Well, well, well...where to begin. I've not updated our blog in quite some time. Maybe about a year or so! I know, I know....BAD mommy!!!!! Once school started (and I mean kindergarten) life has been moving in fast forward. I know this is the way things are supposed to go. I've always heard that time only moves faster the older you become. I have to say, I'm not ready. I know I can't stop time and I know I want my kids to grow big and strong. But they are 6...already. It doesn't seem possible!!! Kindergarten has come and went. First grade is a over a month in. This school year is by and large better than last as far as adjustment goes. The summer vacation inbetween was very much needed!

The kids got a pool for their birthday this year. It was a big hit! We got to spend a lot more time at home because of it. All they wanted to do was swim. And let me tell you, they are little fishies!!! Our camping trip this year was spent in Silver Lake at the sand dunes. The kids loved playing in the sand and at the beach. They thought I went a little crazy when I told them they could swim in the lake with their clothes on, since we were out climbing the dunes and it was HOT by the time we got to the lake! Many happy times were spent at the beach and the campground pool. We rented a jeep and cruised the dunes. Then it was time to go home.

When summer was over and it was time for the school year to begin, they were ready. Ready to get back to see their friends and have a little bit more consistancy to their days that what I provided at home.

So here we are. Days going by faster and faster. Just trying to cherish each moment we have!

Fall Soccer

All 3 kids decided they wanted to play soccer this year. Jason and I got suckered into coaching! It's great except for the fact that our kids don't want to listen to us. So here, 1/2 of our team is our kids...so that's 1/2 the team that doesn't listen to us. Oh well...lesson learned.

They are all doing good. Seth loves soccer still and scored 3 goals in his first game. He is improving with each season that passes. Elaina really likes it, which surprises me. She's pretty good at it in her own little way. Grace seems to enjoy it, but is a little hard on herself. She gets very upset at herself is she can't do a drill just perfectly. She is also very dramatic about it, so that adds to the coaching issues.

All in all, I hope they just have fun! I think it's going to be an interesting season to say the least!!!

First Day of Kindergarten

(Sorry for the underlining...not sure how to remove it!)

The house was buzzing with excitement this morning as the kids climbed out of bed. They couldn't wait for their first day of school. They got dressed in their special outfits, ate breakfast and headed out the door for school.

I had to take some deep breathes to keep from crying on the walk there. We headed to room 16 and found our seats. I could feel the tears welling up inside as it was getting closer and closer for me to leave. Seth, Grace and Elaina did great. There were no tears from any of them, although Elaina did look a little forlorn sitting at her new seat, amongst her new friends. As I approached Grace to hug and kiss her goodbye, I almost lost it and all I could think was that I had 2 more kids to get through. I managed to hold back. Next think I know, I'm looking around and none of the other parents were crying. I started to wonder what was wrong with them!

The day was a success. I picked the kids up. They were very excited to tell me about their day. Grace got into a wrong line at lunch somehow. That scared her some, but she bounced back rather well. Elaina is sad that she didn't make any friends and thinks the day is too long. Seth is well...Seth. Easy going, laid back and seemed to really enjoy it, although didn't have much to say about it.

So, we shall see how it goes once this soaks in. I think we are in for a wild ride!!!

The Tooth Fairy is Coming Tonight

Dear Tooth Fairy,

My name is Grace and I am 5 years old. I just lost my first tooth. Please be generous and leave me a nice surprise tonight while I am sleeping. I promise I will try and sleep really hard so that I don't wake up and see you.

Love,

Grace

Birthday Fun

We took a tall ship cruise

Built some cool sandcastles

Danced the night away

were surprised with birthday presents

ate some yummy cupcakes

Better late than never!

The kids turned 5 this year! Unbelievable, right?!? The summer is flying by and kindergarten will be here before I know it. It is all so bittersweet. Here I have these wonderful, happy, incredibly healthy children...yet I'm still sad that they are growing up so quickly. If I could stop time for just a bit.

This year, we decided to take the kids on vacation for their birthday. We went to our favorite place, Traverse City. The beach, the ice cream, the cherries and the Blue Angels! That's what our trip was all about...oh yeah, and family time!

For the day of their birthday, they chose to go to the carnival at the cherry fest. I baked them cupcakes and brought some presents for them, then we took in a blues concert to end the night. It was a great vacation, one that won't be soon forgotten.

New Haircuts!

I know it's been a while since I've blogged. For that I apologize, but hey...life happens!

We went for haircuts today...well the girls did. Elaina has been trying to grow her hair long like Grace's for quite some time now. She was doing fine with it and it was actually pretty long. Then she decided a couple of weeks ago, that she wanted it short. She must have been sick of the tangles and ouchies when trying to brush it. Off we went to Great Clips today. I love her cut, but she looks all grown up now.

Grace had a cut too. She also wanted to go short, but I'm a bad mommy and just couldn't do it. I have this strange attachement to Grace's hair. It's so thick and luxurios. I did allow her go have a good 2-3 inches cut off. She's happy with it for now, but says she wants to go shorter next time. At least I have some time to prepare myself for that.

Seth didn't get a haircut, but insisted on having his picture taken. I've been cutting Seth's hair since Christmas. Jason wants me to give him a mo-hawk...I just can't do that either. He seems so young still. Who knows, I may give in there sometime too. I think Seth feels left out sometimes on haircut day, but he does enjoy getting one at home.

Girls Rule!

So, with Seth's room done, it was time to make a little girls dream room. They got their flower bedding from Grammie for Christmas. That made Grace very happy. Elaina wanted polka dots. So there you have it...flowers and polka dots. If you have never painted polka dots before...I don't recommend it! LOL!!! It took a lot of time and effort to get all those dots on the wall. I started with the idea of sponging them on...it did not work! So I spent many hours hand painting polka dots for my darling Elaina.

It turned out great though and the girls love their "girlie" room. We did replace the bunk beds and dresser with a new set, due to the bunks being very wobbly...this is the old set. I haven't taken pictures of the new set yet. It's very pretty though and much safer for my little princesses.

So, that's that. The kids are all in their new rooms and the redecorating is finally done! The move has worked out great and they are all very happy with the arrangement. Although Grace and Elaina do fight for the top bunk. For now, we are switching weekly, that seems to be working out ok.