Katie's New Look

This past week our Katie-girl got glasses. She was very picky and couldn't decide which ones to get (she didn't like them all.)
Then we found these with a teeny tiny picture of Jasmine on them and she was sold, especially after the lady told her they come in pink. Phew, she finally made a decision!
I finally had decided to take Katie to the eye doctor after several years of telling her to stop going cross-eyed. We always thought she was doing it on purpose but then recently noticed she did it more often in the evening when she was tired. I asked if she could tell when her eyes were doing it and she said "Yeah, when I look at you, there's two of you." I called that day and made an appointment. So it turns out she needs glasses to keep her eyes from drifting in. One eye is worse than the other. She was not happy about the idea of getting glasses but after a few days of wearing them has gradually accepted it. I think she looks pretty darn cute and hopefully she won't have to wear them forever.

First Day of School

Last week was the first day of school, I'm a little late posting my pictures.

Katie, the 1st grader. Excited to be going to school all day, getting up early, and eating lunch at school. All things she didn't get to do too often with afternoon half-day kindergarten. She didn't want a backpack this year and all the bags are so big. She only carries her lunch and a little folder to and from school, but it makes her feel like a big kid.Jason, the 3rd grader. Looking forward to recess, tetherball and soccer. Disappointed to find out that he only gets one recess this year. Jason is too cool for backpacks. He wanted a sling backpack (goes over one shoulder) or a messenger bag.

She's so grown up, didn't even have to sit by her brother on the bus (not that he probably wanted to).

Jacob's First Day of Preschool

Yesterday Jacob had his meet the teacher day. It was for only half an hour and only 5 kids at a time. That way he could familiarize himself with his teacher and classroom with Mommy nearby. First Mrs. Spencer had him pick an animal/insect sticker that would be on his cubby and placemat so he would know where his stuff was until he's able to read his name.Here he is deep in thought choosing his sticker. He went with a dragonfly. He's coloring his placemat and looked up at me and saw me taking his picture, that's why he's smiling the way he is. His teacher had several colors of construction paper laid out and asked him which one he wanted. He said yellow and that wasn't one of the ones she had out. So she got him yellow from the cupboard. I think he'll know which placemat is his because it will be the only yellow one.

Storytime, learning about making "thumbs up" choices and "thumbs down" choices

Mrs. Spencer showing them the proper behavior in the treehouse. Jacob is waving.

When we first left the house for preschool he told me not to leave him, I said I wouldn't. Then on our way home he said "Mommy, tomorrow when I go to preschool and you leave me here, I'm gonna have fun." He was so excited to go back the next day for his first full day.

So today I dropped him off, walked him to the door and he put one hand on the doorknob, waved to me and said "bye, Mommy" and walked right in, no tears at all.

Thank you Mrs. Spencer for a great "first" day of school for my little preschooler.

Potholes State Park

Our last vacation of the summer was to Potholes State Park on Potholes Reservoir. We went with Justin's parents and brother and sister's families. Everyone had a great time. With school starting I just haven't found the time to put up the pictures sooner.This was taken from our campground, it was shielded from the street by these trees and you can see the sprinklers which kept the grass nice and green. I've never stayed at a campground quite like it.Grandma had foam visors for all the kids to decorate.Here's Kami in her visor, the letters didn't last long, within minutes she had pulled them all off.Jason sharpening a stick with his pocketknife.These pictures aren't in order. This picture was taken our last day, while we packed up Kami and Jacob played on these chairs in their jammies.Kami was being very sillyThe girls made a fort and played with their toys.

Grandma also had T-shirts for all the kids to decorate, Katie worked very hard on hers

Jacob and Kami in their new shirts

Somebody left behind a full size shovel. Jason had fun digging with it.

I was just about to wash Kami off in the lake, she did not like the water at all.

Daddy and the boys

Jacob had to go potty and Aunt Sarah told him to go in the lake.
I don't think this was what she meant.

Allie buried Jacob in the sand.

Kami after a dip in the lake, she looks happy now but she had just stopped crying.

Kami is actually asleep in this picture.

Katie and Daddy pulling Summer and Jason on the tube (see the video below)

I tried skiing but never really got up. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Katie has never been afraid to get dirty.

Jacob bravely swimming without his life jacket (with Daddy)

Most of the group up the hill (see video below of everyone running down)

No, this will not be our Christmas card, I'd like to be more fully clothed or not in it at all

Justin being silly

Right before we left the kids visited the playground at the campground. Thank you Kelsey for taking all the kids to play while we packed up!