Night Before School

The kids got their traditional fathers blessing and I got one too since it helped so much last year.

They have all their stuff ready to go.

I can't believe Bela is starting Jr High!

The twins are excited to have Claire's old teacher and be together.

Claire is nervous and excited to start 4th grade.

Should be a fun year!

Bella's Last Day of Elementary

This was not as emotional as I thought it would be. More the days leading up to it were hard. She was so excited! I was in charge of decorating and food so I got to be there before and watch them practice for it.

Ater school she walked to Fiiz with some friends and then went to a party that night. She had lots of fun!

It's crazy to think she will be starting jr high in a few months.

First Day of School 2016

Last week I had a crying breakdown when it hit me that everyone will be gone all day. 

Just realizing all the good times we've had over the years when they were younger and that, that period of my life is gone was sad.

But Seth helped me realize I was so sad because I loved it so much! And at least I had the last 12 years to look back on as a stay at home mom.

What a blessing. Despite all the financial hardship we've had I was always able to stay with my girls and I'm so thankful!

The twins were really excited but also a little nervous for all day school. Claire and Bella were super happy to be going back!

The day ended up going pretty fast because there are so many projects I have to get done.

And I am still able to have all 4 of them at the same school and walk up and back with them.

Fiddler On The Roof

II was such a proud mom watching them. They worked so hard. Practicing in the early mornings as well as late after school. They did this for 3 months. 

I love watching them preform!

Claire's Class Party

We had a fun time at Claire's class party decorating gingerbread houses. The twins got right in on the action, sitting at the tables and playing with the other kids. When Mrs Holbrook asked the kids to come get in a line and have their pictures taken with their houses Syd was right there ready. It was cute!

3rd Grade Christmas Program

Bella's class preformed a fun Christmas program today. They have been learning about how different countries celebrate Christmas and they learned songs in different languages. She also learned how to play the ukulele for one of the songs. And she chose to do a report on Russia. It was a lot of fun to watch her.

Bella's All Day BIrthday

Mid morning we ran treats up to her class and then in the afternoon she gave an oral report on Christmas traditions in Russia. She brought a special Russian cookie and a doll from Seth's mission. He even answered questions.

She was a hit!

For dinner we had home made mac and cheese. Then it was off to her jr jazz game. She brought treats again and was a hit.

Then we met uncle Alden and Laura Lee for ice cream and presents. Grandma and Grandpa also came over so it was a great birthday for her!

Kindergarten Thanksgiving Lunch

Today was the annual Thanksgiving lunch with the kindergarten class. It seems like just yesterday we were there with Bella and the twins were just babies.

It was a lot of fun and Claire had fun showing us off.

The craziest part was a conversation I had with another mom. It went something like this:

Her: Are you Claire's mom? My son is Cade. He came home the other day and said  "mom Claire's my girlfriend"

Me: Oh no

Her: It was innocent, really. But then when I realized who Claire was, I was like good for you she's hot.

Hmm...

I didn't know what to think. I just laughed and was a little flattered. Then after that another mom told me her little boy has a crush on Claire.

Oh Claire bear. At recess she chases the 1st and 2nd grade boys. She's already boy crazy.

1st Day Of School

The magic school bus made a stop the night before school started so when everyone woke up they had a surprise waiting for them.They all had new school supplies and a nice note of encouragement for the new year. When Bella was opening hers she said "the magic school bus knows me so well!"

One we got to school we grabbed the cousins and took one quick picture. 

I can't believe they're all getting so old. I'm so proud of all of them and how much they've grown.

1st Day of School

Since Bella wasn't here for the first week of school I had my do-over a week later.

Oh I just love these two!!

End of year stuff

The end of the year is such a busy time! I heard someone compare may to December with how many things there are going on and I totally agree.

(I'm still getting used to this new set up for the blog and I didn't get the pictures in the right order).

Bella had a pancake party that the twins and I got to go to. She had a great time showing them off to all her friends and having them sit with her at her desk.

Claire had a program at school for her last day. She did a great job on her part and even filled in for someone else. She got a little shy at the end and stayed on her dad's lap, but he wasn't complaining. Grandpa came to see Claire and she loved that! I had to snap a pic of Seth and Nate in their matching work clothes. I told Claire that Nate sent Seth a text that morning asking what he was going to wear that day so they could wear the same thing to the program. She believed that because, why wouldn't two adult grown men coordinate their outfits?

I can't believe this year is already over!!

Claire and grandpa

Wyatt & Claire

Ms Char & Claire

Family Picture

Bella and the twins at the pan cake party

Magic School Bus & 1st Day of School

Today was an exciting day. The first day of 1st grade for Bella!! This is huge, because it's ALL DAY!!!

Last night Bella and I packed her lunch, then she had a wonderful Father's Blessing and then it was off to bed.

But this morning when I got home from working out I noticed that her lunch bag was on the front porch. After questioning her about getting out of bed last night she assured me that she didn't. So we're pretty sure The Magic School came in the middle of the night and left her lunch in the fridge and filled the bag with surprises and left it outside. Just like last year.

She was so excited!!

Claire is hoping they remember her for her first day of pre school.

I have a feeling they will. :)
Opening all the goods
Traditional Front Porch 1st Day of School Picture

Cousins