured that would just make it all worse again. 

Luckily dad was there. She didn't really stop crying, but I think he helped her feel brave more than I did. He's so great at letting the kids know we love them, but also letting them go so they know they can do things on their own too. We tried to linger in the hall, I didn't want to leave till I knew she was okay, but it was getting too late and we finally had to just trust that she'd be fine.

Man, those first days of school are rough. The great news was she made a new friend in her class, and ended up having a fantastic day. She was super excited to go back the next day and hasn't hesitated at all since. Just those first day fears coming through!!

After seeing how sad Peyton was, Lexie was telling me she was so shy and would be shy at her new preschool too. The last word I'd ever use to describe Lexie is shy. Shows how much the example from older siblings can sink in! She was SO excited to finally get to go to school like her sisters, and bonus her buddy from church is in her class too, that always helps!

She was excited to get the day going, and when I picked her up after school she told me she wasn't shy, and that Peyton should just be like her and not be shy. Those two have such opposite personalities in some things, its hilarious! She absolutely loves school and wishes she could go every day like her sisters. She's always a little bummed on the days when she stays home with me...should I be offended?:) 

All in all, we love school. We're getting into the swing of it, and I already strongly dislike the morning routine. Its just a little rough to get out of bed and get going some days! But when you have a bunch of morning people in your family, it makes getting up with all their smiling faces just a little easier. At least, that's what I tell myself!

July 4th weekend, day 2! (yes, I'm way behind!)

Over a month ago, while we were at the lake house for the fourth of July, Halli got to test out the new wakeboard. That girl was in heaven!

I'm just going to warn you now, there are ALOT of pictures ahead. a lot of them are of my awesome family showing their feats of athleticism though, so I feel totally entitled to brag them up and show them off!:) 

I remember when I had legs that looked like Halli's. You know, the non pregnant kind that were totally muscular!:) Seriously, when she is wake boarding her legs look so dang toned and strong, but that's cause they are!:)

Lexie is typically totally content on the boat, hanging out with whoever is there. On this trip, she got grandma, what's better than that?

After Halli had her turn, Kevin took Peyton for her first spin at wake boarding. She didn't really want to go, so we bribed her with shrimp. She loves the stuff, and was very eager to try knowing that she'd get her reward at the end. 

Luckily her dad is awesome and they didn't fall, so she caught the bug and now loves to wakeboard too. Not by herself, but with her dad. Maybe next year we'll try it on her own, we'll see!:)

After Peyton went, Lexie decided she was big enough to try it too. There she is floating in the water with her dad, ready to go! Unfortunately, this was the only shot I was able to get. It was hilarious actually! She just slid right through his legs when he stood up. He got up and kinda looked around, shocked that she was gone! I couldn't stop laughing, but unfortunately, it scared her too much so she's done with the wakeboard for awhile!:)

Then of course the big guy had to have his own turn! He's getting pretty dang good considering his first time was just a couple summers ago! Not only that, but he looks dang good doing it!;)

Halli was well rested by then, and had to go again. This time getting brave enough to go outside the wake. It may not look big, but that thing is scary when your flying through the water!

Yes, she's awesome and she knows it! She wants all her friends to go to the lake with us so they can see her go!

JJ just loves hanging out on the boat, especially when it's with some boys, and who's better than grandpa? 

Once we were done with the wakeboard it was time to pull out the tubes. Who doesn't love tubing?

Well, sometimes Peyton doesn't, but she's getting braver for sure!

Grandpa was having a hard time, and Halli thought it was hilarious. She spends so much time on the water, I think she's going to have a hard time when all the little kids get bigger and she has to take turns!

Kevin was determined to get these two off the tube.

He got one of them, and Halli was loving that she stayed on!

I love this man. Really I do. Especially when I get him to myself for a whole weekend.:) 

These two have the best time together.  Always pushing the limits!

Everything's more fun with dad, right?

After all the fun on the lake, we headed in to cool down and take some naps, because that evening, Kevin had a race to compete in. He's getting ready for summer of seals, and found a race just outside of Austin that would be a good little practice for how he's doing. It's called the 5 series race. it's a 500m open water swim, followed by a 5k run. Just the two events, but it was at 6pm in July in Texas, so it took it's toll! 

The only thing he's ever done like this is seals, so he was a little nervous going in. Especially because it was an open water swim. 

They do this same race on the 5th of every month, so it isn't huge, but there was a pretty good turnout.

I tried to take pictures of him swimming, but honestly I had no idea where he was amidst all those heads in the water. Until he was almost to the shore, I wasn't sure where he was. He said the open water swim was brutal. He couldn't tell where he was, there were no breaks, and it was just tough.

I think this face says it all.

Then he took his time during transition, trying to catch his breath.

And off he goes, for a three mile loop around the lake. There was basically no shade the entire time either!

Just as he's leaving for a nice little run!:) Doesn't he look happy to be on his way?

And here he is coming into the finish. Very glad to be done! The winner of the race wins $500, and apparently it's the same guy every month! 

It was hot, and I think a little harder than he thought, but he did great! 

Yep, I love this tough guy of mine, and I can't wait to join him in a few competitions next year when I'm a little more in shape and a little less pregnant!:)

The kids just keep getting older!

Jaden went and did what all the girls keep doing...he had a birthday! About two weeks ago, the boy turned 2!!

And man alive, is he a true two year old. We LOVE and ADORE this little guy more than anything. But I'd by lying if I didn't say he gave me a run for my money every day. 

He's learning SO much, and talking a ton. In this picture, he heard the train...and he LOVES trains!!

And then he was crying, can't remember why, but he is a two year old after all, and that's what they do!

He was a little spoiled this year, but that's because the poor kid has nothing but girl toys to play with, so we really needed to get him some boy toys! He is in love with lightning mcqueen, so the majority of them were cars stuff.

We did the traditional balloons and streamers for his room, and playing with them all day afterwards was one of the highlights for him!

Yep, this boy doesn't sit still all that much!

We ate a yummy dinner at home, cause we decided to go out the following night, and after dinner it was time for some scrumptious chocolate cake. 

He was so excited to get to blow out the candles. He knows what birthdays are at this point and he loves them.

Oh no, I love his face. He seems slightly panicked that he only got one of the candles.:)

Had to try that again!

There we go!! That's how its done!

Nothing better than cake...or frosting if you're JJ!

After that, it was time for presents. I just love all his expressions. he is a truly happy boy, and he loves life and lets you know it!!

The whole gang got in on playing with the cars.

He was very careful about his unwrapping. I think it was driving the girls crazy how slow he was going!

We couldn't love this little guy any more than we already do. He is a joy to have in our family and for the most part, the girls love having him around. (I'll admit that they're not big fans when he's getting into their stuff though!), He absolutely loves to give kisses, all the time. he's a great hugger, and he's obsessed with his sippy cup. He's also very, very good at repeating whatever he hears or sees. 

I can't wait to see him in the role of big brother, and watch him change and grow over the next year! Love you little man!!