Back to School

3 of my kids went back to school at the end of August.  Claire started 2nd grade and is in Mrs. Kunz's class.  Owen started Kindergarten with Mrs. Marley, and Chad started his second full year of college (as a married man).  The kids were very excited to go back to school.  They even got up when asked for about a week.  (I wish it could last longer).  Owen didn't start school the same day as Claire since he is in Kindergarten.  They always start a few days later than the other kids.  He goes to school on Tuesday and Thursday, and every other Monday.  Yes it is very confusing, but it helps that I have a Kindergarten supplement class on the days he doesn't have school.  

 Claire has decided against cutting her hair this year, but letting the bangs grow out.  We will see how long it lasts.

 A big thank you to my friend Jodie who took this picture of Claire at school.  Chad was already at school and I didn't want to get all the kids up and ready.

 Owen ready for the first day.

In line ready to go into the building.  He was so happy that his friends, Stephanie, Maddi, Gavin, and Isaac are all in his class.

Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime

You spend time playing games outside.

Go on a lot of walks!

Visit family

Eat lots of yummy BBQ.

Go bowling - a lot!!

Visit the zoo

Have some serious dance parties.

Play outside

Go swimming

Pick and can many jars of beans

Freak out when you realize that school starts soon, and you haven't done anything but play all summer.  Time to get back to reality and prepare 3 preschool classes.  I will see you all after Labor Day when I come up for air.

The "Big Boat"

Our last night at Grandma GG's we got to go out in their  Pontoon Boat.  The kids were so excited.  They couldn't believe how big the boat was, and that there were tables on it when we ate dinner.  We rode out on the lake, and then we all got to jump in.  All of my kids got in, which was a shock.  Grant was pushing the others out of his way so he could get in.  They had a blast swimming with Uncle Jim and Grandma Farmer.  Ava wasn't quite sure about the water for awhile, but as long as I was holding her, and pushing her life jacket down, she was happy.  She loved when the boat was driving, and when Grandpa turned on the music she just stood up and danced the whole way back to the dock.  It was so much fun to watch the kids have such a great time.

Fun at Grandma GG's

The kids and I went on a trip to visit my Grandma and Grandpa Bock with my mom.  My grandparents  had never met Ava, and the kids absolutely love Grandma GG.  We traveled there on Monday (11 hours in the car with 4 kids - YIKES!), and then we stayed for 3 days before driving back on Friday.  The kids and I stayed at Heathers Sunday night and Friday night, and headed home early Saturday morning.  While we were at Grandma's house the kids played outside in the water, we made a train out of all the boxes, and finished up their school shopping.  We were so glad to get to visit them, along with my Uncle Jim and Aunt Karen.  The kids had so much fun, and keep asking me if they can go back soon.  I would take them there all the time if it wasn't such a long drive!

Ava loved dessert this night.  She found Owen's plate and was licking it off the plate.

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Their box train didn't last long after they decided it needed to go in the sprinklers.

My Not So Little Girl!

It always makes me so sad when your little baby because a not so little baby. Ava has become my not so little girl anymore. She is walking everywhere, and so proud of herself. She is so busy, and loves to be outside. She definitely knows what she wants at will yell at me until I give it to her. She is such a little chatterbox, and is always cracking me up. She loves babies, and stuffed animals and will give them hugs and kisses all day long. She also loves babies, and will talk your ear off while their is a baby in your arms. She is so much fun to have around.

She was standing outside on the back porch trying to figure out how to get down to the kids playing out back.

One of her many babies that she loves.

Island Park Reunion

Every year Chad's family has a family reunion at his grandparents cabin in Island Park.  This year we had a ski boat, and the kids were so happy, along with their dad.  I don't have very many pictures, but I will get a few more from Jessica when I have a chance.  We spent two days skiing, tubing, and eating.  We actually got all the kids out on the tube, and Claire went all by herself.  She was so proud of herself, and I was too.  The kids always love sleeping in the big room with their cousins.  Both Chad and I were sore the next day and very tired, but we had a great time.