First Day of First

I still can't believe I have a first grader, but here we are! Last night Kate's school had an open house. Leading up to it she told me "I have 1,000 butterflies in my stomach!" Despite being nervous, she was very excited to check out her room. Here she is finding her desk (next to three other people from her kindergarten class!)

 And picking out her locker. 

This morning was raining, but luckily I had snapped a few "first grade photos" last week at her school. 

 And here she is by the front door this morning. She reported a great day: her teacher is funny, they had PE and Music, and she got to see her kindergarten teacher in the hallway. 

Preschool update: After writing this, I realized I never did a first day of preschool post for Andrew (poor second child). His first official day was in June and he went three times during the summer. He started full time on Friday and the first few days were rough with him not wanting to go. He would do fine once he got there, but cried when Jason dropped him off. I am happy to report that each day has gotten better and today there was no crying at all! His teacher said he is a great listener and always the first to the carpet when they are asked to go there. Now that there aren't hysterics I may try to take some "first day" photos. 

Fun Run!

This morning I ran a 5k with my friend and the kids ran their first fun run at Raccoon River. It was called Have a Heart, and it benefited children's cancer. They both had a lot of fun and did a great job!

Kate with her BFF Mia before the race. 

 Pre-run climbing to loosen the legs.

 And warming up with scarf dances. 

 Mia, Zoe, Kate & Andrew....the fabulous four!

 Pre-race huddle and motivational cheer.

 And they're off! Five & under went first and ran a quarter of a mile. 

 Andrew went for the run/walk method and had a strong finish!

 A hug from big sister when he was done. 

 His first medal!

 Kate was up next. Her race was 1/2 a mile!

 Cheering on big sister!

 Kate also used the run/walk strategy. 

 And should have received an award for the happiest finisher. ;)

 So proud of these two!

 A post race refuel of chocolate milk and a granola bar and then a cool down in the lake. Here's to hoping this was the first of many races!

Last Days of Summer

I truly cannot believe that summer is over. It went SO quickly this year (but I guess I say this every year). This summer was definitely our best yet: the weather was great, there were so many fun things to do, and the kids are old enough that I can take a shower without worrying about what they are getting into!

During the last two weeks of summer, we tried to jam as much fun in as possible. Success!

My fabulous friend Jenny brought her three boys from Cedar Rapids to play for the day. It was rainy, so we spent a fun few hours at an indoor play area. Andrew's favorite was the air hockey.

The five kids played SO well together, which gave Jenny and I some time to catch up!

 

Kate's back to school shopping. This year she was able to read the list herself and find most of it on her own. 

 Morning cartoons. 

 Our first time bowling. 

 This ramp, along with bumpers, made for some awesome bowlers!

On Tuesday it was gorgeous outside, so I took the kids to an arboretum a bit outside of town. We had the entire place to ourselves and we spent a few hours climbing, exploring, and throwing rocks into the pond. 

 Last night we went to our first Iowa Cubs game. The kids had earned tickets through the summer reading program at the library and they exceeded our expectations on how long it held their attention (with the help of snacks, of course).

 After getting tired of Andrew asking for EVERY treat he saw, I told him that if he asked about food one more time we were going home to eat lima beans, Brussel sprouts and broccoli. So he was thrilled when I surprised them with cotton candy. 

 And finally, today the kids and I spent some time downtown. Andrew made up a hopscotch game on the Iowa county map where they would throw a rock and then hop to the county where it landed. So much fun. 

I say it every year, but it's true: I am so blessed to have the summers to spend with these two. As fall starts, I will miss the lazy mornings, fun adventures, time outside, and just spending time together. I am excited to see what this school year brings for all of us...I have a feeling it's going to be a good one!