Can It Really Be True?

Can it really be true that I have a child in Kindergarten? Where did that five years go?!! My big girl Niah had her first day of school on Wednesday. Luckily, for us the school had a back-to-school night on Tuesday. I am soooo grateful that they planned that because I don't think Niah would have survived if she didn't know where she was going or who her teacher was! Even still, she was a little nervous on her first day.

Here's her classic 'first school day' picture. That backpack looks so big on her! Do her eyes look a little puffy?! Niah usually sleeps until 8:30 or 9:00 so the early mornings are going to be an adjustment.

I could tell she was excited when she woke up and she was fine and happy, until the bus pulled up. Our plan was that I would follow the bus to the school and meet her there to walk with her to her class. When she saw the bus she held on to my hand and would not let go. I had to pick her up and walk her on the bus and plop her down on the seat! She was crying and I felt really bad leaving her on that big bus all alone. She sat next to a little girl that is in Kindergarten too. Niah now calls her her bus friend.

Niah was goofy and hyper at the bus stop.

Here she is getting off the bus at school. She is a little timid climbing down those stairs. The two girls standing there are in our ward and they ride the same bus- thank heavens! The one with glasses, Ella, is in Niah's class.

Niah has a very good memory when it comes to numbers. She had her bus number memorized before school even started and she learned her student ID number in one night. She also learned our phone number in a matter of minutes. I was impressed!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of her in the classroom. Niah would not leave my side and I was holding Bennett and trying to keep track of Chloe- Chloe probably would have stayed no problem- and when I finally made her go find a seat the class helper was herding me out of the room saying, "She'll be better if she can't see you, you need to make it quick." I was a little bugged actually. I didn't really get to say bye to Niah. It was a little chaotic, hence the reason for no indoor pictures. Anyway, Niah loves school. She tells me that she misses me every day, but she tries to be brave. I have been giving her assignments to distract her such as what the teacher is wearing that day, who did you sit by at lunch, I want to know what that boys favorite color is, etc. Full day Kindergarten is not my favorite, but I think it's good for Niah and she definitely needs something to do in the days.

When Niah comes home she teaches Chloe a few things from school. Yesterday, they were looking at library books and I heard Niah tell Chloe, "The person that writes the book is called the arthur." So funny. I think Niah will do great in school and hopefully the after school grumpies will go away soon.

Mommy Daughter Date

I decided that Niah needed some one-on-one time before school starts next week. We went to the mall and did some more school shopping. We had a great time! Niah is really into picking out her own clothes and she knows what she likes. She picked out some checkered Van shoes to be just like her Aunt Kelly. She looks so grown up in them and I can't believe that Kindergarten starts in just a few days. (tear, tear) We saw a photo booth and Niah really wanted to take pictures, but when we got in it, it was not working. So, I told her we'd go home and make our own photo booth. Here's what we came up with!

I love my sweet Niah. Even though she has been a bit of a challenge lately, I love spending time with her. She makes me laugh. She is an awesome helper. I love that we have a secret handshake and that she is so excited about school. She told me the other day, "I can't wait to go to school and make new friends and to get a smart brain!" If only I could go with her.

Warren Dunes

Bryan had a rare day off the other day, so we decided last minute to head to the beach. We hadn't been to this beach yet and it was awesome! I want to go camping there next summer.

The sunset was gorgeous that night. I told Niah that it looks like a spotlight from Heaven is shining down on her. She giggled at that.

Bennett loves the sand. He crawls in it and then will lay down and put his face in it. He helped Bryan pat down the sand on their castle.

This is one of my new favorite pictures. The kids could play in the sand all day.

After playing in the water, we hiked the big sand dune. The girls made it all the way to the top. I was so impressed- it was a HUGE hill.

Bennett even did a little climbing!

The view from the top was breathtaking. We really lucked out that night.

Here's the sunset I was telling you about. The picture doesn't really do it justice. It was so pink, but here it looks orange.

I am very sad that summer is winding down. It has gone way too fast. So, until Niah starts Kindergarten in two weeks (boo hoo) we are going to live it up!!

