First Day of Kindergarten

 With all of the excitement the weekend before Kindergarten starting, Monday morning came bright and early. Even though we had done most of our pictures, we did have a little time for these.

 It was such a busy day I didn't even have a moment to get teary eyed. He was so proud to carry his backpack and head to his classroom away from his camera holding momma! I heard several "there's my mom!" as I passed in the halls. The entire week I heard about how to do every procedure especially the behavior chart. When I would comment as he told me of the other teachers or school things in general, he would reply "how to YOU know?" forgetting that I too work there. Just like the book they read the first week Pete the Cat Caleb was rocking in his school shoes! It's so fun to see a place I pour my own heart into become a special place for him as well.

This sight was pretty typical the first week. He was one worn out little guy!

All Set for Kindergarten

 How can this be? It seems like just yesterday this little guy was coming to see me each day for lunch in the car seat bucket. He has grown up walking these halls but now will call them his own. No longer is it just Mommy's School but now Caleb's School.

  As always, Emma Katherine was Caleb's biggest cheerleader excited to check out Caleb's new school.

 One of his favorite places of the school is the library. He is amazed at the books and just sat down to read while we were there. Of course Emma Katherine had to join him. Caleb was pretty pumped when I checked out the books to put in his backpack.

 This is definitely a new chapter for Caleb and I both. I have started many school years and love the anticipation that each new start holds, however, this is so different as Caleb will be starting with me.

The ice cream social was a great opportunity to meet his new teacher Mrs. Pianalto and see his friend Brycen. I wish them all a wonderful year together.

 Caleb found the pencil sharpener pretty novel. I forget about all these new little things he isn't used to seeing.

Doesn't that look like the face of a little boy who is ready!?! Now if Mommy could be!

Ready for Some Football

 An open media day practice allowed our first opportunity to watch some football. We definitely took advantage of this family time since we won't be able to enjoy games together this season.

 We donned our red and joined the Hog calling crowd for a beautiful afternoon.

 This is one activity where the entire family has fun and gets excited. Of course Caleb wanted to know why they weren't doing the typical game plays like kicking off and both wanted to see the marching band.

Summer's End

 As we move into August, I know that the close of summer is near. Although we hang on to it even after school has started by still enjoying the pool it is the end of lazy days together. The big difference this year is that Caleb will be returning with me. I can't believe this sweet little boy is big enough to be in kindergarten. He is so excited carrying his backpack around everywhere. It will be a very new experience for him. This will be only one of the big transitions for our family. Emma Katherine starts preschool the same week that Clayton is due. It will be a busy time with lots of changes. I pray for smooth transitions knowing that it is mostly for me as my kiddos embrace change so much better than I do.

I have been blessed with amazing weather. These two had a few smiles before enjoying dinner on the patio.

One of the biggest changes for Emma Katherine has been moving to her big girl room and bed. Occasionally I find Caleb crawled up in bed with her. It is so precious and he is such a good big brother.

Even though I started back to school, we still pretended like it was summer. The Beardsleys joined us for swimming. I love watching these kiddos play and the smiles on their faces.

My kids love their flour sandbox and Savannah agreed. These two were especially precious to watch together. Such pretty girls!

 We played together in celebration of a dear sweet family who is moving away. We will sure miss the McKinney family.

The kids love the bright UP hats from Uncle Tim and we've spent lots of time on the trampoline.

T-Ball Season

 We finished our first season of t-ball just before leaving for vacation. Caleb had a great experience and really enjoyed playing. He is looking forward to another great season.

 It was great to spend time with a friend we haven't seen in ages.

Emma Katherine was quite a trooper attending the games. She was quite fond of the snow cones served at the concession stand if you couldn't tell by the red mouth.