a date with Miss A

Last week Miss A had her Kindergarten open house.  We were all so excited we could hardly stand it.  And since this means summer is nearing its end, we decided to squeeze in some more of our bucket list in as well.

It was a perfect morning.  Bug ran the boys out to my moms while A and I got ready.  There may have been some slight misunderstanding that a certain someone thought they were actually starting school that day, but once that was cleared up all was well.

We met her teacher, which is a "Mr."

We found her desk, coat hook, and cubby.

She tentatively explored the playground and discovered where the bathroom is.

As she shyly made a few new friends, 

I was noting how she had at least 2 inches of height on all the other classmates.

I think we are ready.

Then we were off for a mickey mouse pancake for her, 

and a greek skillet for me and french toast for Bug at Eggs In The City.

Followed by a walk across the street where she picked out a small stuffed animal 

despite me wanting her to get an adorable lunch box, 

and Bug trying to push a pack of erasers as her purchase (due to the small price tag).

With time still to kill we also went to the library.

Bug reads a lot to the kids every night, but he has just started reading chapter books with Miss A.

They zipped through Charlotte's Web, and are now onto Matilda, which A loves because she is the same age as Matilda.  I love that we are all readers around here.

And then we made our way Liberty Park.  This time to ride the paddle boats.

A has been requesting this all summer.

I was just certain I didn't want to be in a boat with a two year old that couldn't be strapped down and who has no fear of water, so it was actually pleasant since it was just the three of us.

(Although next year if she insists on going again, we will be canoeing)

On the way back to pick up her brothers we talked and talked about all the different jobs people have.

I was impressed the Bug and I could come up with so many.

Then I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up.

She didn't know.

So we came up with some more.

Still nothing.

So then I asked her if she could work at any place, where would be the most fun?

And without a moment's hesitation she said: "Grandma's House."

Can't believe it, but I think she's ready.  

I'm declaring her officially old enough for Kindergarten.

summer bucket list

We are working on packing in the rest of our summer to-do list.  One of which was ride the rides at Liberty Park.  Which, for the record, scare Bug & I since they seem a little precarious but the kids LOVE.  The things you do for your kids, right?

B calls these Shorsies.

Nothing like an awkward picture taken by the 5 year old.

Pretty sure I laughed the entire time riding with this guy because he screamed (with delight) the entire time.
And, don't worry we were the only ones on the Ferris Wheel.

Loved our night at the park.  Now we just have to squeeze in a few more summer fun activities in the next week and a half.  (But aren't you proud of me...THREE blog posts in one day?)

three months

He's three months old.  Already.  

And I haven't written in his journal since long before he was born.  (We seem to be finding out every day how its true the third kid has a different experience than that of the first, or even the second kid) Three months and he's roughly the size of an average 7 month old.  Three months old and he sleeps through most nights, as long as its in his bouncy chair.  Three months old and he smiles and coos, making doing anything else but soaking in each smile and coo impossible.  Three months old, and I find myself pulling out his older brothers boxed up clothes from when he was this size, and its filled with fleeces and Christmas outfits...which will not do for the middle of August.  Three months old and wishing there was a way to stop the clock.

Sure do love this little guy.  

 He might not have any written memories from me,
but he should at least know he got cuddled constantly every day since he was born.  

one for Heidi

As most of you know, my twin sis moved an entire state away.  (and I will be forever bummed about it)

Anyway, I have made some recent changes around the house, and tried to explain them via phone calls but nothing like a good visual. (We have always been partners in crime when it comes to crafting, re-purposing, and projects around the house.) So this is for her sake, but your welcome to take a peek as well.

Here's the chalk board I made (my first one) and I used one of Merilynn's frames she gave me that was her moms. The framed line drawing is one A drew of the three kids-my favorite.

Remember the gold peacock I bought on one of our consignment days?  Decided a coat of white would make it feel more up to date.  Still have to hit it with some varnish.

Moved my birdhouse here (per Rach's suggestion.  Think I am going to move the painting on the wall behind it elsewhere and have gigantic pics of the ABC kids here.

New lamps, and moved grandma's chair in front of the window
(you should have seen the load of stuff I dropped off at Emile Jaynes...and the sweet check in the mail)
Oh and note the pillow color peeking out behind B's head.

my mini gallery wall (inspired by my friend Annie)

Note the tiny print with the red balloon in Bs room.
That is what sparked all of the above changes throughout the rest of the house.

Bs room some more.  Don't know if you can see, but have those blocks
you made for Cmas one year in front of his pic.  Remember all our homemade Christmas craziness?

Baby Cs room, and a glimpse of baby C himself.
(spent the night in his crib already!)

The hot air balloons you help me construct.

My new favorite (and cheap) discovery:
the photo gallery at costco.  Pictures are WAY cheap.
The 2 prints are from there, and the quote I whipped up.

Recognize the squirrel?

Of course I had to toss these silhouettes together for book club.
B's looks like he could be African American to me. Not sure how that came about.
More tinkering might be needed there. 

A's room downstairs.  Sorry this is a dark picture.

A found out I was taking pictures for you, and wanted to say Hi to  her cousin.
"Hi"

There you have it.  Just went this morning to sign A up for more Kindergarten stuff.    And my biggest decision thus far was whether to get her the cute school tee shirt with blue cap sleeves or the pink one, which was SO not as cute, but I know she would kill me if she didn't get the pink.  How did they get to be so old?  And so fond of pink?

Miss you.  And lie to me and tell me our front room doesn't look like a pair of 90 year olds live here now.

our july

She turned five.  Five!  I can't believe it.  On her special day she confided in me that although she was five, she didn't feel five.  I asked her how old she felt.  She said "I still feel like I'm four. Hmm.  Maybe I'll feel more like I'm five tomorrow."

 The day was filled with fun.  Fun with friends at the zoo, fun with mom getting her nails done, and fun with family at the park.  She also requested a cupcake cake with pink frosting.  This girl is still all about pink.

p.s. we are major fans of the new exhibits at the zoo

Baby C is gets a lot of loves from his cousins

After partying at the park we enjoyed Slurpee's on the porch.  Miss A said: "Oh look what the sun gave me for my birthday-a pink sky!"

I know she's still only five, but it seems like the days a zipping by so fast that the moments of her sitting in her favorite sparkle covered princess dress will soon just be a remote memory.  Love this little girl.

 And lately it seems Mr. B has been MIA on the blog, so here he is at his finest: enjoying some overhead train action.

 And Baby C is our little cooing, smiling machine.  Love this baby.  Already 3 months have slipped by us. Pretty sad about that.  Wish there was a way to bottle up snuggling with him so it would last forever.

 In other news, we spent an adventurous weekend at a cabin with my parents and sisters kids.  I think the screaming didn't stop since we arrived until we got in the car to go.  Sure did miss our "Colorado Cousins" that weekend as well.  You know its going to be a fun time when Candy Land and bunk beds are on the itinerary.

 Nothing beats eating a powdered doughnut.

 And this kid crawled in and out of his bed so many times, he eventually ended up sleeping with me in the double-sized bed while Bug spent the night on the floor.  It's a good thing he's so cute...

And lastly, Bug and I celebrated nine years together this summer.  Nine years, three different houses, three kids, and it still seems like it was yesterday.  Sure am glad that I get many more with this guy.  (Who knows me well enough by now that on our anniversary date night commented that since I wasn't wearing jewelry must be because I was expecting to be getting some.  Well, now that you mention it...)

Can't believe the summer is almost at a close.  But it seems like I say that about everything these days.  Darn it that it goes by all too quickly.