back to school madness!

So the fall, back to school madness is in full swing!  With 5 kids in 5 different places, its VERY busy!!

Addison started first grade at The Classical School.  This was her meet your teacher event before school started.  She dropped off her supplies, found her desk, and met her teacher, Mrs. Molen.

 Her desk!  I love that her class only has 13 kids in it!!!  

 Drew started 10th grade this year.  And yes, he is officially taller than me!

 My handsome boy.

 This photo cracks me up!!!  I believe this photo accurately represents how Jack really felt about school starting!!  (Not thrilled - but football season makes it worth it for him!)

 Here are some better pics of my 8th grader.

 He too is taller than me!  

 Avery started Pre-K.  It was pouring rain on her first day, so we took indoor pictures.

 She wanted to wear this yellow skirt outfit - she is very concerned with her outfits, which causes MANY conflicts, so I often just go with whatever she wants but this one was on of my favorites.

 Her sparkly pink backpack!

 Addison on her first day of first grade!

It was very cold the first day, which is weird, so she dug out the sweater I thought we wouldn't need until October!

 Avery's Pre-K had a back to school party and the girls wanted to get their faces painted!

My cuties!  Off to a great start and an eventful year!

Swimming - and they liked it!!!

With school starting up, there is not much time for swimming, but we were able to sneak in a little dip over the weekend.  I do want to point out that my girls FINALLY love the water!!!!  YAY!!!  Addison can actually swim - unassisted - and they both voluntarily jump in and go under water.  Its a true miracle!!! The girls were at a level 1 in swimming lessons for two straight years with no progress and lots and lots of tears so this is a monumental feat!!!

See the joy!!  She loves to swim now.  Unbelievable! 

She's putting on goggles so she can go under water!  

Yes...under the water!  

The girls wanted to pose for their picture underwater - yes, I did say underwater - so here they go!!

Deep breathe!

Under they go!!!

Below I took video of them jumping in!!  Just to prove to all of you who have seen their tears and heard about their dreaded swim lessons that it did FINALLY pay off!!! Victory is mine!

Off to College!

for Nick's sophomore year of college, he will be moving into a 3 bedroom house with a coupel friends.  Its a nice set-up - MUCH better than the dorms.  Here is a photo of the outside.

The side view.  

Here is his bedroom; messy, of course, but in his defense, we were still unpacking and moving him in.

 Here is Nick with his roomates: Jacob & Josh

all three boys are in the Army ROTC program whihc is how they all became friends.  

Notice Nick's face which says, "Mom, really!?!??!"  

 Here's a better picture.

 in front of the house.

 The living room.

 The deck, backyard and detached garage.

 The many pairs of army boots by the back door.

 Nick's bathroom.  Yes, he's spoiled...I worry he'll be so comfortable he won't want to come home!!

One last photo...I'm always sad to see him go.  He's so missed.  

Nick "Conquer the Gauntlet"

 My oldest son is in really good shape (I suppose being the Army ROTC program does that!)  So he and his uncle decided to participate in the obstacle/adventure races called "Conquer the Gauntlet"

 Here is crossing the bars. 

 This A frame obstacle was very difficult.  He had to climb up and down on  the inside.  

He really enjoyed the race and is looking forward to participating in another!