First Day of School

I'm fully aware that the first day of school was well over a month ago.. but let's just pretend I'm better at writing things in a more timely manner.

Gracen started second grade this year, which means more homework, and harder homework. She's just such an active kid that it's kind of hard for me still to send her off to school for 8 hours a day. Don't get me wrong she's a smart kid, but unfortunately she inherited my attitude towards grade school. The 'what's the point of all this' attitude. So we're working on it. She's come a long ways in reading since last year and it's pretty amazing to watch. I'm horrible help to her (zero patience - thank goodness I didn't want to be a teacher). But now that everything's clicking, we're starting to read some chapter books and I truly hope she develops a love of reading that matches my own. (Except maybe just don't try to read during school ok? Teachers frown upon reading a chapter book while you're supposed to be reading your history book. Just ask Aunt Nanie.)

We were a little late to Gracen's classroom because she wanted to go with me to drop off Hadley. Sorry Miss Wilkerson!

We had to sneak a pic with Miss W on the second day of school since were running late on day one. #typical

She didn't want to smile with her teeth this year since she lost her top teeth. But I promise she was excited. And I'm also wondering how long she'll let me keep doing her hair the exact same way on the first day of school! (Answer at least through 8th grade! ha) It was also HER idea to curl her hair. She likes to be fancy.


Sending Hadley off to kindergarten wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. I mean I was still teary eyed and sentimental (par for the course) but girlfriend was ready. We had a countdown for over a month on when school would start. The first day she was only there about an hour and half, and the second day was a half day. That night she was so excited because "tomorrow we get to go for EIGHT WHOLE HOURS!". Who is this kid?

"Mom it's time for school - stop taking my picture!"

I'm so excited that she's so excited. It's just amazing to me how totally different she is from her sister. Despite how many times we're asked if they're twins, they couldn't be anymore different in personality. Hadley despises bows and was so embarrassed I made her wear it to school. HA! I'm only getting started sweet girl. This kid is already reading by herself, does her math homework in no time flat, and even when she's done, she wants to do more. Hallelujah for this kid! I'm not entirely sure how she's so independent at 6 (tear) but it's a joy to watch, and really it's all her - her parents take no credit for it. We hit the studious genetic jackpot with her.

I mean really - it does not get much cuter than this. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE uniforms??

And just like that we're off. Before I know it, it will be Christmas break! I mean can someone please explain to me how it's already a day away from OCTOBER?!

God speed to all the fellow parents out there sending their littles back to school (ya know a month ago...) May you have the patience and calmness of a saint during homework time! St Ann - pray for us!

Worlds of Fun

I have a very vivid memory of the first time I ever rode a roller coaster. It was on our annual summer trip to World's of Fun with my Mom, sisters and Aunt, and for the first time my sister Steph and I were tall enough to ride the roller coasters. We got in line for the beloved Zambezi-zinger (RIP). We both started panicking and crying. My Mom most likely laughing, would not let us anywhere near the chicken exit. I'm sure the workers that day were highly amused by the spectacle we were making. Despite our begging and pleading she dragged us on literally kicking and screaming. Now if you're familiar with the classic coaster it spirals upwards towards the top and took its sweet time. We cried the whole way up. By the time it actually started going down hill we were both laughing and having a blast. Maybe even holding our hands up throughout the ride, and then running back in line as soon as it was over. #embarrassing

Fast forward to this summer when my Aunt was in town and we took my girls on our own annual trip to World's of Fun. I spent some time beforehand checking out the height requirements for all the rides and measured both girls. Unfortunately my measuring skills were apparently a little off and the only ride they were both tall enough for was Spinning Dragons, and Gracen was barely tall enough to do Fury of the Nile.

The Grand Carousel is always a favorite. And of course the Flying Dutchman. We were pretty lucky this year that even though it was quite warm out (that's what we get for going in August!) there weren't any lines.

Except of course the Spinning Dragons. I don't know if it's because only 4 people go on it at a time, or if it's because it's the ride the most people can go on, but 45 minute line. In the baking sun. As you can imagine we only made it on once.

I'm not sure which was more fun, the roller coaster, or playing in the water waiting in line.

They were nervous/excited but overall were just kind of like oh a roller coaster? Cool. So no fun traumatic story like my own. Whatevs. I am glad I got to document it though!

Such an awesome day! I do hope that 20 years from now, they look back on these memories as fondly as I do.

But we all know I'm a sap. #Sigh

Birthday Bash 2015

I can't tell you the last time I had a birthday "party". Sure I celebrate every year, usually more than once might I add, but never really a "party". Well, you only turn 30 once, and your baby (yes BABY) whose birthday is the day after yours, only turns 1 once. And when there just so happens to be 3 other gents who all have birthdays that week too, well it turns into a birthday bash.

Every great birthday bash needs a theme. Enter: the circus. My sisters and I started planning months in advance, because well it takes us a while to get into gear. I originally wanted a pastel themed circus, because there were just so many fun ideas on Pinterest for a pastel circus for a baby girl's first birthday. However, as this was a party for 5 different people, we stuck with traditional circus colors. It ended up working out better that way since it was around the 4th of July and everything decor wise was red white and blue.

The guest list was pretty extensive, but it ended up being a pretty good size. Most people are out of town for the 4th. Of course I would have loved to see everyone but smaller is usually better especially when P's involved.

There was of course a bounce house - best money I've ever spent for entertainment. We had it pretty much all day, and even the adults had a blast with it. (and of course it just so happened to be circus colors)

We most likely over-thought the food, but hey you only have Birthday Bash 2015 once! It was all fantastic, and my favorite part was the cupcakes with the animals jumping through the hoops. I originally wanted to spray paint them gold, but the Mr was being a debbie downer and didn't think I should put that on something people would eat. #wahwah

 

I was worried pretty much all week about the weather, but it turned out great. For being July, it wasn't too uncomfortably hot. And I have to say the best part was watching Parker and her cake. She wanted nothing to do with it, even when I tried giving it to her on a fork.

Overall we had a blast, and are thankful for another year to celebrate!