Four more days

Only four more days and my first baby girl starts Kindergarten! She is soooooo excited. Me, not quite so much. Yesterday we loaded up her backpack with school supplies and went to meet her teacher again. We were the only ones in the classroom at the time so it was nice for her to have some one-on-one time. The class will also have a student teacher this year so MJ met her also. She helped her do a little scavenger hunt around the room to find where things are. She also turned in her supplies and found her cubby with her name on it. Several of her preschool friends are in the same class and she's excited to meet some new friends. She's definitely ready. I even asked about taking her to school the first day and she really didn't think that was necessary. She wants to ride the bus. I practically had to beg. That day the kids are all meeting in the cafeteria and walking to class with the teacher. I know it's time and she is really growing up and ready, but each new milestone is bittersweet.

We also met Emma's teacher. She will be going to mornings a week this school year. Her speech has improved so much over the summer, but we definitely see a continued need for help. She is much more expressive, saying a lot of words without prompting or modeling. She also speaks in more sentences.

Little J has been enjoying the Johnny Jump Up we borrowed from Nana. He hangs in the office doorway while I work. I am also happy to report he is sleeping through the night! We've had about two weeks of around 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thank you Lord! At first, I was finding myself waking up to check on him, but now we're all getting lots of sleep. He is such a happy baby and full of smiles for everyone.

We've ridden Zani twice this week and the girls are just loving it. It's bee good for my soul too.

Jumping J-man

This little guy has found a new activity.

Busy week

It's been a busy week already. Is it really Thursday? Monday and Tuesday nights we were outside doing things with the horse. The girls and I rode for awhile on Tuesday. It's something they both are getting more interested in.

I've been busy with publications work and editing photo sessions this week. My aunt is coming to visit next week, so we are excited to see her. Next weekend is the state fair and the girls have been talking about it for weeks.

This morning Josh left early so the kids and I packed up and headed to the barn to feed. It was a beautiful morning, not too hot yet. The sun was just coming up. The girls helped get the feed in the buckets and toss the hay to the cattle. I don't get down there as much anymore so it was really nice to have the chance and to have the girls helping me.

MJ stayed with her Nana last weekend and they went shopping for her school supplies. She starts on the 31st. Hard to believe I'll have a Kindergartener soon. Josh and I went out for his birthday last weekend. It was so nice to have a date night. His mom kept all three of the kids. We've also enjoyed spending time watching movies in the evenings lately.

Some things have happened lately that have helped us put life into perspective yet again. We have so much to be thankful for. Don't take anything for granted and hug your loved ones.

Oh and by the way, if I have ever led anyone to believe my life is perfect and I have it all together--I'm sorry and I don't. I took E to Walmart the other day in a green and blue shirt with a hot pink and brown skirt. In my defense, she did dress herself, but I didn't really care what she was wearing. There were no body parts showing, which if you know Emma, that is a big plus. Oh, and her hair was down and all in her face. And she was wearing purple snow boots. On the wrong feet.

And there is playdough all over my floor.

So, just in case you thought my house is always clean and my children always well kept-it's not true.

6 month gallery

I took Jayten's 6 months photos the other day and because I just can't seem to just choose a few I thought I'd see what everyone else thinks. So, I posted them to my website gallery. I even went through them twice to narrow them down! Anyway, here is the link. Go to Client Proofing. The password is sample. Enjoy! My babe is getting so big.

What a difference six months makes!

Or maybe it's just I have a big boy! Anyway, here are the cute "baby" cousins together.

Meeting Miss Mya

Big blue eyed girl

Emma was trying to convince Aunt Stephanie that Mya needed a few more rubs on the head. She wasn't buying it though.

So gentle.

I love how Mya just looked up at Mackenzie. It was so sweet.

This little darling baby girl is the newest member of the family. Miss Mya Grace was born a couple weeks ago to Josh's brother and sister in law. She is just beautiful and we are so excited to have her in the family. The girls did very well holding her. Emma did start getting a little aggressive with trying to rub her head after awhile. She's just got a lot of love in her and still needs a little help knowing how gentle to be. :)

Cousins

It was hard saying goodbye at the airport, but we were so glad to have Lace and her girls visit.

Our visit with the girls was jammed pack full of playing, shopping, visiting the county fair and more playing. It was so good to have them here even for a little bit.