Back to School 2016

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from this morning!

Preston ready to take on FIRST grade!

They are both so ready for school to start!!

Savannah ready to start FIFTH grade!

It's hard to believe that summer is officially over.  We've been on so many fun adventures and spent lots of lazy days at home too.  Although it went fast, we all agree that it's definitely time for school to start. :)

This might be the first time I didn't drive them on the first day of school, but when your fifth grader begs to ride the bus I guess it's okay.  They were racing to the bus stop in this picture.  Savannah couldn't wait to finally be able to ride in the back seat.  Although, when she got home she did say that it was quite the bumpy ride being in the back. :)

Savannah and Katie sporting matching shorts

So off they go!  I know it's going to be an incredible year filled with lots of learning and fun.  I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for them and trust Him completely with this year.

Twas the Night Before School

 Whitmore Block Party!!

We had planned a block party for weeks but unfortunately it was rained out for Saturday night.  So we just moved it to Sunday a bit earlier!  It was such a fun event being able to meet all of our new neighbors and let the kids play together . . and the food was delish too!  Thankfully some of the moms starting packing it up around 7pm and everyone headed in for the back to school bedtime routine.

Preston couldn't wait to read his letter from Mrs. Safran and sprinkle the confetti under his pillow to take away the jitters.  After he read his letter, I read the book that Ms. Bridges gave him last year to read before first grade.

The clothes are all laid out, lunches ready, prayers said, and so we're officially ready for Back to School 2016-2017!!  Bring on one amazing year of 1st and 5th grade!

Friday Festivities

Friday morning started off with the annual meet the teacher event!  After the whole k/1 combo mess, when Mrs. Safran called last week I literally cried tears of joy.  She taught Savannah in first grade and it was an amazing experience so I was hoping Preston would also get her.  Thankfully, he did (finally)!!

After talking with Mrs. Safran and snapping a picture, we headed to the spirit wear table to help out before it was time for Savannah's meet the teacher.

She got Mr. Grabon!!  This will be her first experience with a male teacher, but from what we hear (and from what I know from subbing for his class) he's a super funny guy!  Word on the street is that he's also great at bringing shy kids "out of their shell" so this seems like a perfect fit.  I cannot wait for school to start.  I truly have such a peace about both of their teachers.

After meet the teacher and a quick lunch we headed to the pool one last time with the Marions.  Another family from church showed up too so the kids had a super fun time swimming until it was time to go home for dinner.  Then the fun continued, as right after dinner Dave took Preston to Carmel for the first grade celebration event.

They had a great time learning together about how things are a bit different in Children's ministry.  Mrs. Lee talked about big church, gave Preston a church bag filled with fun things, they all had icecream sundaes, and dressed up like super heros too!

We're getting SO close to back to school and the pieces seem to be falling right into place for a fabulous year!

A Final Trip to Carowinds

We planned one last summertime trip to Carowinds today.  It was fun to meet up with my friend Robin and her crew, who I hadn't seen in forever!!   The kids had a blast  . . . and with little to no wait at all for the rides they were able to do everything they wanted (some rides multiple times) before lunch!

Great Wolf Lodge Surprise Trip

Dave and I decided to surprise the kids with one last fun summer adventure before school starts next week.  We were a bit bummed that our family didn't get to our own beach get-away this summer, but I think this adventure more than made up for it . . and it was certainly a lot closer to home!

They both went CRAZY when we told them at dinner on Monday that we were going to Great Wolf Lodge. Savannah and Preston both have been begging to go again and were SO surprised that we were actually taking them this summer!

Dave took a 1/2 day from work on Tuesday and met us there right after lunch.  It didn't take us long to hit the water as we were already wearing our swimsuits.  I have to say this time was much more fun for me as I was a bit adventurous and tried lots more slides than last time.  We left briefly for a Chick fil A dinner and then went right back to the waterpark to close it down.  We all had a blast!!

Bright and early, waiting for the waterpark to open at 9am

Dave left for work early this morning but the kids and I went right back to the waterpark for several hours again. It was super, super fun!

All in all it was an amazing trip.  It's nice to be so close to home for such a fun adventure . . . and at the bargain price of $141 for everything it was well worth every penny!  Only a few days to go until school starts . . .

Lots of Summer Fun

The past few weeks have been full of summer fun! One day last week our sweet friends the Taylors invited us to their pool for some fun.  It was SO good to see them and know that they are finally back HOME in Charlotte.  The kids had a blast playing together and boy was it nice to sit and chat with Donna and Jessica!

In addition to many family game nights, we played this new disgusting jelly bean game one night after dinner.  The kids were begging for it from Hallmark so when I got a 40% off coupon I agreed they could buy it with their money.  It was hilarious seeing the reactions to nasty jelly bean flavors.

We've spent MANY days at the pool with lots of different friends.  This day was super fun because there were four different families there from church, which means the kids had tons of friends to play with!

I also got a bit adventurous and tried to make ice sidewalk chalk one day.  According to Preston it was a bust, but I think they still had fun writing on the driveway. :)

We've also been to the movies to see The Secret Life of Pets, had a movie night at home to watch Angry Birds, enjoyed many play dates with special friends, started consignment sale season, and even been to several birthday parties.

 Preston having a blast at Maks' party climbing at Inner peaks!

We wrapped up this week with a super busy Saturday.  After taking Preston to a party we rushed home to get ready for the back to school Y Guides pool party!  It was a relaxing afternoon spent watching the kids play, enjoying delicious food, and just socializing with the moms.  Afterwards we even snuck in a quick trip to Ben & Jerry's for ice-cream treats!

We have one week of summer left . . . I wonder what adventures await us this week?!?

Happy 38th to Mom!

With my birthday falling on Saturday this year, it had to start with a long run!  After that was over the fun began. :)  The kids surprised me with new running headphones and a replacement 13.1 magnet for my car. Of course we enjoyed dinner out at Red Robin and topped it off with ice-cream out at TCBY/Baskin Robbins using our freebie coupons.

I have to say that 38 doesn't feel any different . .  but the grayer hair and older children remind me that I am indeed aging fast!  Here's to another great year!