The Big Kids' 1st Day

Not thrilled for the morning but only because her "Twinkle Toes" were boddering her, (which, of course, made her brother all that more thrilled).

After all the tears, she struck this pose in front of her classroom door. (This is her classic silly face. My camera is never quick enough to catch it completely but she crosses both eyes and gives me a big smile.) I think her and Mrs. F. WILL have lots of fun together:)

Austin is at the exact opposite end of the school than his sisters. He's thrilled that his locker buddies are boys on both sides.

Whew, we made it thru the first day.

I'll Try Harder Next Time (*sigh*)

Lexi got these really cool Crayola sidewalk crayons for her birthday. Bold, bright, vibrant colors. I couldn't wait to try them out. We doodled a birthday message on the sidewalk to greet her party guests Monday nite. On Tuesday, a friend called over and asked both Audrey and Austin to stay the nite (in addition to her 5. Ummmm, ok, whatever... if you want 7 kids, 7 and under for 24 hours... oookay. Seriously though, Teresa is a cool mom, totally laid back and chill. My kids had a blast at her house!) Anyways, that left me and Lexi alone and in the driveway with the new chalks Tuesday afternoon. I became quite engrossed in my art project and created a beautiful rainbow, which I announced with a "ta~da!!!" Lexi, barely glancing up from her own masterpiece says (in a very grown~up, bored voice), "I am not impressed." Well, excuse me then. Next time I'll keep my brilliance to myself.

Happy Birthday, Lexi J!!!

Today, this little lady turns 4. Not so much my baby anymore, totally ready to be a big girl. Happy birthday, my beautiful Bearsie Boo!

S'more Fun, Please!

Andy and Rona took the girls awhile back and Austin hosted Anna for the evening. We did a complete hot dog roast and had smores for dessert.

Ha, Ha!!! I love this picture of me. I think "Kate" of John & Kate plus 8 when I see my expression. I honestly wasn't freaking out. I think Austin's marshmallow was on fire and I was trying to get him to blow it out before making his smore.

We couldn't leave Ed out of the smore'y goodness. He ate all of the rejects (i.e., burnt marshmallows:)

Binder Park 2010, part 1

Last year, Austin's 1st grade class worked toward an end~of~year zoo trip. They did nacho and treat sales, even worked at Encore one morning to make money to cover the trip's expenses. Finally, On June 2nd they boarded the train to Battle Creek and spent the day at Binder Park. Tom took the train with Austin and I drove separately to meet up with everyone at the zoo.

Mrs. L made the kids personalized t~shirts and put together great little travel bags for each of the kids: snacks, card games, a trip journal, and sunglasses:

Austin's class waiting to depart the station:

All Aboard!!!!

Headed out to Wild Africa:

Each of the kids also got $20 in spending money. Austin bought a spider monkey (among other things). Posing with his new friend:

Feeding the goats:

Audrey's Pre~school Picnic

Well, since the kids start school in less than 2 weeks now, it seems appropriate to post pictures from Audrey's year~end preschool picnic. One of these days I'll get caught up on my pictures and posts. Maybe in 2 weeks when I'll have ALL 3 KIDS in school! (can't believe my baby is already old enough to leave the nest;) anyways, back to the pics: the picnic was held at Ella Sharp Park and the pinata was part of the end~of~year celebration.

I didn't get a good shot of Audrey but after the preschoolers all had a turn, the little sibs were invited to take a swing:

then the teachers,

and finally, the parents. When even the big, strong daddies couldn't bust thru,

Mrs. Williams ripped the dang thing open. I *love* Audrey's expression as she's running toward the loot (far right):

Somehow, Lexi ended up with a bunch of skittles (*love* her curls:)

So sweet: Julia, Lexi, Zoe, and Jenna