Elizabeth's first Day of school.

Yeah Elizabeth was well enough to go back to school . I woke her up with her favorite thing, the smell of bacon in the oven.
This year she picked out her backpack and her outfit. I stepped aside and let her. I thought she was adorable. She also wanted her hair down and straightened.

These cute little striped shoes were a great find at Tilly's. Elizabeth HATES wearing shoes. It's a nightmare to shop for them with her. So the fact that she loves these and claims they are comfortable is a miracle.

Heading into class with her new teacher Mrs. hicks.

First Day Of School

Tuesday morning only Ethan headed back to school. Elizabeth, poor thing, woke up with a stomach bug. She threw up all over, and had to stay home. My heart just broke for her!! It was a rough morning. She was so excited to start, and so disappointed to miss the first day. Luckily she was feeling better by the afternoon. And able to go the second day.

It was a big step for me, but I even let the kids pick their own back to school outfits. Ethan had to have this Rockstar shirt. And his cool new shoes.

Off we go. I didn't get a cool outfit for the first day, in case you didn't notice. hehe


Due to the mornings illness, we were running a bit behind.
So yes we had breakfast on the road. As you can see Eric wasn't too thrilled to send his brother off to school.

I got chocked up when I hugged him goodbye in the parking lot. but I stayed composed. But here's the moment I almost completely lost it. These boys have been constant companions. My two little babies. How did I go from carrying them in both arms, to sending one off to school? When the lady behind them walked by and giggled saying how cute.. I though oh lady you have no idea! I just love my little boys!

Ethan's new teacher Mrs. Gentry.

This is Ethan's buddy scout. They are in primary together, and have a lot of fun together.

Ethan reported every detail on his first day of school when he got home. He was so excited to have met the principal. has another boy names Ethan in his class. Climbed to the top of the monkey bars. Ate lunch with Scout and opened her crackers for her. Took a rest time, even though he felt fine, and got to sit at the desks, and the table. I was so thrilled he loved it. I neve doubted he would. Fortunately he got through his first day. By 4:00 he was on the couch with a tummy ache. Throwing up through the evening, he'll be missing the second day.

Back to School Dinner August 2011

The night before school starts I like to do something special for the kids for dinner. Just to help get them excited, and help calm any nerves. I like to have something they love for dinner. I found some of these really cute ideas online. Thank goodness for the internet. It was a busy day we had meet the teacher for Ethan, and he needed a haircut. The weekend was so busy we weren'table to get to it. I hope my kids realize one day that I do all these fun little things to show them how much I love them.

I even stole the cute centerpiece idea from online. These cute colorful notebooks were only .40 at Target. The kids were happy to each pick one out when we were done. Why are notebooks so exciting to get? I don't know, but I'm a sucker for a cute one myself.
I made the banner last year, when the kids started school. The Chalkboard was in the garage from Jamie and Prescela's wedding. And The subway art was a free printable I found online.

Ever seen a kid so excited about hand sanitizer? Only Ethan. We were at Bath and Body earlier in the week buying apple soap for their teachers. Ethan was begging to buy one of these little hand sanitizers. They had all kinds of back to school scents; pb&j, 2cool, juice box, etc. Ethan kept beggin to even buy one with his own money. But mean old mom just said no. Of course I figured they'd be a perfect little back to school goodie. He picked up this Halloween one with bones on it and said, " If you WOULD letme get one, THIS is what I would get." So he was so excited to find it at his seat!

I thought these apple drinks I found online were so cute. Just fruit punch crystal light, then a leaf on the straw, and a gummie worm over the edge of the glass.

Started dinner off with salad and fruit cups. Then yes I broke down, and they got puizza!

Elizabeth got frosted sprinkled donut hand sanitizer.

The best part of eating all your dinner is always desert. No I did not make cake pops. I will say it over and over , I do not do cakes like my sisters! I cheat by donuts, dip them in chocolate, and think how discusted Julie would be at my sloppy work.But hey these kids still look

happy to me!!

Mateo's Birthday Party

We had mateo's Birthday Party at our house last month. It was perfect weather for everyone to be outside. They played games, wore transformer masks, and had a pinata.

For my boys the CANDY had to be the best part!!

All the guys played ball,

Elizabeth and Sierra look busted!

A day at the park.

One thing I really miss about AZ is riding bikes. Here we don't have bike lanes, and there aren't long uninterrupted sidewalks. So we just don't get out as much.

This night we rode to the park up the street to do homework, and play. I have to leave the house sometimes, so we can play and not work. There's just always something to get busy on at home, and we need to spend more time playing with the kids.

We practiced a little softball with the kids. Of course Elizabeth brought the dog along to play.

The sun went down, so it was time to go.

Family Home Evening

I will be the first to admit we are not consistant every week with our FHE. But we try. This night Elizabeth was teaching. Ethan here conducted the music for us. I know, terrible picture. But you had to see Samuel the Laminite. He's the Little People Noah, haha. He's on top of a wall of rice krispy treats. We threw marshmallows (stones) at him, while she taught the lesson.

Then of course we ate it all up! I got this FHe idea from a FHE swap group

I was in a few years ago. We love the kits, they are so helpful!