The fresh smell of pencils, crayons and paper...

Back to School--here we come!

It's a bitter sweet time of year. I love having the kids all home with me. I don't have to worry about schedules, we can play and work and do all sorts of things together. I love how much fun the kids have all together and how much the boys entertain their sister.

But going back to school means, I have a moment to myself. Even if it's only but a moment, I enjoy nap time. It usually means I can get caught up on cleaning, or other work I may have. I like going to the store with 2 kids, rather than 4. We are back to being on our normal schedules and the kids really enjoy school.

Always many more reasons, but I will save the long list for another time.
My 2 older boys. So cute, so fun... the rest of us at home WILL miss them while they are gone all day! I thought it was so cute that they grabbed each other's hand in this picture. I just asked them to stand by the tree, so the brotherly love wasn't staged; it's really there!

My big 2nd grader!

My Kindergartener
(first day of ALL day school, wow!)

The things they were most excited about:

• wearing their robot shirts, or other NEW school shirts
• eating lunch at school!
• recess, and recess
  
• seeing their friends they hadn't seen all summer
• a little bit excited about learning, maybe a lot, but not excited about homework
  

to pick a blackberry

There isn't much to it. I suggest wearing long pants and long sleeve shirt, or sweatshirt, so that you can really get into the bushes without to much pain and prickling... then pick away! This morning I had the pleasure of being accompanied by my new sister-in-law Allison, my brother Jacob and my kids. Everyone had their own bowl (except Joseph of course, although Ella at times shared hers with him. The 2 younger observed from the double stroller (Ella being supplied sweet berry treats every couple of minutes, Joseph intermittently napping) The 2 older, for the most part, thoroughly enjoyed picking, especially Anson. They were allowed to eat as much as they wanted... the best part of the deal! We spent about 45 min picking... then headed home to the rest of our day. Later, we treated our selves to a blackberry smoothie, and feeling especially indulgent and kind, topped it with whipped cream. YUM! We were amazed at the intensity of the color!
Before that, I had told Allison I would make her a blackberry pie. Apparently, she told me the word on the street is, that if you supply me with fruit, I would make the best tasting pie ever. I hope it lives up to all it's glory. It's currently cooling off, and awaiting to be eaten. I am sure it won't be long now!
Anson was beside me the whole time helping. He really loves to cook and bake. Tanner offered his help too.Then of course, a favorite treat while we wait for that pie we slaved on? Extra crust, cooked and sugared to perfect deliciousness. It's sometimes hard for me to share... I often think if I could get away with sneaking them into my room and eating them really quick before anyone notices... but I don't think I would get away with it. Plus, the kids always enjoy them so much too.

oldie but a goodie...

I have been going through pictures to print, and I stumbled across this. It was just too cute to not post. This is at Travis and Jaqui's Washington reception just over 2 years ago. Hope you enjoy!

S2N 2009!

This is an annual tradition for us to do the Sound to Narrows. It's a fun event and there's something for everyone. Here are the boys starting the 2k junior shuffle.

Ella waiting to see the boys finish.

Tanner coming around the bend

followed by Anson

Ella's reaction to seeing her daddy run passed, and she wasn't with him (she sure loves him!)

My running buddy and BFF. She is a great friend. This is after the race. Since I just had Joseph, I only did the 5k this year. Thanks Adrianne for running it with me!Another one of my greatest friends in the world, and such an inspiration, Laura! You are awesome! She ran the 12k, and there's no way I would EVER keep up with her, she's a star!What a fun time!

Aaah! A month behind!

This is an attempt to quickly get caught up. Where normally I would post more on each event, I am doing a reader's digest version and skipping a few altogether. Someday I may go back and add... but for now---

Anson's Preschool Graduation!

We are so proud of this kid and what a super reader he is, reading over 125 books this year! If it has words, he's reading it to us. Good job Anson!

First pool day of the year... we couldn't wait! It was so much fun!

The girls. Ella with her BFF Mia. It's always so much fun to get them together.
Anson doesn't mind hanging out with them either. Here they are with the bubble machine. They couldn't stop laughing... well, until the bubbles ran out. So fun!

Just when you think she's asleep....

At least her skin will be super soft.

I just wish it hadn't been my face lotion. I suppose this isn't the worst thing she's done when I thought she was sleeping... but that's a whole other post...

It is kinda funny I guess. It'll be even funnier tomorrow, I'm sure.

Finally!

French Braids! I was so excited when I realized Ella's hair was now long enough for braids! I had done 1/2 braids several times, but she just didn't have enough hair to do full braids... well now she does! And here's the proof! Yippee!