They went ahead and did it anyway...

I didn't want to send my first born babies to middle school.   How could it be time?  I didn't want them to grow up.  Against my sincere wishes, they did it anyway! The kids started school Thurs, Aug 19th.   The twins, middle school and Avery first grade at a new school.  A year for big changes.  And, boy were they happy about it. Sitting around the morning breakfast table we talked about "first day jitters". They all had them. But, mostly they were just plain eager to go. Happy to start their new year and experiences. As for the middle schoolers...lockers are the big thing. Ellie has been planning her locker all summer. Shelves, mirror, white board, markers, and magnets galore.  Luckily, we had a small window of time to go up to the school and practice the combination. It's tricky, ya know. Avery was looking forward to her new school with the giant Mac computers for each student. YOWZA. It made me kinda jealous, too. The new school is beautiful and full of fun equipment which helps soften the blow of leaving our beloved Fireridge.

Since our summer came crashing to a halt as we returned home from our last vacation only days before school , we were not quite prepared.  We still had supplies to get, school clothes to shop for, shoes to try on & backbacks to purchase all in one day. I felt rushed, defintley not the way   I like to prepare for back to school. But, in the end it all worked out and they were just as ready as if we spent weeks preparing.

Happy to report, Middle school was everything Ellie had hoped for. The smile that stretches across her face says it all. She loves it.   Zach seems to be doing well also. Except for his occasional "emabarassing mom" he is transitioning well.

I have to say...seeing such happy middle schoolers helped with my transition as well. Middle school is ok. I am doing fine, thank you.


Here are some of the "classic" first day photos. 

I am lucky to have 2 girls that love the camera.  These girls have evolved from "pouty" camera face to "pose and smile" at every opportunity. 

Zachary...not so much.  He is less than thrilled each and every time he sees the camera.  Still a handsome boy though.

a little peaksie at the new backbacks.

Zachary was more excited about his purple shoes than his backback.  This is for Zach.

And this one is for Ellie.

  The locker in all it's glory.

Ellie and Mckenna

Last month Ellie's friend, Mckenna moved to Cali.  She was heartbroken.  We had many "last" playdates, lateovers, parties and phone calls stretching out all month.  But wouldn't ya know it...we were in the hospital when their family packed up and moved out.  So she missed the actual "goodbye."  Which may of just been a good thing.  Have you witnessed the drama of 6th grade girls?  By the time they had the chance to actually say goodbye it was a quick phone call.  Painless.  And, rest assured the girls still catch up with one another on the phone these days.   But now it's long distance.  Mckenna will do great in California but we will sure miss her. 

One last photo shoot. 

I love the style of this one.  "Hippie chic."

The summer scene

The dog days of summer of over.  I mean, we still have hot and humid days. But, the intense heat and long days are gone.    The signs of fall are creeping into our August.  The sun sets earlier and the kids are back to a normal bedtime.  They are getting bored and easily sucked into hours of TV.  TV zombies.  A day at the pool doesn't have the same appeal it once did.  Even playdates are begining to fade out.   It's time.  The kids start school again next week.  I can't believe it's here and honestly, not quite ready for the new year.   But, it's time.

As the signs of summer slip away I hope to remember that we soaked up every bit of fun these past 3 months. 

                                                           The Big Bubble wand.

playdates lasting all afternoon

just chillin'

lovin' the diving board.

Lots of Lateovers

Taking good care of Nani for 4 weeks out of the summer

Girls gotta dance...Talent show party

family BBQ's with friends.

Even on the hottest day of the summer

Front porch flowers that stay in bloom all summer

This never gets easier

Our summer didn't go by without a hitch. Zachary spent 2 days in Childrens Hospital. It's not easy to admit your child to the hospital. Even if you've done it many times before. The signs were written on the wall that he was having shunt problems. This time he got violently sick very quick. He started out with a mere headache, then some vomit. Next thing we knew he was in excruciating pain. Pain so severe that only morphine mixed with lortab could relieve the pressure. Every hour on the hour he woke up writhing in agony. Next dose, please. The doctors decided to tap the shunt in hopes for answers, and information as to what the shunt was doing. Fortunately, the tap flushed enough fluid through the tubing to unblock it. Within 6 hours, he was back to normal. Fiesty and without pain. We avoided the need for a full surgery. Zach is a soldier. He carries on. He accepts his lot in life and handles his challenges without question. He was so sick lying in that hospital bed and never once complained about the situation. He was polite. He prayed and asked for strength and health. And, never doubted. We can all learn from this faithful boy.

Do you see what I see?  A sister that deeply loves her brother.  Always helping and caring for him.

I just couldn't resist taking this shot.  It's just to cute to pass up.  Zach may not think so.

the girls brought us some cards and pictures to brighten the room and Zach's smile

the first time he was up and around moving.

Hip Hip Hooray, no surgery for Zach.  We were jumping for joy that Zach was ok.

Busy

Wow, I can hardly believe this summer is quickly coming to an end.  We have definitely power packed our days.  This was the summer of "camps."  The girls were interested in trying new things and thankfully the dates and times alligned up perfectly. 

Zachary wasn't interested in any camps this year.  He has a renewed commitment to attend boyscouts.  He loves Scott Brezack his current leader and friend.  Scott makes scouts fun and the waterskiing field trips make Zach's day. Thank you Brezacks. I can't believe how much this kid loves the water and the thrill. 

He also enjoys special time alone with me in the afternoons.  We went to lunch together many days when both girls were away. 

Zach also did his tutor 2x a week on Wed. and Fri. Dare I say...no pic of the happy little boy scooting off to tutor.  Nope.  He protested with all his might each day.  But, ultimately gave it and... I think he secretly likes his time with Ms Sindie.

We were busy.  I felt like a taxi driver going to and fro most days.  But, it was great.  I love having the kids learn new things on their own.  Avery decided she doesn't like basketball (even though she won "most baskets" each day.) Man, that girl is stubborn.  There is no changing her mind about it.  My hope is that in time, she will give it another chance.  Ellie decided she does like volleyball (even though she never got a good hit on the ball)  She wants to continue in the fall.   Perseverance! Love her for it.  She has a strong will and I like to see it put to a good use.  Busy summer days with crazy evenings.  Isn't that what summer is all about.