Claire's First Day of Kindergarten

I can hardly believe that Claire has started Kindergarten. She actually had two first day of school, which is why she had on different clothes in some of the pictures. Monday was orientation, and she was so mad that I wouldn't just let her go by herself. She actually picked up her backpack and told me she was leaving. We can see the school from our house, but there are 2 streets she would have to cross, so there is no way that is happening yet. She is also having a hard time understanding that you just can't go to school when you are dressed and ready to go. She is in afternoon Kindergarten, which works well with my schedule, but I think she would rather go earlier. Her real first day was yesterday, and it was a little hard to leave her out on the playground. She just stood there and watched us walk away. I couldn't get any pictures of her in her classroom, because they don't go in until the teacher is done with lunch. I guess I will be the crazy picture taking mom at school parties and back to school night. She had the cutest conversation with Owen before she left:
"Owen, I'm going to kindergarten - are you going to miss me?"
"Owen, will you miss me?"
Owen then says in his nonchalant way, "Yes." Which he really did - he could hardly wait for us to go and get her. This will be an adjustment for all of us. She had a great first day of school, and can't wait to go back tomorrow. Hopefully her enthusiasm will continue all year.

Is there a meaning behind this?

This is how I found my kids the other day:

I'm guessing there is going to be a flood soon, we need to be prepared. They were really zoned in on the T.V., and I thought it was so funny - Claire is ready for her first day of school, and Owen, well, I'm just not sure!

Camping 2009

This is the last and only family camping trip we took this summer. After Trek and Girls Camp, I have no desire to camp, and it isn't the easiest thing with a baby on a bottle, but we did have a lot of fun on this trip. We had hot dogs, and marshmallows, stayed up way to late (Owen slept in until I woke him up at 10:00), enjoyed time with our friends, and then got in a few 4 wheeler rides before heading home. It was a fun time, but we were so tired when we got home that everyone crashed - it was nice to have a nap on a Saturday afternoon.

11 Months Old

Grant is 11 months old, and has finally decided that it is time to move. He mastered the moving in a circle thing awhile ago, and then moved onto getting on his hands and knees, but then not knowing what to do once he was there. Finally he learned to do this funny crawl, where one leg pushes, while the other leg is tucked under. I've decided it is just so it is that much easier for him to get back in a sitting position - he is just preparing for the future - what a boy scout! He also loves to stand on anything, and is getting quite good at pulling himself up. He does not anyone but his mom, but will settle for dad if he has to. He loves dogs, and will laugh at them over anything else. He also loves Cheerios. So far the only thing I can actually get him to feed himself. He has 7 teeth, with more on the way. We are so grateful to have Grant in our family.

Bathroom Helpers

I have a confession, I hate cleaning bathrooms. We have 3 bathrooms in our house - so I really, really hate cleaning bathrooms. I decided a couple of weeks ago, that there was no reason that I had to clean all three bathrooms, the kids could pitch in and help out. They actually do a great job - I just stand by and supervise, and wring out cloths when necessary. Claire loves cleaning the sink, Owen loves cleaning the toilet, and they both share the bathtub. It is fun to watch them work and accomplish something. They insist on scrubbing the floor, so usually I have a huge puddle in there when they are done, but one swipe of the towel, and we have a wonderfully clean bathroom. Lets hope they stay excited for this job for a long time!

Bock Family Reunion

The main reason we went to California was to go to the Bock family reunion. I don't remember ever going to one of them, because apparently the last one was 30 years ago. I was so happy to see that the place they were having it at was like a park. The kids even found a lizard which Owen of course wanted to take home. There were swings, slides, and the greatest little lake. The kids could walk out very far, and it finally cured Owen of his fear of water. The kids were in the water for 5 hours straight, with a break for lunch. Once they hit the car, they were out, and didn't wake up until the next morning. Grant loved to swim too, and we all had a great time. I will have to get some more pictures from Heather because she has a lot of pictures of the people there. We had a great time on our trip to California, and can't wait to go back for Christmas.

Grant's First Haircut

While we were in California, my mom and Grandma talked me into letting them cut his hair. I love his hair!! It is so cute with all the little curls, so I was really nervous for them to do it, but it really did need a little bit cut off the top. Thankfully it is still curly and as cute as ever. He actually didn't mind the haircut thing because he got to eat a cracker and get lots of attention - two things that he loves!