Back to School

We had a highly adventurous first week of school. The kids met with their teachers earlier in the week for their school assessments and toured their classrooms. Their classrooms are very close to each other which is comforting to mommy. When Chloe met with Ms. Cox her Kindergarten Teacher, (also Carter's Kindergarten teacher) she told her that she was "glad that she was close to Carter's classroom because in case there was an emergency she could go to him for help." Ms. Cox laughed and said "yes, just in case we can't handle things here." She is a fabulous teacher and we are thrilled that Chloe gets to learn from her as well.

So, the night before school, the kids realized that Daddy hadn't seen any of their new school clothes, so we put on a "Fashion Show" for him. They made him use his famous announcer voice and since Mommy had a very brief modeling experience, in her very younger years, she showed the kids how to walk down the runway. (Thanks Bonnie Bair!) Even Mason had to try on Carter's shirts and join in the fun.

Mason took the "runway" literally... Josie acting like a teenager...
Chloe strutting her stuff...

Carter looking studly...

Then the first morning of school came and the kids bounced out of bed! They were definately not excited to start school!

Carter in 2nd grade. He was so excited...but he was a little nervous and said it took him a little while to stop shaking. His teacher is Mrs. Mahana and when Chloe saw her she told Carter, "Oh, she is soooo beautiful." She is young and very sweet. I asked Carter if he thought she was beautiful and he just quietly smiled and didn't say anything. He then said he wondered who his girlfriend this year would be, because every year he has a different girlfriend. Having a hard time smiling because of the bright morning sun.

Chloe rounding up the little ones to escort her to her class.

Mason getting another idea...

Josie strutting her stuff also.

Yep, finding another use for the fire hydrant.

Chloe starting Kindergarten.

Chloe struggling to keep her eyes open in the sun.

Chloe and her best friend Juliet. They are so excited to be in Kindergarten together.

The kids rode the bus home and had lots of fun stories to tell. I will post more about a really sweet experience they shared their 2nd day of school.

Chloe kept telling everyone with a straight face..."I'm not excited to start Kindergarten..." Then with extreme enthusiasm she would scream, "I'm REALLY excited! I'm so excited, I just want to scream!!!!!!!!" And then she would...so loud it would pierce our ears.

...and I must say, we have had many quiet days since these 2 great kids went back to school. Mason and Josie get so excited to go pick them up off the bus.

I love these exciting school times.

...and the mice will play...

Meanwhile, Carter and Chloe are gone for their first day of school...Mason quietly disappears...then is found in the bathroom...No, not a snowball, a gynormous spit-wad. He had filled the sink with toilet paper and then started the faucet. He learned that toilet paper doesn't biograde as fast as we might think. It made a nice little clog for Daddy! It's ok. He (Daddy) hasn't used his plumbing skills in a while...Way to use your imagination Mason! Meanwhile, Josie practices taking her clothes off, and then back on again...down to her shoes.

What a darling little face. It seems to go unnoticed sometimes because of all those little blonde curls attracting the attention. She is a real sweatheart and so very talented!

Boots

I have learned over the years that a working man has to have a good pair of boots. I have also learned that those boots can be worn without the laces and work just fine. Mason doesn't waste his time waiting for someone to put on his boots.

There's trees to climb...and work to be done.

Drinking out of a Cup

Josie has been drinking out of a cup for a while. This really isn't a very exciting thing to blog about, but the pictures are too cute not to share. There is something to be said about pictures of your own kids. While others may not appreciate them as much as a mom and dad, all may agree that there is nothing cuter than your own kids doing something as simple as drinking out of a cup. Thanks for sharing in this sweet moment. :)

Oh, the satisfaction on her face. What a little sweet pea!

Happy Birthday Travis

While spending two weeks in Idaho, in August, we celebrated Uncle Travis's birthday. We made him some yummy Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Cake! It turned out quite delicious!

Spencer was anxiously waiting for a piece. Travis seemed a little anxious also.
Digging in to the first piece.

Drew gets a little taste...

...and it appears he likes it!

Josie gives a little cheese of approval.

Chloe and Turquoise also enjoy their piece.

Margie and Madelyn join in with the treats.

Madelyn's cute tongue anticipates another taste.

I was hoping to get someone in the biting action!

Travis, knew what I was up to, and resisted.

Riley didn't waste anytime eating his piece either.

And Bria, smiling in satisfaction!

Hope your day was happy, Travis!

Painting Memaw's House

While we were in Twin Falls, Matt ventured into a very large project painting my family's childhood home in Idaho.  He started while we were visiting in June and then took a break and finished it up when we visited again in August.  It was a major make-over, but much needed and it turned out looking very nice.  Take a look at the Before and After pictures and see what you think.  Of course, Matt had a little help from his friends, those of us who were crazy enough to pitch in and do some sanding and caulking.  Thanks to Travis, Memaw and of course Matt's most faithful servant, Alice.  :)  I do my best work in Matt's shadow! 

So, if you know anyone who needs any painting...Matt is your man! 

Memaw's Slip and Slide

 This is Preston Ward.

 

 

 Uncle Jess Ward.