Sigh...is summer really almost over?

We had registration for school today. From 8 - 12 today I sat in the gym and sold yearbooks and felt somewhat depressed that we were preparing for a new school year. I really do love my job, and after what I went through to keep it in the spring, I am thankful to have it. Living with pretty much no schedule for the past 2 months has been wonderful - well...I must be honest, it is nice to stay up late and sleep in the next day, but kids really do much better on a schedule filled with activities and routine. Especially my 2 children. Ansley is so ready for school she dreams about it every night. Jamey asked her tonight, "Are you ready for school?" And she answered so seriously and sincerely, "Oh Yes Daddy." Stephen did well today in his new class at daycare. I only called twice to check on him and they swore he was a happy man (would they tell me if he wasn't? I don't know). He was happy when I got there - that meant a lot to me.

We have had a great summer. HEre are a few pictures of the kids playing in the back yard tonight. We had a new giant patio poured in the backyard so the kids have been lapping it on tricycles and other riding toys. There is also a HUGE amount of red dirt that seems to call to Stephen. Here is a picture of Stephen after he went head first down the slide into the red dirt. (notice the head full of red dirt)

Here are a few more pictures of our adventures in the backyard. My mom loves taking the kids outside. Today they spent at least 30 minutes playing Mary Poppins while carrying their umbrellas. My mom can be Mr. Banks one minute and then easily transforms into Jane or Michael. Ansley loves it.

My first attempt at blogging my family

Ok - Jamey is not totally on board with my new found interest in blogging our family. But I am hoping that it will be so much easier than attempting to email out pictures several times a month! I will try my best to keep up with it and hopefully I can do it. I am inspired by several friends who have AWESOME blogs!

Here is a picture of Ansley and Stephen before the Wiggles show last night - I am not sure what Stephen is thinking....

For those who do not know who the Wiggles are, I feel very sorry for you. I must admit it, I love the Wiggles - not as much as Stephen who would watch them 24 hours a day. But I do love them - especially in comparison to shows such as Yo Gabba Gabba (which is a favorite of Melia!). Anyway - I was sort of ticked off about the cost of the tickets - especially when Ticketmaster decides to add an $11 "convenience" fee to the cost of each ticket - but it was so great. We all had a great time. I am going to try to post some pictures of the show. This first pic is of Sam - the newest wiggle - sadly, Greg - the original yellow wiggle - is no longer with the show. But Sam is great too. He came right up the aisle next to our seats and all the kids loved it.
At the end of the show - they told all the kids to stand and the Wiggles clapped for the kids - Ansley was CONVINCED they were clapping specifically for her.


Stephen starts back to daycare tomorrow. We don't actually start school until August 11th, but I was thinking a slow transition process from home with mommy and daddy 24/7 back to daycare would be good for all of us. (Please God let him like it!) We went by and met his teachers and they seem really great. His new class will get to play outside each day and that is something new for him.
Ansley will be in K4 soon - although she is ready to go right now! I will post some pictures of her in her uniform soon.

Please remember this is a work in progress - but check back in soon.