Back to School

I am soooo late getting this posted. Last week was a whirlwind! But a fun whirlwind! I sent my oldest to kindergarten and my baby to preschool for the first time. And I would like to point out that there were zero tears shed by anyone in the family. I think we were all ready for the new year to begin.

Here we are at preschool open house.

Jax has one of Emerson's teachers from last year who we adore, and Hayden's teachers are both mamas of kiddos who have been classmates before. So we are thrilled for this year!!

First day of preschool for the littles:

Hayden's class was full of crying kiddos, so I was a little nervous that she was gonna freak out, but she walked right in like she owned the place. Jax saw all of his buddies from last year and decided he was a little too cool for mom. He deflected my kiss and instead gave me a kiss on the shoulder! What?!?! It was like he turned into a 14-yr-old right before my eyes. 

Emerson's transition was so easy. Her first day was meet-the-teacher, and we were in and out in 30 minutes. Her next two days were half days, so she was well acclimated by the time her first full day rolled around.

I love the two ninjas in the window in this picture. The boy ninja is even wielding a sword.

This is right before she got out of the car in the drop-off line. Can you see her excitement? And do you know what she said to me when she got out? "Bye, Mommy! Or should I say Mom?" Then she walked right down the sidewalk with the helper and right through the door, never looking back. The girl was ready.

Her backpack is Pottery Barn (shipped from a store in Oregon...I had to jump through quite a few hoops to land this one and Hayden's...this style was no longer available online). I had them monogrammed by my friend Terra (tickledsewpink.com).

I am so proud of my big girl. Starting school, ready to take on the world, making new friends each day. I love hearing about her day in the car on the short drive home. She's almost breathless as she attempts to remember every detail.

And then my heart goes back to this. My toddler, my firstborn, my strong-willed and fierce leader. Part of me wishes I could go back and snuggle this little girl a little longer and keep her this age a little longer.

But the other part of me sees the joy my big girl gets from stepping out into this new world while learning, creating, and growing. And for that I am thankful and grateful.

Heard Around Here Lately...

On our way to Mustang last week to see Destiny and Lyla, Jax was wearing me out, asking if we were there yet. When I finally was able to tell him yes after two long hours, he looked out the window and said, "I've never theen anything in the United Thtates of America like thith."

Emerson: "Mommy, when I'm a big mommy, I want you to go on the couch and relax and I'll do payroll for you." Then she followed that up with, "And when I'm a mommy like you, I think I'll come see you a lot and we'll talk doctor stuff."

This week Emerson got shoved by a little boy at the gym, so she was telling us all about it in the car on the way home. Jax's reaction? With a little bit of a quiver in his voice, he said, "If I thee that mean boy ever again, I'm not gonna play with him becauth he pushed my thithter." Atta boy.

Hayden, in response to some random something I said (I don't even remember what it was), said, "Mommy, that ber-minds me...when are we going to Disney World?" What??

Getting into the car at Sprouts, Hayden stopped halfway in, turned around, and gave her brother a swift kick, for no apparent reason. He yelled at the top of his lungs, "Mooommmmaaaaayyyyy! Hayden kicked me right in the penith!" Several passing-by patrons had to stifle laughs. Haha.

Unbelievable

Seriously, who looks this great while pregnant with their third?!? My beautiful sis, that's who. Stunning.

Wednesday Road Trip to Stillwater

Yesterday, three of my friends and I decided to caravan to the Wontertorium children's museum in Stillwater with our brood of 10 children. So Tedra, Jenny, Allison and I made the drive from T-town, and my friend Destiny met us there with her daughter Lyla.

This place is really awesome! If you haven't been before, definitely make the drive. The kids had sooo much fun with all of the hands-on experiments and imaginative play centers.

In the car, on our way.

Just a regular, 'ole farm girl.

Noah and Jax

Sister love... or sister uncertainty, as evidenced by their expressions.

Noah, Logan, Jax, and Eli

Sweet baby Jude. Oh, I could just eat him up! He gives the best smiles. Such a flirt!

Lyla gives a wave in the boat.

Just surrounded by the ladies (The Sauce and Leah).

We ate lunch at Eskimo Joe's... because you can't really take a trip to Stillwater and not eat there.

Wednesday night we went to our friends' house, the Leyvas, to eat dinner. The three amigos with Lexi, Paisley and Sadie.

Everyone normal except the crazy on the end.

The crazy on the end influences everyone else on the couch.

Such a fun day! I love summer for this very reason... road trips, fun adventures with friends, and good meals with some of your favorite peeps.