my 4-year old boy!

Guess who turned 4 years old today?!

Yep, my big {little} boy!

Austin first day of 3's Pre-School!

At the beginning of the summer we had the perfect plan of where Austin was going to go for 3's pre-school for two days a week. It was this great in-home pre-school and I was super excited because of what I saw at her open house! However, in mid-July the teacher stopped by for a visit and to return Austin's registration because unexpectedly her and her family were going to possibly be moving out of state and she didn't want to start pre-school knowing that they might move. (wow...how's that for a run-on sentence?!) After this happened we decided that he would just stay home for another year because with his birthday being at the end of September, he'll technically do two years of pre-school.

But...when his big sister started school I could just tell that he wanted something of his own and he was itching to learn! So, when a friend of mine mentioned that there was an opening in her daughter's 3's pre-school class, I jumped at the chance to sign him up! We visited for a 15-minute observation and I knew this was the place for him. The teacher is so sweet and as I watched him participate in class, I just knew that he was ready!

First Day of School Breakfast
{homemade waffles!}

On his way to school...

So happy to have his own place to learn...just like his Big Sis!

"Building" the letter "A"

It was perfect that he got to work with the first letter of his name on his first day of school. His teacher was so proud of how he could write the letter A all by himself. She said to him, "that's the best A I've ever seen!" She's going to be perfect for him...so sweet!

Austin & his teacher, Ms. Michelle

So excited to see Mom after his first day of school...

...and to be with Sissy again!
I am so thankful it worked out for Austin to be at pre-school this year. I look forward to watching him grow, discover, and have a place of his own!

Mikayla's first day of Kindergarten!!

It's a little hard to believe, but my baby girl started Kindergarten on September 8th...almost 2 weeks ago! Surprisingly I didn't tear up at all. I was too proud beaming from ear to ear at how excited and READY she was! She has such a love for learning and I am so excited for this year...for her and me! She comes home each day telling me bits and pieces of her day. I love it!

First Day of School Breakfast
{scrambled eggs, English muffin with PB & bananas, and applesauce}

First Day of School Outfit
{a little bit out of the normal...she looks so grown up!}

Quick picture with little brother
{cereal to go for the little guy!}

Driving to her first day of school!

She's so ready!!

Heading into school...

...and down the big hallway!
{doesn't she look so small in that huge hallway?}

First day picture in front of her classroom

"First Day" pictures with Dad...

...and Mom.
Putting her backpack away

Getting ready to start her first day activity

A quick picture with her teacher, Mrs. Derry
{whom she loves so much!}
One last picture before Mom is on her way...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

After School

{waiting in line}

So happy to see mom!
{and a little sun in her eyes}

Mikayla has such a bright future and I just can't wait to see what that future holds for her!

fishing trip with dad!

Late on Sunday night (the day before an extra day off because of Labor Day), Ryan remembered that he wanted to take the kids fishing before summer was officially over and school started. We packed a bag of extra clothes, snacks, and water, loaded up the fishing poles and tackle box, and everything was ready to wake up early to head out for a fun day together with just the three of them. (You know this means I had a day all to myself, right? Guess what I did for FOUR hours straight? Nope, no crafting. Nope, no shopping. Nope, no sitting around and watching TV. Yep, I cleaned the kids' rooms inside and out going through clothes, closets, and drawers! Fun times...or not. But it felt great to get it done without the helping hands of my little ones.)

Guess who was the first one to catch a fish?!

Great job, buddy!!

He let Sis share in his glory...how sweet!

At their first stop along the river, there wasn't much luck for Mikayla. Ryan said she had a good time casting her line and then reeling it right in. Might not be the best strategy for catching a fish, but I'm sure it was a lot more entertaining than just sitting there and waiting (at least for me it would be!) He said she only "snagged" him once. Success!

They packed up after staying there much longer than expected (and I still don't know how he entertained the kids for that long!!) and headed to a trout farm down the road for another try. Ryan said it was a matter of seconds before catching the first fish. I guess they should have gone there first!

Great job, Sis!

And Austin caught another...

Each of the kids came home with two fish. Austin was super excited about making fish for dinner (which he's never had!)...so we'll see how long they stay in the freezer before we cook them up. Maybe Grammy can put her special Alaskan touches on a good "fish fry".

So glad that Daddy had this special day with his best two buddies!

a special birthday outing for a friend

A couple of days ago I shared about Mikayla having a friend over to help celebrate her birthday. Well, the kids had the pleasure and joy of celebrating yet another birthday of another special friend of theirs! The birthday boy Kenneth turned 5 years old in June and he finally was able to cash in his birthday gift with Mikayla & Austin on September 1st.

Our first stop was the park!

Then we headed to McDonalds
for some more free entertainment and a quick lunch!

{how cute are these two?}

The kids were so excited to head to our last stop...

...The Polar Bear Yogurt!


I love watching the kids have such a great time together!
These are the special memories that will be remembered for a long time...much longer than a toy!