Family Time

We were so lucky to get a visit from my family! My parents and threee younger sisters, and my niece and nephew came to play for a few days. We had a blast. While they were here we celebrated Bennett's birthday and had cake and ice cream. Boy, did he LOVE that!
Grams and Gramps with the kiddos.

I love this picture... it's one to treasure.

We decided to go with a polk-a-dot theme for his cake and party. The girls were the ones who chose the theme! Benny had a polk-a-dot cake, polk-a-dot garland that I made, and M&Ms because the girls said they looked like polk-a-dots.

I can't tell you how great it was to have room for everyone to play and stay at our house! The backyard was the perfect hang out on a beautiful Sunday evening.

We stayed up way too late chatting and going to a movie- that's probably the reason for the yawn on Tam's face!

My kids have the best grandparents ever. They are so lucky. The girls adore all of their grandparents.

I wish the time didn't go so fast. Our house is feeling a little too empty. We miss you all and can't wait for the next visit- Thanksgiving!!

Swimming Lessons

The girls are taking swim lessons! They absolutely LOVE it. They love it so much, I signed them up for two sessions. I'm impressed with how much they are learning. They are becoming little fish.

Bennett likes to watch, but sitting in the stroller strapped in while everyone else is swimming is not his favorite thing. He would love to be in the water with the girls.

Chloe was nervous the first day and cried the entire 30 minutes. She would not open her eyes and she kept her head turned so that she didn't have to look at her teacher. What a stinker. Now she gets right in and swims, swims, swims!


Niah likes to show all the other moms what she can do. She says, "Hey so and so's mom, watch this!" She can jumpin and touch her bum on the bottom of the pool without plugging her nose. She is pretty proud of herself. And I'm one proud Mom too!

Kaitie, Shay, Kell, and Kels- I realize that you appreciate cute boys so this is for you! Niah's teacher is great and his name is Tony. He swims on the team at a highschool here. Unfortunately, Kelsie and Kell, you might be a little old for him. Haha.

The kids can't wait for Grandma and Grandpa to watch them at swim lessons next week. They have been practicing so that they can show off their skills. (We are so excited to have visitors coming!)

The Party

Bennett's birthday was fun! Bryan was on call on his actual birthday, the 20th, but we made the most of it. We joined Bryan at the hospital for dinner and then we had a small party the next day. Bennett had a lot of help from his sisters so I don't think he opened one of his presents! He didn't really want to anyway. He got a firetruck with blocks to put inside, a CAT bulldozer, some wooden blocks that I made him (he's been playing with them for a few months now!), a bear from Build-a-Bear because he LOVES stuffed animals, and some clothes.

He loves his bulldozer. It makes sounds so he likes to push the buttons on it and push it around.

He was trying to get Daddy while his trucks were being opened. I love his face in this picture. He is always sticking his tongue out.

Here's his bear, his name is Bambino. Bennett loves to cuddle him.



We try to build a tower, but before we can get one made Bennett knocks it down and giggles. He loves to crash our towers.

We made cupcakes and Bennett really went to town on his. He was so funny to watch.

He couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough! He liked having all the attention.

He was nice enough to try and share with Chloe. What a mess!

Yummmm!

I think he enjoyed his 'mini' party. We are planning on doing a bigger party when my family comes next week to visit. I'm sure he'll be excited to eat more cake! Happy Birthday Bennett!! Are you really one year old?!

A Day To Celebrate

Today my sweet boy turns one! Wow. I can't believe it. He is such a joy to have in our home. He is a happy, easy baby and has been since the day he was born. His smile brightens my day.

Here is what he's doing right now:

- Blows goodnight kisses.

- Gives high fives.

- Follows his sisters wherever they go.

- Crawls super fast. He's not really interested in walking yet.

- He's a total Momma's boy. I love it!

-Makes some animal sounds.

- Takes great naps and only wakes up during the night once, usually.

- Climbs up and down the stairs with ease.

- Drives his cars and trucks around making car noises. (And I thought that was a learned behavior- who knew it was ingrained in a little boys head!)

- He's got some awesome dance moves. He loves music.

I am so happy to have Bennett in our family. I can't imagine life without him. We love you Benny and hope you have a fun, fabulous day!