First Day of 1st Grade

Okay, first day of school for Mitch and his parents today. A few shots that actually capture what our life is like, not some lovely posed photo shoot: 

 He's mad because we made him comb his hair. With water. Shan is freaking out about going to daycare.

 He's mostly faking it. She's for real. For screaming real.

  This is as close as I got to a smile. Good luck Miss Mayer!

He went to work with Dad and was walked to class by Grama. He was totally comfortable and happy. Grama left him on the playground. Best part of the day? Playing with the neighbor boy during recess. 

Both were happy when Grama picked them up. And who wouldn't be with ice cream? 

What these pictures don't show is the parents. We are frazzled. Burnt out already. 5th grade?!?! The kids are nice at least, and I didn't make any cry on the first day. Here's hoping we get some learning done!

Mitchell Turns 7!

On Friday, we got the keys to our new home. It was a day of hard work, unloading storage units, clearing out parents' homes, and hauling it in the house. 

That's a story for another time...

On Saturday, we hosted a birthday party for Mitchell - at Allstots - for 20 folks. We have a 7-year-old!

His day began with the Sage-n-Sun parade downtown. There he met up with LaVines, Aunt Dianne and Aunt Rachel & Kevin.

This year the cake was Lego themed, with Grama Sally mints and chocolate 7s to complement it.

We had a taco bar outside. Dave made it in spite of the opening day for the Babe Ruth World Series.

Shan and Avery were smitten with the tigers. Smitten kittens!

Mitch received so many fun gifts and lots for the new home. He scored ball-themed and pool-themed gifts in a big way and was super happy.

Haylee helped with some reading, but this year was a first in his ability to read most of the cards himself.

Shannon was a very enthusiastic helper.

Fun to have cousin time!

Dave rang in 68 years himself. If he'd lay off the diet Pepsi and wheat thins, he'd be around for another 30!

Aunt Phyllis was present to help celebrate, too!

A big grin as he rounded the house on his new bicycle!

Making a wish...

After dessert we went out to the new house and christened the pool with our family swim. We also got lots of advice on shrub rehab and had the chance to share the place for the first time.

After the pool, it was time to load up the baseball wagon,

and play some family ball!

The kids are thrilled to have friendly neighborhood dogs to enjoy.

Here Bryan is scolded for hitting a line drive (with a wiffle ball, PETA) into this poor pup's head. 

After our ballgame, we went to Tiger and watched the opening ceremonies as well as the RiverDogs first game. Shannon cashed it in around 9:30, but MBJ watched the whole game.

And his birthday was capped off with a firework display. How can we ever hope to top this birthday? What a lucky boy!

Happy 7th, Sweetie!

Camping at Steamboat Rock

Grampa Rick and Dad took the kids camping for 2 nights up to Steamboat Rock. They managed to have a good time in spite of very little sleep night one, a bloody scooter accident, some major bratty behavior, and mosquito overload. They were dirty, worn out, and happy when they returned home!

Shan helped set up camp. This is before some major attitude and the scooter wreck...

Yep, both kids used the hatchet as a hammer. 

The campground had shade, neighbors with a big dog, places to play baseball and ride scooters, and they were visited by deer and wild turkeys. There were even coyotes giving the morning wake-up call!

They played at the beach a lot and did some kayaking, too.

It's still fun to be buried!

Naps for (almost) all!

These kids are enjoying their time with grandparents as roommates - be it on a campsite or in their home. Here they are pleased to be sitting on Grampa's truck - a new place to eat! A fun camping trip  was had (whew!) so there will be more!