September Training= Single Mommy

I think Dan's been gone for trainings/deployments about 6 of the last 18 months. It's really nothing compared to the soldiers gone for long deployments, but for this mama, it's been a lot! Dan's missed half of the girls' birthdays and about 1/3 of the boys' birthdays. This time he was gone all of September to complete his officer training. It was only a month, and it happened to be the first month of school so we were really busy! But we missed him a lot!

He missed the first day of dance for the girls.

 He missed Joshua's first day of hip hop class.

 

And so much more! And when he got home we were so very very excited. Meeting him at the airport was a real treat!

 

 



First Day of Preschool

The first day of the last year of preschool. I'll never have another first day of preschool. *sniff*

Last year was a struggle. So, we changed locations and started doing a co-op this year. That means that the parents are active participants in the school. As in, we volunteer once a week and we have a say in the budget, etc. It's really kinda neat.


On the first day (in September, yes I'm behind on blogging) they were really excited. And really really nevous! But, because I know they are better with slow transitions, I stayed the entire first and second day and then weaned out of the classroom. With great success!

 

Coincidentally, the preschool is housed in the same location as our wedding! So, we have a picture of Dan and I walking out of this door on these steps in our wedding attire. It's really neat to be in the same place. Like coming back home. ;)

First Day of Second Grade

*Sniff* *Sniff* Summer is over. I'm happy for the routine and for a slight break. But, I want the time with my kids and I have a hard time letting go. That being said they seem to have a great teacher, Mrs. Olsen and are really enjoying school.

Stone.Ridge

My mom and dad do a timeshare and stay at Stone.ridge every year. And I always take the kids up for a day to do crafts, golf, and swim. It's a favorite summer activity!


Molly LOVED the craft. Painting a piggy bank was a favorite. There was not enough time to complete it to her perfectionist expectations!

Katie and Grandma Patti!

Katie realized she could swim. As in, really swim! She was so proud and worked hard. And then posed. And then swam. And then posed. :)

 

Grandpa Bob even golfed (9 holes)

 

Katie golfs just like her daddy. I kid. Kind of.

 

One of my favorite moments was this one. Grandma and I were watching from the side of the pool. Katie really wanted to practice swimming. Joshua decided to be her instructor and helped her practice swimming back and forth. It was adorable and made my heart swell!



Lake Day 2013

Towards the end of summer, we rented a boat with my brother and his family. It was one of the best days I've had in a long time. The smile on the kids' faces says it all. Molly skied on Uncle Adam's shoulders, and the boys both got up on skiis. All four kids went tubing and absolutely loved it!


Thomas and Abby tubing!

The cousins all show their great form! (Thomas-7, Molly-4, Macey-7, Katie-4, Joshua-7, Natalie 18 months, Abby- 10, Macey-7)

 Joshua up and skiing. Look at that face!

 Katie was so comfortable tubing. She even had time to wave!

 "No hands" Thomas!

 Thomas up on skiis!

 Molly riding on Adam's shoulders!

 Joshua getting ready to ski.

 Thomas working on getting up. Don't be fooled. I bribed them with Pokémon cards part-way through these attempts because they were ready to quit. So glad I bribed them because soon they were up and skiing!

 Natalie and Molly tubing!

 Cousins tubing. Pure joy.

 Joshua can hardly believe he got up! His face was so awesome!

Spokane Civic Theater- Charlotte's Web

I signed both boys up for a Civic Theater class this summer. The performance was Charlotte's Web. Thomas is always reluctant, but ends up loving the class every single time (this was his second). :) In the play, Thomas was Arabel (Fern's dad) and the County Fair President. Joshua was Charlotte! I cannot express the joy in my heart when they perform. They love it and I love watching it.

Spike and Dig!

Dan did Spike and Dig this year. It was so fun to watch!

Ya.. He's awesome...