Catching Up

These past few weeks have been a couple of busy ones!

Sadly, school has once again begun. I really hate this time of year. I love having my kids at home in the summer time. It always is so hard for me to send them back to school! I really hate that they are gone away from home more than they are home. Oh well, life must go on....



Emma started 2nd grade on the 20th! I can't believe my little girl is getting so big. He teacher is someone who Shon went to high school with, which is kinda cool. Unfortunately its not off to a great start, the 2nd day in she told me that 2nd grade is boring! I can see what she means though - does anyone else think that the jump from 1st to 2nd is a little overwhelming? It seams that in 1st is still pretty much arts and crafts all day long with a little addition thrown into the mix. When I got the outline for her upcoming year I was a little shocked at how much she was doing this year in comparison. I have walked by her class a couple times since she started because I happened to be at the school, and each time the teacher was standing at the board writing something and the entire class looked like they were going to fall out of their chairs from pure boredom. So I would have to say this is going to take some getting used to! On a happier note she did say its getting "a little funner".



Parker started Kindergarten a week later. He was so excited, he woke up, got himself dressed, teeth brushed and bed made before he even woke any of the rest of us up! Once we got there, the nerves started and he wanted to go home (breaks a moms heart!). He was very quite when I picked him up, still really unsure about everything. But the 2nd day was much better and today he said, was just as great. It is crazy how fast they grow up - I know everyone says this but it really does seams like just yesterday that I was holding him for the first time in the hospital.



And finally, Emma turned 7 on Saturday! I can't believe we have a 7 year old. She is becoming quite the Young woman. As I mentioned before I was so sad to have her go back to school. She has become my little friend and biggest helper. At night, I always try to ask her how her day goes,and through our conversations it amazes me that her little mind is growing up too! She is such a great big sister and an amazing helper. She is always right there for me when I need help with any of the boys, and especially Benson. Benson adores her, and she is sometimes the only one besides me and her dad that can calm him down. The week before school started I was in the shower and she was taking care of Benson for me, she got him to sleep and then made everyone lunch by the time I was dressed. How great is that?! And what is even more wonderful is that she enjoys doing it! So, I'm sad to have her away for so long, not just because she a great helper but because we all miss her!

She was able to have a friend birthday party this year, which she has been counting down to for the last 6 weeks. A couple of her friends were sick :( but those that did come had a great time. We went swimming at the AF center and then to a park for cake (which Alaina made) and presents. That night she wanted to try Tepenyaki steak house since she has heard me talk so much about it (it's my fav). All the kids had such a great time watching the food being cooked in front of them. It was really a lot of fun! We love you Emma - happy 7th birthday!