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!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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....
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!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
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!Friday, June 13, 2008
Flood Pictures
The picture above shows the river that divides are town east and west. The bridge at the top of the picture is I-380 - the only means of crossing the river. If you look closely, you can see three of the main bridges completely submerged other than the tops of the railings. The buildings on the island are the Veterans' Memorial Building and the courthouse/jail. While I was driving home from work yesterday and again on my way in today, I was able to get these incredible, heartbreaking pictures of the devastation.
Our favorite Dairy Queen
Looking towards town up 3rd Avenue SE
This image took my breath away today as I was driving north to work. I haven't been able to get it out of my head all day.
Looking south at the Quaker factory that is fixture on the west side of I-380.
The railroad bridge that comes out of Quaker. Officials put train cars on the tracks in an effort to keep the bridge from breaking free. There is a second bridge to the south that collapsed into the river yesterday. So far this one is still standing. There are houseboats that have broken free and are trapped against the bridge on the other side.
Looking west on 1st Ave from I-380
Look at the one-way sign....and the water covered that sign this morning before the crest.
Flood Update
Thursday, June 12, 2008
The Flood
When the National Weather Service says "We are seeing a historic hydrological event taking place with unprecedented river levels occurring", I really don't want to be anywhere close. However, here we are. Cedar Rapids is under water. As I came (SLOWLY) over I-380 tonight on my way home, I was speechless at the devastation. The estimate is 100+ blocks under water and the river is expected to crest a full 10 feet above yesterday's prediction. The latest issue is water....strangely, even though we obviously have too much, it sounds as if we will lose water to homes somtime in the next few days. 3 of the 4 wells supplying Cedar Rapids water are gone and the 4th is being sandbagged at the moment. Will is so interested in all of the coverage and wants to go see the water, but he's going to have to settle for the videos on the news....he's not getting anywhere close. Keep praying.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Standing!
She still hasn't really figured this out...she'll stand but hasn't pulled herself up yet. That's ok with Mommy. I'm not ready for her to be running after her brother yet!
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