Preschool Orientation

Today Hunter had Preschool orientation. This is Hunter's second year in preschool at the YMCA. I struggled whether to repeat the the Tuesday/Thursday class he did last year, or send him to the Mon/Wed/Fri class. The three day a week class is for kids entering kindergarten the following fall. Hunter's birthday is June and as of last year we were undecided if we would send him to kindergarten next fall, he will have just turned 5 so we could wait another year, if we wanted to. So, I ended up just signing him up for the twice a week class. At this point we are planning to send him to kindergarten next fall, I did try to change his class last minute, but the class with the teacher I requested was full, so 2 day a week preschool it is. I really don't think it's that big of is deal - I'm pretty laid back about this kind of stuff. It's a mommy break more than anything, and time for him to make new friends.

I really love the Y's preschool program. The teachers are awesome and an added bonus is that swimming lessons are included once a week. They do lots of fun, hands on projects. And I think it is good for Hunter to experience structure outside our home (who am I kidding, I'm sure there are times the only structure he has is at preschool) He is looking forward to this year and so am I. I love seeing my little man grow and learn. Here is a quick picture I snapped at orientation.

More pictures to follow from the first day of school, September 4th.

Happy Birthday, Papa!

Happy Birthday, Papa! Today is my Dad's birthday. I wish we were closer so we could celebrate with him but for now we will have to settle for the "birthday email"and photo I sent him.

I am so lucky to have such a great Dad. I couldn't have asked for a better one! Any man that has raised 10 kids, 6 of which are girls, is pretty much my hero. I think I am able to appreciate all my Dad has done for me and my siblings a little more thoroughly, now that I have children of my own. All the sacrifices, sleepless nights, and hours spent praying for your children, seem to hit a little closer to home. I love you, Dad! Hope you had a wonderful day! You truly are amazing.

Second Day of School

Yesterday, Walker officially started 3rd grade. It was one rough morning. He has been looking forward to school but yesterday nerves were rampant at our house. Once he got to school and we wiped away the tears - he ended up having a great day. But it certainly was not a photo opportunity.

So today was a much better day and we got a few shots before he took off for school. I think he will have a great year, that first day is always hard. This year he is in a smaller class that is a combo class, 2nd and 3rd grade and he has a great teacher, Mrs. Clemow.

It is so hard to see your child with their fears and give that tough love. I was filled with joy when he asked, "Mom, please pray for me." Made my heart swell with love and of course I obliged. I know that God is working in his heart even at this tender age. Such comfort to know that God loves your children and is taking care of them. I know we will have a wonderful year and I am so looking forward to it.

3rd Grade - August 23, 2012

Splish, Splash

I'm so thankful for the beautiful summer we've had. It's been hot every day. I still can't believe that Walker starts school in 2 days?! Last Friday we went to The Oasis, a new pool with water slides here in Billings. It was a perfect day for swimming, we swam for most of the afternoon, packed some snacks and had plenty of water. This is the perfect pool for little ones. Hunter has such a good time. He kept telling me "Mom don't lose me" made me chuckle. And no - I didn't lose him :) After a fun day in the water we headed home. Here are a few pics.

Montana Fair 2012

I woke up this morning to rain, a 30 degrees difference in temperature, and of course this is the day I plan to take all the kids to the fair....but it worked out perfectly! 

I couldn't have asked for a better fair day. By the time we got to.the fair grounds it was almost 3pm. The rain had stopped it was overcast, but not windy. The kids and I had so much fun! 

Walker was a little slow to warm up to the carnival rides, but he came around. Hunter on the other hand was all about it. He is my little "adventure seeker". Colter rode the train twice and that was good for him. He's not to fond of anything fast moving, he has a death grip on me when we ride an elevator. We visited all the animals we could find. The llamas were a hit. Funny what kids like...oh and the massively huge rabbit was popular too. 

We ate all the fair treats you could want. Corn dogs, cheese fries, gyros, hot dogs, lemonade, cheese curds, funnel cake, caramel apples and of course cotton candy. If we weren't riding, we were eating :)

The boys were great, no fighting, everyone stayed together. Colter was content in his stroller, we walked the whole fair grounds and after four hours everyone was on board to head home. I sure do love spending time with my boys. I'm so thankful we get to enjoy fun days like this.

 Yes, he wanted a picture with the llama.

First ride of the day...race cars!

My handsome 8 year old.

Yummy treats!

Coley and I on the carousel.

"self portrait"

My three sons.

Baseball Fever

I took the boys to their first Mustang's game tonight. Our church had a BBQ before the game and it was a blast, so well put together. The weather was a little warm but it cooled off nicely. It's was so fun to watch Walker and Hunter collecting foul balls and running up to these baseball players in awe - getting an autograph. So cute. Hunter asked the same player for his autograph like 4 times. It made me giggle. Big smiles all night. Nothing better than sitting back watching your children enjoy themselves. My sister Sarah and brother-in-law Chris were there too with Haiden and Owen, it's great to have been able to share that with them. My boys sure do love there Uncle Chris. He is pretty popular. We did bow out in the 7th inning - Colter was tired and it was way past his bedtime so we just headed home - rather than fighting it. But it was a good night and I'll try and post pictures later when I am not half asleep.

g'Nite.

Happy 4th of July

We had an AWESOME 4th of July! It is totally my favorite holiday and we had so much fun. Started early (Hunter my 6:30am wake-up call) We had yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast, then we packed up our chairs, spray bottles and 4th of July gear and headed to Laurel. We met up with my sister Sarah and brother-in-law Chris and the cousins and watched the Laurel Parade which was great for the kids. I'm sure they ate way too much candy, but hey it only comes around once a year.

It was my nephew Haiden's 9th birthday as well so we celebrated after the parade. Pool Party!!! The boys swam and swam. They had water guns, cups and spray bottles. We enjoyed a yummy BBQ and just spending time together. All of our boys played till they were dropping like flies. Then it was time to head home for naps.

After we had a quick nap we loaded up and headed to our good friends Angelina and Sam's house. The kids played for a bit then we went to Laurel and watched the fireworks. It was LATE by the time we got home, so I just let the boys crawl into bed with me. Hunter still talks about how he got to sleep in Mama's bed. Such a commodity!

I think the 4th is my favorite holiday in part that the weather is usually always nice, spending time with family and friends is always on the agenda along with a good BBQ. The kids play 'till they drop, and I always have such great summertime pictures.

It is a blessing to be able to celebrate our country's freedom. I really should take more time to reflect on all the blessing I/we have living in the USA. I'm so thankful for the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Thank you is just not enough.

Hope your day was wonderful too!