Back to School....already!

I can't believe that summer vacation is over. It flew by, and before I knew it, it was time.
Time to stock up on school supplies, time to pick out new school shoes and choose a new outfit for the first day of school. Time to get back in to the routine of early bed times and EARLY wake up alarms.

I can't believe that my children are growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that we were coaching them on things they should know in kindergarten. We were worried about them missing us and crying in school. We worried that they would spill their milk into their lunch tray, and be too afraid to tell the teacher. We were tying their shoes for them, and putting bows in their hair that matched their outfit. We were sharing the excitement of a new experience, pretending that we were so very confident....while wanting so badly to tell them not to go to school..just to stay home with us....forever.....

And now.... My youngest child.... is starting 6th grade. WOW. He is turning into such an amazing young man. He is such an intelligent boy, and has such an amazing , infectious sense of humor. He is quick witted and ready to make you laugh and smile....but is also ALWAYS quick to hug, kiss and snuggle up with me. He is so independent much of the time....but still loves that I tuck him in at bedtime where we always share our thoughts and dreams and extra hugs. I love that. Jake- you make me proud every single day. I love you!


And Emily, 8th grade! Where has the time gone?

I can't believe that my little freckled face girl with the bow in her hair is just so grown up. She is such an incredible young lady. She is so brilliant and creative, she amazes me! Emily has so much passion and commitment to her ideals. Emily is my quiet, sometimes shy, sometimes embarrassed little girl. She loves to talk, share her thoughts and snuggle. She is my "old soul". I love that!
Emily, You make me proud every single day. I love you!

Adventures in Babysitting

Yesterday we got to babysit our favorite little people...Kate and Camden. What fun! Emily and Jake were so excited. We had lots of fun. Cam chased the cat (Jake followed close behind to make sure that he did not catch her), Emily played Barbie horse ranch on the computer with Kate. We played with playdough...(Jake was not allowed to play because the playdough was pink...and pink is for girls.....according to Kate.) We enjoyed dinosaur shaped nuggets and smiley face fries for lunch.

It was a good day. It was a fun day. Emily and Jake liked babysitting....but neither one will be asking for a little brother or sister any time soon..... they realize how much work little people can be!!!

BRANSON BALLKNOCKERS

And this....is the Missouri Balknockers.

In essence it is a GIANT hamster ball that the brave (or the insane) climb into- strap themselves in....and get pushed down a giant hill. Sending the riders...tumbling head over heels down the hill.

Emily was ready to jump in right away. Jake- being a bit more cautious- took some time to get his nerves up.

Emily and Jake rode it two times. The first time they rode it strapped inside. The second time they were not strapped in....and they added 5 gallons of water inside, and plugged up the hole- making it a giant "water slide" inside the ball.

THEY LOVED IT!

I have video I hope to add to the post soon....so check back soon.