School Days

Kai's Kindergarten year is off to a great start! He really seems to enjoy it and is usually willing to tell us all about his days.

Getting in the car at home. Tote bag and nap mat packed up and ready.

The night before, he and I talked a bit about what he was expecting and how he felt about it. He claimed he was happy, sad, and scared (all three of the choices given to him on the day they met the teacher). All I have ever seen in him is excitement.

The first bell rang just before this and he started crying because he didn't
want to stop to take a picture and not get to his class on time. =)

I walked him in the first day. He was impatient with my pictures because he just had to get to his class! I wasn't sure if I would cry leaving my baby. I have had some reservations about him being big enough to handle himself all day without the atmosphere of a day care. I really thought he might flip out when I left him and that would make me cry. Instead I was left fighting for one more hug and then reluctantly walking out of the room. He didn't even look up at me. He was so very ready. I'm so proud. And the tears tried to fall at that moment, but I was able to contain myself. What a big day for our big man.

Beside his desk with Miss Haywood

Aren't you gone yet mom?

The second day he did not want me to walk him in. He hopped out of the car in front of the school and off he went. He's excited to see me when I pick him up in the afternoons and usually offers details about his day pretty easily. The first day he apparently didn't go to the bathroom all day long. I think he was afraid he'd miss out on something. We are certainly praying this is the beginning of a love of learning/school and that he will be a blessing to those around him.

Penelope waiting in the carpool line with me. She says "HEY!" when Kai gets in the car.

Saturday after the first week we had a pool day so we could all just relax a bit.
Kai loves outside and his sister seems to follow in those footsteps.

And just like that, our lives have taken on a new course in a way. We've adjusted well all around. So grateful for this life we are given. Even the days Kai comes home so tired he is hard to be around. Time marches on.

End of summer

And the end of being home with both my kids! Exciting changes with the start of Kindergarten this week! We took a quick trip to visit Gram last weekend. Penelope now walks everywhere, all the time. We got everything ready for school to start for Kai. Penelope had her 1 year check up. She's still not on the chart, but she is catching up, 15 lbs 11.5 oz, 27.75 in.

First time in the pool!

Walking

Sorry mom's head is cut off, but I still thought it was cute.

Cheesy grin

That tongue is out a lot. I think she's feeling those top teeth that are starting to come through!

Big brother helping

New reading chair

She loves books like Kai did at this age

Penelope is ONE!

Kai's bright spot on Penelope's special day - his Kindergarten sign arrived!

Cake!

The birthday girls sharing their day

Best family shot we got

Happy girl

Checking it out

This is good stuff!

I think I've had enough

I've definitely had enough!

Penelope and her gift opening helpers

Checking it out

and more?!

Dagan and Nonie

Nanna and DD

Walking everywhere

Carrying "little people" puppy

Summertime

Here's what we've been up to in fast forward mode!

:: Lake visit for Memorial Day. Kai loved swimming. Penelope loved being outside. A very relaxing day thanks to the Collins'!
:: Last minute tag a long trip to St. Augustine with Nonie and Dagan. Cousin fun.
:: Vacation Bible School at Dawson for Kai
:: Trip to the Armstrong "camp" to play in the woods. Four wheelers, guns, playing in the creek. Good times.
:: Feeding local "World Changers" crew
:: Penelope still smaller than the doctor would like. Adding formula to see if it helps with weight gain.
:: Kai had a movie night at church and we joined some friends for a dinner out
:: Celebrating birthdays with friends/family and Father's Day
:: Two weeks of swim lessons at Samford
:: Rock the Block (Backyard Bible Club week) at friends' house in Chelsea
:: Gardendale Splash Park
:: Penelope sick for several weeks
:: Play dates with friends and cousins
:: Summer reading with Homewood Library
:: Visits to the park
:: Fourth of July at the Cook's with sparklers!
:: Michael and I began counting calories and training for a 5K in September
:: Penelope STILL not growing enough to please her doctor. Begin strict regimen of formula, reducing solids to try to get her to catch up some.
:: Small group cookout. What beautiful weather we've had this summer!
:: Began working in the nursery every Sunday again and going to the night service at church
:: Car breaks down on the way to church on the side of Hwy 280
:: Michael ramps up home bakery business (Rock Star Bakery on FB) and decides to pursue culinary school
:: Register Kai for Kindergarten
:: Penelope sick again but gaining weight!
:: Michael starting new job at Academy

We have been much busier than I expected or even realized. I love being able to be home with our kids. And I'm excited for this new chapter with Kai starting school in just a couple of weeks and Penelope turning one and starting to walk! Pictures, yes? End of May thru July comin at ya!

Lake fun (the beginning of her letting me put her down somewhere and not crying)

Missed naps = sweet cuddly in daddy's arms

Lake snack

Kai's travel mode (watching movie under his blanket)

Penelope' s travel mode... for about half the trip...

Uncle Woody smoothies!

Cousins!

Playing independently!

Girls at St. Augustine beach

Boys looking for shells

Baugher cousins

Armstrong cousins

Boys on the 4 wheeler

Swinging

Our family with the World Changer crew

Bathtime! 

Happy Father's Day!! 

Taking a break from strolling at Samford

Splash Park with Nonie

Sharing secrets

Silly Kai - his favorite picture pose

11 months with quilt from Nana

Summer fun

Climbed in the box by herself

The next couple of weeks will be very eventful! Baby girl turns ONE and Kai will start Kindergarten! Stay tuned...