We All Survived

Well we all made it through today. Even though I was up half the night and pretty emotional - we made it! Ethan did not seem stressed at all about the new year. I was pretty emotional after we left! But, when I picked him up today he had only good things to say! His favorite part was officially "eating in the cafeteria- Mom it is so much better than eating in your same old classroom"... is that so? Of course we did some traditional shots in the front yard before he left for school. Hope you enjoy...

Breakin' it down...

Ethan at his desk this morning.

This is a "Mom please get out of here and quit making me smile" Smile.

He Wasn't Born Yesterday...

Ethan, day 1, 3 hours old.

In so many ways it seems like he was... just born yesterday. Has it really been 5 and a half years? Do I really have to walk him into Kindergarten tomorrow... and leave?

The back pack is ready, new school outfit is laid out next to the bed, lunch is packed, and teacher's name practiced.

But, has it really been five years? There is so much more I had in mind to teach him before he started Kindergarten... but alas I must loosen my grip just a little tomorrow.

I read this today on one of my favorite blogs (her twins start kindergarten tomorrow also) and it was very encouraging... hope it encourages you...

“Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands…When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do. (based on Genesis 22:9-12, Ephesians 3:20 and Exodus 3:12)”~Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Ethan is so very ready. I will be surprised tomorrow if he thinks twice of walking in and making new friends. But, I think I will be holding back the tears... or not.

I better go now before I get too sentimental... not really my thing, but nothing has hit so far as much as this milestone.

Ethan, age 2. One of my absolute favorite pictures of him.

Ethan, tonight, age 5 years and 5 months.

What a great kid he is turning out to be...

Almost Over...

I can't really believe how fast summer has gone by! Every other summer (since being a SAHM) has just dragged on and on and on. But, here we are with only two days left until Kindergarten and only 16 more days until the pool closes. Where did all the days go and my great goals of painting every bedroom (I have been working on Ethan's since June- more to come on this later), potty training the twins (I am thinking of just skipping this all together), and getting my house organized and completely unpacked (we have only been here for a year and 3 days!). Oh well... there is always next summer ;)! One of the best things we did do this summer was join a local pool. Here are a couple shots of what we only have 16 more days to take advantage of (but at least we get to trade it in for pumpkins, scarecrows, and crisp fall air).

Here is Livy with her "sister" Campbell.
Just enjoying some cupcakes and ice cream at the baby pool!

John with Ethan and Isaac. He is the only one they want in the water... fine by me!

Ethan jumping in to splash his friends.

Ethan singing and swimming, River and Livy.

Livy crying because it is Isaac's turn to get in with Daddy. Twindom is rough sometimes.

Isaac up close and personal with the camera.

"Since I Was Borned"

Yesterday, some sweet friends of our came for the day. My friend Sarah drove (with her three kids) from Raleigh to spend the day with me and my three kids. When they were on the way I asked Ethan "How long have you known Lily?" (Just wondering what he would say). He said, "You know mom- since I was borned". Right indeed my dear son! These are the kids I hope my kids will one day say are "life long" friends. Five of the six.

Ethan with Lily- just watching Arthur.

Child #6 (and the one missing from the first picture). Sweet baby boy. Ethan and Livy were in love with him. Right before they left I was holding him so Sarah could get her older kids ready to go. And, Ethan asked, "Did Ms. Sarah say you could have him... and keep him here with us?". Um... No... he is adorable but we have enough diapers to change.

Isaac gives his buddy a big hug!

Summer Days are Coming to an End

Only 12 days until the next phase of our parenting lives begins. E will start kindergarten in 12 days! I am still in disbelief that my eldest will be off to face the world (or at least the cafeteria lunch line)!
This is the first week all summer we have literally had nothing planned (during the day). The kids are getting a little stir crazy and fighting more - check out what Livy did to Isaac over her kidnapped doll. The funny thing is - it did not even phase him- not even one tear. I guess they are just flesh wounds.

Here is the bandit - not to be seen without her favorite baby of the moment... this week it is Susie.

The gang- best picture of all three in a long time. Even though we own 80 matching outfits - of course when they feel photogenic they are all mismatched and without a hair bow!