Dad's Day at The Children's Garden

Today was Dad's day at school.  Lauren was really excited to show Chad her school and her new friends, but mostly I think she was excited about the donuts!

off to preschool

Lauren started at The Children's Garden today.  I can't believe it. I feel like we've officially moved to the next stage of childhood. Lauren has a great class, she knows so many of the kids because their older siblings were in Blake's class.  I've known many of the kids in her class since they were newborns/in utero, it's been so fun to watch these kids grow up.  

Lauren had a great first day, she was a tiny bit shy to start but warmed up quickly once she saw her buddy, Ava.  Chad and I kissed her goodbye and we left her happily playing at the playdough table...the exact same spot we left Blake on his first day.  At pickup Lauren was all smiles and one of her teachers said she had a great day, she also noted how independent Lauren is - that's my girl!

Lauren, someday when you look back at your blog book I want you to know your daddy flew home early from a trip to DC to see you off to school today.  There's just something about daddies and daughters :) 

This was the best that we could do. 

 Ava & Lauren

 Not the best picture ever, but here is Lauren and Bonnie.  Bonnie retired this summer, but came back today to see some special little ones on their first day of school.

 Celebratory ice cream outing after a successful day of school! 

he rocked it!

We've been at Blake's school almost everyday this week.  There was "meet your teacher", curriculum night and kindergarten testing all before the big day. (After testing Blake came out of his classroom into the hallway full of moms, students and his teacher and announced "that was EASY".) Blake woke up this morning excited and ready to go.  After a good breakfast he hopped on the bus and off he went.  The parents were invited for coffee and a meet and greet, so I  was able to see him get off the bus and line up for class.  He had a great day and was excited to tell us all about it when we got home. When I opened his lunch box I was surprised to see the only thing missing were his sliced apples.  The 1,700 other items I packed hadn't been touched.  He said he ate half the apples for snack and the other half for lunch. I'm guessing he was too excited to eat. True to form, he left his jacket on the bus (Chad and I had been betting on how many items would be lost/forgotten), but other than that the day was a great success.  I'm so happy for my boy!

Blake and Trey - baseball buddies

forward motion

Blake I can't believe you will head off for kindergarten in a few days.  We have done our best to make the very most of every moment this summer, soaking in our time with you.  When I look at little Leo, it's hard to believe how quickly the time has gone.  Weren't you the sleepless baby of the family just the other day? Just like that you have grown up before our eyes.  When I quit my job a little over six years ago my goal was to be there for you every moment that you needed me and to be able to take our time and move at your pace. I remember so clearly that I didn't want to rush you around on a grown up's schedule.  Funny that I ended up with a son that needs very little sleep, so we filled up our schedule and raced around to many different kid activities.

Blake, you have turned into the coolest person.  You really don't let much bother you.  Some how you balance being sensitive to other peoples feelings while not taking too much personally. You are a light hearted person that loves to make people laugh. Your favorite color is orange, which cracks me up.  So many people in the northwest live in shades of black and gray, but not you, for some reason you really love orange.

As I think ahead to your first days and weeks in elementary school I want all the best for you (I sort of just want to go with you!).  I know you will make friends and so far things have been pretty easy for you academically. It's just really strange and a little sad you will spend so much of your day away from me.  You are ready so I will be too. I just hope you don't mind when I show up to volunteer in your classroom every week. I'll be cool, I promise.

Love you.

Love, Mom

the party's over

Well, I think it's officially over.  Chad and I were just saying the other night, I think this has been the best summer we've had....at least since our kids were born.  My goal at the beginning of the summer was to pack in as much fun and family bonding as we could before Blake starts his career as a full time student.  This was the first summer we could, on a whim, throw together a quick overnight bag and run off to our next adventure.  No diaper bags, sippy cups or strollers.  The weather completely cooperated too!  We kicked off June by swimming at a friends house till 8:30 at night IN Lake Sammamish (even I was in the water). Maybe it was then I should have thought about pacing ourselves a little? For days on end we would return home only long enough to wash our beach towels and head back out again.  On more than one occasion my sister and I would look at our children with their blood shot eyes, looking like they'd been on month long benders, and say "But there's more fun to be had! Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine before it rains".  And off we'd go again.
So now we have the task of getting back to normal bedtime schedules, eating more veggies and fewer s'mores, going back to the gym (I might need directions), carpooling, going to Little Gym, swimming lessons, dance class and flag football.  Normally this time of year I look forward to the crisp fall days, but I have to say this year I'm pretty sad to see summer go.

Here are a few pics of our painful transition into fall..

Huskies

Technically Lauren says she is going to be a Husky AND a Cougar, which I guess means she'll be going to grad school?  Chad was one happy daddy on Saturday!