Meet the Teacher & First Day of School 2017

School supply drop off

Oh good, he fits in his locker!

We braved the crowds and I mean crowds...nothing makes me want to run away from school faster than school supply drop off night! It is a necessary evil and I am glad we get to meet the teachers and ease some anxieties, but man it is a mad house! But we made it through 3rd grade orientation and made it down both halls to find the kid's classrooms and teachers. All supplies got put in place and now all we had to do was quiet our minds and get a good night sleep!

Saying bye to Daddy before breakfast.

He looks ready!

She requested a wavy hair do for the first day of school.

Auggie isn't sure what is happening, but someone told her to get in the picture so being the posing doodle that she is, she jumped right in! And yes Elizabeth only has a few inches on Grant!

Exiting the bus - they all made it through the first day! And although this picture doesn't show a lot of smiles it was a good first day! (I think it was really windy!)

Summer's End

Well we knew it couldn't last forever. We played hard all summer...swimming, friends, family, trips...making memories all the way but as we check "make slime" off the summer bucket list we officially turn the page to a start of a new school year. It's time to regain our structured days, but summer nights we will miss you!

Why watch the Cardinals inside when you can watch them outside! The kids really got into watching the Cards play this year. 

This girl is always willing to share her pillow (yes Auggie will share too!)

Well his head is protected, but he would have a pretty bad case of road rash if he crashed!

Oh how many ways can we now use this  10# box of borax!

Sunflowers at the Farm

Before school started we needed one more trip to the farm. The sunflowers had already peaked and were starting to hang their heads but it was still fun to see how big they are. Of course there was mini bike riding. Pops must have gotten a head start because his weight definitely slows those babies down and Grant is usually flying!

Tanners in August

Who knew Tanner's Orchard was free in August?! We took advantage and had a play day!

Family Day at Work

The kids have never had the opportunity to see anything other than the outside of Brandon's building. It's a big mystery of where Daddy really goes everyday! But luckily they opened up the doors for family day and the kids got to see inside and play outside, as Brandon had his turn in the dunk tank! There was a super hero theme, so Ima made capes for them :)  It was really fun when Grant realized that his best friend's dad sits right across from Brandon at the office. "Do you guys get to eat lunch together like Zachary and I do?!"

Hey we know that guy!

Elizabeth is 9!

Again, a non-party year for Elizabeth too but she got to celebrate two nights because Pops was gone on her birthday. So we went out to dinner one night and I cooked her birthday meal the next night. It is pretty hard to believe that this little lady is already 9! She makes us so proud and it an absolute joy to watch her blossom.

This girl loves this girl!  I can tell who is walking down the hall just by looking at Auggie's tail and no one says "Auggie!!" like Elizabeth.  

Moe's for a birthday lunch

Hand blown glass "purse" that we bought in Canada when she wasn't looking - we are sneaky like that!

New Emoji pajamas

A trip to the pottery shop

Blizzard birthday cake was the request this year!

Dinner with Ima at Granite City

The birthday measuring - she is still growing!

Birthday meal request: Sweet & Sour Chicken

Why does Grant not have a shirt on?!

The annual birthday quiz...

1) WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Elizabeth

2) HOW OLD ARE YOU? 9

3) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? Pink

4) WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND? Taylor

5) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? A vet, a teacher or a photographer

6) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? SING!

7) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW? Project MC2

8) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? Nancy Clancy

9) WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? Swimming

10) WHAT MAKES YOU SAD? When I get in trouble

11) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? Steak and Sweet & Sour Chicken

12) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG? Any Taylor Swift song

13) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GAME TO PLAY? Life

14) WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT? Amazon Echo (really everything!)

We love you to the moon and back Elizabeth Brooklyn!

St.Jude Run 2017

This year was my third year to run and Brandon's second year to be involved. We had a great day to run and raise money for the kids of St.Jude! Thank you to all who help support these efforts. This is a charity and that is dear to our family's hearts. I am still trying to talk Brandon into counting the money AND running with me next year!

Another record for the Washington run!!