Early Mornings

We are getting up early in the mornings for school. This has been a difficult transition for Claire. Each morning I hear things like: "Why can't I just be late...or...School owes me for these early mornings". This morning was much the same, and when I asked Claire what she wanted for breakfast (while still laying in bed) she answered "Sleep, I just want sleep!"

Landon was in on it this morning also. He was up a little earlier than usual, and decided to watch cartoons while I finished getting Claire ready for school. But after a minute, he padded in to Claire's room and laid down on the bed with a frustrated look on his face. I asked what was wrong and he responded "It's so early there's not even any good cartoons on yet!"

End-of-summer Campout

Even though we've done a ton of fun things this summer, we have not gone camping. The kiddos love camping, sleeping outside, playing in the tent, and roasting marshmallows. But Mommy is not fond of public potty holes and Daddy doesn't like to drag all the gear to a camp ground. So...we compromised last night and had a campout in our own backyard! Daddy set up the tent, we grilled burgers and made smores, and hung outside all evening. After dark, we curled up in the tent with some good books and read by lantern light until everyone was sleepy. Although it was warm and humid, everyone seemed to be sleeping well...until Daddy noticed the wind had gotten very still. After checking the weather, we hauled the kids into their own beds and broke camp. We crawled into our bed just as a storm blew in...lucky Daddy checked the weather! Another good reason to camp in your backyard!!!!

Landon's 1st Day of Pre-K

With the backpack before school. I'm not sure what's with the goofy grin! He's so darn cute!

Landon started Pre-K this week.

If I could leave this blog at that sentence I'd be better than having to write out how that first day went. Not because he was a mess, or cried or didn't want to stay...but because he was SO good, did NOT cry and obviously wanted to stay! So, who was the mess, cried and didn't want to leave? ME! My baby boy was so grown up walking in the classroom, saying good morning to the teacher and playing with his new friends. I barely got a "Bye, Mom" before he was lost in the crowd.

Now, I get it. I complained last year about him crying before we even left the house to go to school; the constant hugging and holding while I tried to leave the classroom. It was frustrating and sad for this Mommy. But a little hug or kiss would be nice!!!! He is going three days a week, even though the program is five days. I just can't let him go...he'll be gone everyday soon enough! But the teacher and program are superb, and I really wanted Landon to have that this year. So he get's a part-time Pre-K status, which is just fine with both of us!

When I picked him up he was nonstop talking about the things they learned, books they read, toys they played with, etc. He loved it. Plain and simple. He returned today in the same fashion. I miss him... I can't believe he's getting so big... I want to play Legos... I'm gonna go cry now...

Geoff's New Toy

Ok, so we are ALL getting use out of it. Geoff sold the Ranger, without tears or a temper tantrum! I think that happened only because he knew the golf cart would be in the garage taking its place. The kids (and the dog) have enjoyed taking rides around the neighborhood, to the pool and to the park.

Few More Colorado Pics

Landon took a turn on the huge trampoline.

The name of the restaurant says it all!

Our stop in Denver at Casa Bonita...the kids had a blast!

Landon dressed as a park ranger.

Second Grader

Wow, time has gone by so fast! I have a second grader. She cannot be that big already! Claire's first day of school was August 19th. She got up with a chipper attitude and was ready to go! Once we got there, it was a different story. Let me preface the rest of this story with a little info: Claire loves school. She loves to learn, experiment and socialize (not necessarily in that order!). So imagine my surprise when Claire started crying before she even sat down at her desk! Ok, so not complete surprise; this crying thing when she has to separate from Mommy has been going on for several months...but at school? Of all places! The teacher came over and consoled her and after a few minutes she was fine. What a difference a few hours can make! She came home with a huge grin and a million stories to tell me! I still think this year will be great...it just might be a little challenging to forge into the realm of maturity (for Claire, not me...).

Say what?

We are short a computer desk right now (long story), and therefore I have no idea where the cords are to download the pictures off the camera. So I am waiting patiently to blog Claire's first day of school...which was wonderful, by the way! She loves her teacher and all her classmates...it's gonna be a good year! Landon is enjoying some down time with Mommy, although he's keeping me busy! Preschool doesn't start until after Labor Day. So why am I blogging you ask? To record a conversation I had with my little man this morning:

Mommy: "What would you like for breakfast this morning?"

Landon: "Why is it called breakfast?"

Mommy: "Because in the morning you have to take a break to eat and do it fast because usually you are in a hurry in the mornings..." (I obviously have no idea what the true answer is, but with all the "whys" coming out of this boy's mouth lately, sometimes I just come up with my own clever answers. This did not work today.)

Landon: "But I'm not in a hurry in the mornings, you get me up too early for that!"

Mommy: "I know, but when you are an adult and have a job you might be."

Landon: "Say what? I have to be an adult? And have a job? For real? Say what?" (He walked away shaking his head, without breakfast.)