Caitlyn's Birthday...

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY CAITLYN!!!

HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY. WE MISS YOU. DON'T WATCH TOO MANY SCARY MOVIES WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Back to Summer Vacation

Today was the boys last day of school for 3 weeks. It was kind of funny getting into the school, homework mode and then suddenly back to summer vacation. They both enjoyed school but I know they will enjoy having some more summer. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience for them making the transition back to our neighborhood school and for Alex the first time to be in a public school. Alex seems to thrive on socialization. I really thought he would have a harder time but he really has loved it so far.

Connor is doing fine also. The math is different then he is used to but his teacher has paired him up with another student as kind of a mentor. Thank you Mrs. Nelson for giving Connor such a good math base otherwise the transition would be harder. It's called "Everyday Math" and it's a little different then we were taught in school. It all comes back to the basics but goes about getting there a little differently. I even had to rack my brain a little to help with homework.

We don't have any big plans for the next three weeks other than going swimming, maybe Elitches, just goofing off. Alex has his last baseball game of the season on Saturday and then no more sports until Football. I think it starts the beginning of September.

I hope you all are having a good summer!

Alex playing baseball...

Alex had a baseball game this morning. Connor and I took a little video. It's not much but I will add it anyway. Alex's team hasn't won a game this season but they have all improved quite a bit. It's a brand new team and a lot of kids including Alex hadn't played before. It's been fun to watch the boys learn and all the parents and kids have been very encouraging to one another which is really nice to see. Mark kind of turned into asst coach... he's helped a lot with the team. That usually happens. I think he's really good with the kids and the kids respond well to him. But that's just me bragging on my hubby... haha

ALEX UP TO BAT (that's not him over to the side)



MOST OF THESE PICTURES WERE TAKEN TODAY BUT A COUPLE ARE FROM 6/21.

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Where does the time go?

This summer seems to be flying by. The kids have been in school over a week now. Everything is going good. The school had an Ice Cream Social after school today. Connor has reconnected with one of his friends from 2nd grade and they have been spending time together in school and out. He's not in Connor's class but they still see each other at recess, lunch, etc...

I was wondering how Alex was doing with making friends and today he was talking to several kids in his class at the ice cream social. It made me feel good that he his making friends. I really thought it was going to be a harder transition but so far so good.

I'm hoping to have a garage sale August 1st. I worked on getting a few things together today. I have a couple of items that I don't really want to just give away but if you know anyone who is interested. I have a Kitchen set with some dishes, pots, pans, food.. Also a nice "train" table that has storage bins underneath. The table can be used for more than just trains. We have two and are keeping one. They really are handy. I'd like to sell the kitchen set for no less than $50 and the table for $75.00.

Friday

The kids made it through their first 3 days of school. Connor's classroom is in a mobile pod or portable. He has a male teacher for the first time. He's very popular with the kids, I can see why now that I've met him. He has a great sense of humor and seems pretty laid back. He actually lives a block away from us. He asked the kids to bring gardening gloves today and sent an email saying they were learning about "community service" by pulling weeds around the pods.. very clever way of putting 27 kids to work! haha. Connor has reconnected with one of his friends from 2nd grade and seen a few other familiar faces. All seems to be fine. He hasn't said much. I'll keep digging but trying not to dig too much. Mark informed me yesteday that I was sure asking Connor a LOT of questions. How else is a Mom to know everything??

Alex's teacher seems very nice and understanding of the fact that this is a big change for Alex. She sent me an email yesterday saying that Alex is a very sweet and kind little boy and she's happy to have him in her class (she know's the way to a mothers heart, haha). Alex has enjoyed each day and had no complaints other than the fact that the lunch lady was mean when he didn't know his "number" to charge his hot lunch. (sometimes I think it's a prerequisite for a lunch room worker to be grumpy). He hadn't been assigned a # yet because he's new. I had already talked to the office about it..boy did I want to tell that lady about being mean to Alex when he's in this big new scary lunchroom learning to be independent. But that is all part of life. I have to let go... right?

A positive about the school (for me anyway) is that they do just about everything on-line. Each teacher has their own web site and they put everything on it, Homework assignments, newsletters, Friday folders, daily schedule, list of students..etc. A few months ago I wouldn't have liked it but since Terra has gotten me hooked on technology, I love it!

We do miss Beacon. We miss the family feel, the friends we all made, small classroom sizes..wonderful teachers, but I think this is going to work well for us for now.

Still feels like our summer came to an abrupt stop. I've been feeling a little depressed and I realized I was really enjoying all the summer activities with the kids, having Caitlyn and Grandma around.. staying up late, sleeping in.. Dang it! Back to reality too soon.

First day of school...

School started today... Alex started 2nd grade. Connor started 5th grade. We had a conference with their teachers on Monday. Both seem very nice. I think both boys will have a good year. They will be in school for 12 days and then get to have 3 more weeks of summer. They really didn't mind going. They were excited. Connor ran into some old friends, a few are in his class. Alex didn't know anyone but said he met another boy he might be friends with.

The Fourth of July

I hope you all had a good fourth. We had a fun day. Spent the day outside with Grandma, Grandpa and our neighborhood friends, visiting, watching the kids play and of course eating and drinking. We had lots of good food. Stayed out until about 10:30. We had great fireworks.. Only one misfired and of course headed straight for Grandma. Everyone was okay, no one got injured. Always relieved to make it through the 4th without incident.. knowing our family I'm sure you all know what I mean. It was fun to have Caitlyn with us also! I hope you all had a great day too!

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Long day...

We've all been tired today around here. I think all the summer fun and late nights are catching up with us. We really have had a fun summer so far. Really enjoying having Caitlyn and Grandma here. Next week reality kicks in.. Grandma and Caitlyn are going home and the boys start school on Wednesday! Luckily they are only in for 12 days and then off for 3 more weeks. (crazy track system).

Tomorrow is the fourth of July. We are having a neighborhood celebration.. Should be fun, lots of food and fireworks. Mark has been preparing all day for tomorrow. He's has built gizmos to shoot his fireworks from, also organized fireworks...which to do first, last, day and night. He has always loved fireworks. Wish us luck that we don't end up in jail..haha

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