Growing, growing, growing…

One year for Christmas, Jake and Liz gave us each a birthday board. It had Joe’s height already written on it from him growing up. Each time one of our kids has a birthday, we measure them too. Colin is growing by leaps and bounds! It’s fun to compare our kids to Joe, what a cool gift!
Beau is creative and was hiding under the laundry bucket. Joe put his foot on top of the bucket and Beau completely freaked out. He ran upstairs and came down a few minutes later with this picture he drew of the situation. Joe is standing on top of him, Beau is trapped in the bucket, and Joe is crossed out. I guess that’s how he interpreted the events.

Maybe one day Beau will draw as well as Colin…cute boys. We went to visit Jake and Liz in their newly remodeled (completely beautiful) home! Camri and Alex had fun dressing up, and Camri LOVED invading Alex’s closet. They did a little fashion show for us. Cuties!

Everyone keeps growing up! Slow down!

Colin, Colin, Ten years old…

Aaaaaand, he’s 10!! What! Double digits?!
Yes. And he gets breakfast in bed to begin the celebration. He even shared with his sis. Look at this handsome boy! He had to go to school on his birthday, but don’t worry, it’s Friday and a short day. Whenever I drop them off for school on short day, I say, “See you in five minutes!” Because,seriously, that’s what it feels like. Never fear, though, we brought him a firecracker (or firejack or jackfire or something) burrito for lunch…his favorite! It was fun to eat lunch with these crazy (and wonderful) kids!
After school, he walked home with his friend, Jared so they could hang out for a while.
When Dad got home, we headed out to dinner. Because it’s date night, Colin got to pick the restaurant. Bonsai Grill! He loved it, he’s never been there before and he liked watching the guy cook our dinner right before our eyes. After we took our picture, we hung it up of course, in the best spot we could find…Time for presents!! He got some cool stuff from his brothers and sisters and Mom and Dad. A homemade card from Camri, a Ford Mustang t-shirt, a Lego set, some drawing stuff, and an X-Box game. Score!

Do you like his candles? I didn’t have ten, but I had a “five” and five ones…

That’s my boy!
I love this kid, I can’t believe how old he is. I’m a pretty lucky mom, that’s for sure!

Jr. Jazz

Here’s most of our team and coaches.
These are great kids right here!!

Elementary Picture Day

We finally had picture day for elementary school, so we took our own at home.  These kids are so dang cute….I’m a lucky mom!            

School. Yep.

The opening band for One Direction was called “5 Seconds of Summer”.
That’s what this felt like.  Maybe it’s because school ended in June and started August 19.  Maybe it’s because we had so much fun, it just zoomed by.  Maybe because it was just too dang short. 
In any case, summer is over and school has begun.  I’m so proud of my kids (except the growing up at the speed of light part). 
Koko is in 8th grade this year. She decided to wear her (fake) One Direction glasses over her (real) contact lenses.  Fashion first, people!  Plus, she looked darling.
Emma felt like a pro after her mini-day at school last week.  Off to 6th grade with you, you cute old lady! 

Colin is now the oldest elementary school kid, he’s in fourth grade this year!  He’s muy bueno, and my amigo.
Camri is my little 2nd grader.  How did that happen?  She is so smart and social, she will have a great year! 
Baby Beau is not a baby anymore…Kindergarten!  He had his meeting with the teacher today, but has to wait until next Monday for his first official day.  Pure torture for a kid that keeps asking, “Is is school yet?”
Little Annie is my stay-at-home buddy this year, so she gets her picture too!!

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Off to school!  Have an adventure! Learn new things! Make good choices!
And most of all, I love you!!
The Middle-Schoolers had carpool, so they were on their own.  I joined the elementary-schoolers.  They were welcomed to school with a red carpet and cheering teachers! 
Annie and Beau helped me with Safety Patrol this morning, then we were on our way.  Let the fun begin!