This picture captures how fierce she was feeling in her new duds (and sparkle toe shoes she calls them). She didn't want me to do her hair. She has her own style all figured out. Ben was all about the photo shoot even though preschool doesn't start for a few days.
Sammy woke up good, but he got a little too wound up and he felt like this as we left for his big first day of 2nd grade.
They both have really sweet, wonderful teachers. I feel so blessed to know they're in good hands this year. Lucy found her desk quickly and made friends with a few other little girls at the table. She was a bit miffed that one of the other girls thought she was 4 because she was shorter than her. Otherwise, I think the day went well for her.
School starting felt kinda like Christmas to me! I loved our carefree, fun-seeking summer, but I'm wearing down in this last trimester of pregnancy and being the "cruise director" got a bit tiring in the end there. As I arrived home with Ben and Ben alone, I felt like a new woman! He helped me with my chores, we played outside, and we finally made the treat he's been asking for for months since it was his turn to choose for family home evening. We have a magazine with these "charming little cakes" on the cover. It says something like "easiest baked goods ever!" next to it. Well, Sandra Lee, I beg to differ. Luckily, Ben seemed completely satisfied with the finished product.
Here's the pic from the magazine:
My version of the charming little cake. The kids still gobbled them up.
He definitely missed his siblings. Him and Sam got to be quite the wrestlers by the end of summer. I know it's in a boys nature to be physical but it's just against my nature to sit back and watch the grappling which inevitably turns to someone crying. So I didn't miss it. But when Ben suddenly asked me today "Mom, can I sit on your head?" I really wished Sam were there and I think Ben did too.
By the way -- It's a BOY! We're having a boy and have known awhile, I just haven't posted forever. Yeah for more wrestling matches, right? Actually, yeah for more Lucy-Mommy dates since she has solidified her position as princess of the family and now totally earned that extra attention. 6 weeks to go of pregnancy and then we'll get to meet our newest little nacho libre.
As an attempt to fill in summer gaps, here's a short list of what we'll remember most about this summer:
Searching for the King of the Red-Bum monkeys at the zoo (Grandpa said he was the king of the Red-Bum monkeys and that's something by boys will never forget). We only caught a glimpse, so this sign had to suffice for our proof of the existence of said red-bum monkey.
Swimming at Nellie's and getting spoiled with oodles of popsicles and rootbeer.
Lake Mead with cousins -- we survived a sudden storm with lightning and wind that drove us off the lake once it got calm enough to travel on it. Otherwise -- beautiful weather and water and lots of sunburns to prove it.
Kidnapping Daddy on National Cow Appreciation Day.
And a few sweet moments like this mixed in to remind me that what happens at home matters most.
