Monday Morning Muddled Mind

How is it Monday morning already? Didn't I JUST pick the kids up from school on Friday afternoon? How is it August 25th? How is Labor Day NEXT WEEKEND?!?!

I love Fall and can't wait for the leaves to start turning, for pumpkins and hay bales, for cool nights with the windows open and for digging out my sweaters. But MAN this year has gone quickly!! I can't believe I ordered Will's Halloween costume last week (he's going to be an "army guy") and my mom is looking through boxes at her house to find Morgan's. I'm hoping she can wear the clown costume my mom made me many years ago. School is in session and Will's gearing up for the first Prairie Hawk football game this Friday night - he already has his black & orange "spirit wear" laid out for Friday morning. I have to remind myself to stop and step back and watch and enjoy these precious times...they go by so quickly!

Happy Monday!

Growing Up.....

My precious firstborn goes off to Kindergarten tomorrow. His clothes are laid out, his school supplies are tucked safely in his locker at school, his lunch bag is waiting to have his peanut butter sandwich and pretzals tucked inside it tomorrow morning. Everything is ready....except Mom! Since I've worked outside the home since he was born, he's always been in daycare or preschool and spent last year in Alternative Kindergarten every morning. Why is this different? I'm not sure, but it is. I'm excited for him....for all of the adventures that are in store for him as he starts school. And I worry...I want him to keep that innocence with which he looks at the world. No matter what, he'll always be my baby.

Through the years....

Age 1 - love those carrots!

Age 2 - look at that smile!

Age 3 - GO PRAIRIE HAWKS!

Age 4 - handsome guy!

Age 5 - growing up!

and Age 6 - tonight as he got ready for bed before his 1st day of school

I love you Will!!!

Birthday, Birthday, Birthday!

Big Brother turned 6 in early August in grand style. We started with a wonderful, fun kids party at Pump It Up http://www.pumpitupparty.com/. What a cool place! The kids ran and jumped and slid for an hour and a half and then enjoyed pizza, cake & punch. They all had such a great time and Will was truly blessed by all of his friends and their generous gifts.

The next week for his actual birthday, I had a BIG surprise in store. Will and I headed off to Chicago! Our main purpose was to take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field (they beat the Cards 3-2 in 11 innings - WHAT A GREAT GAME!!).

We also went to the Shedd aquarium, wandered Navy Pier, and took a boat ride on Lake Michigan. Will's already assumed that this will be an annual thing and is planning our trip next year.

This past week we headed to SuperMan's (http://www.i-love-naptime.blogspot.com/) house for HIS 6th birthday. Will and SuperMan are so lucky to be so close in age. We all hit the pool, relaxed and went to Chuck E Cheese for pizza & games. We had a great time visiting with SuperMan, C-Dawg & CocoPuff (and Laura & Buck!!) and we were all sad when we had to come home.

This week we've been getting ready for school. Will starts Kindgergarten on Thursday! We had "Meet the Teacher" night last night and got to take all of Will's supplies in to his room, find his locker, inspect the music & art rooms, and have ice cream! He's very ready for school and can't wait to have Dad as "his principal".

Baby Sis is doing well. She's pulling herself up and standing alone but hasn't walked on her own yet. She's got some crazy hair with the humidity we've had lately, but I can't bring myself to cut it! It reminds me of Aunt Laura's hair when she was younger with all the sweet curls.

We've had a good summer and it's hard to believe it's quickly coming to an end. But with school, football games, Homecoming, Halloween and so many more fun times to look foward to we can't wait for Fall as well!