First Day of School 2017-2018

We officially have a fifth grader, third grader, and kindergartener.

Meghan awoke to Derek's alarm at 4:30 today so she was up extra early. We took these pictures just after 6 a.m. Evan and Meghan's bus arrived 15 minutes early. We had just pulled up to the bus stop when we saw it. Thankfully I planned for some extra time. (The bus is supposed to arrive at 6:28.)

 Today is Esther's first day of kindergarten. She is so ready!

 Her bus arrived at 7:15, as expected.

School 2015

It's the beginning of another school year! I may not teach any more, but I still could not sleep last night. I guess some things never change.

Meghan is entering third grade at the charter school. This year she is in a new building so she takes a different bus. This bus arrives about 6:15. Since we have to be at the bus stop ten minutes in advance, this is what Meghan looked like before we got into the van to get to the bus stop.

It's a little bit dark outside.

 A flash helps a lot. Meghan is really excited for the first day. I hope the excitement continues.

Evan is now a first grader.

 I love this tough guy stance with sweetness popping out from behind. Priceless!

From the time the Meghan gets up to the time I get home from preschool drop off is three hours. THREE hours just to get my day started...and that doesn't include anything like exercise though it does include breakfast and a shower. I may have to start drinking caffeine.

Meghan and Evan began school yesterday. Today was Esther's first day of preschool.

During lunch Esther asked if she could make a card for this lovely lady. If you see her, you should ask her what her teacher's name is. Then ask Derek or me for the interpretation. Though it's a common name, it has three syllables. Esther's interpretation is amusing.

The Kids

August 2015 Photos

Pictures from our yard this morning...

Beach 2015

We made our annual trek to the beach on Friday. We like to go to Lewes, Delaware since it's not actual ocean waves there that may frighten me a bit.

As you can see, the water was not very clear this time, but it was still fun.

Meghan's a better artist than me.

 I hate sand but love my daughter.

 Meghan makes friends everywhere we go. It's amazing.

Apparently I forgot to take a picture of Esther when she went out in the deeper water with Derek. I think I may have been buried at the time.

We also went to Dutch Wonderland this past week, but I didn't take the camera with us. Unlike the rest of America, we don't have smart phones, so no pictures were taken. It was Esther's first time. She loved it all, including the smaller roller coaster. Evan opted to not go on the big roller coaster, but Meghan and Derek went a couple times. We all had a lot of fun.

We arrived by 10 o'clock when they open. It began raining after 1. It let up for a bit and then we got soaked on the Sky Ride. It was pouring. If it rains for 60 or more consecutive minutes, you get tickets to go again. We did take cover for about 45 minutes (which included a show) during a thunderstorm, but there was still plenty to enjoy despite the rain. We didn't leave until about 4 o'clock-with (wet) tickets to return before the end of the year in our hands.

Slip N Slide

Saturday morning I asked Meghan how she wanted to spend her time outdoors that day. She quickly said the Slip N Slide. Unfortunately for her, she's a bit big for the kiddie pool. After a week at camp, it was a great way to enjoy the sunshine.

Lego Love

We love how Legos have brought these two together for play like nothing else!  Notice the fire truck and princess!

We were hesitant to introduce Evan to Legos since he turns all small toys into "dirt" and "garbage" for playing.  As we carefully provided guidance, he has shown great responsibility.  You can read about it at This Simple Home.

Big Kids