"I don't want to go!"

Yes, this has been our first "I don't want to go" morning. ha! Hudson's was a dragging around-my stomach doesn't feel good-kind of protest. Cade's protest was more screaming "I don't wanna go to school!!!" and refusing to get dressed! What fun! Not much breakfast was consumed, but both were all smiles by the time they hit the door :) After two full weeks, I think their little bodies are ready for a break already! They're on-the-go most of the time, and I believe they're just a little run-down and tired... Here's to hoping for a restful weekend :)

Change...

You know when you have kids that they won't stay little forever. Growing up, separating themselves, & gaining independence little-by-little is part of the process. That knowledge doesn't make it any easier, though! When you hear it, it is so cliche' and lots of times just kind of passed off as a general comment. When you experience it, it can hit you like a brick wall! I guess I'm experiencing a little separation with all three of my kids right now, and if I let myself think about it, well... I can get a little emotional :)

Callie is about to have her first birthday, so we're transitioning her to "big girl" milk and a cup (= less 1-1 time with Mommy). Plus, she's trying to walk, so she wants to be down and about all the time (= don't hold me!)!

Cade is going to preschool for the first time. He's enrolled 5 mornings per week, which was a decision we did not make lightly. He's almost 4-years-old, big brother is gone all day every day, and the 5-day-wk teacher is wonderful... all of which factored into our decision. It is really good for him, socially & developmentally. He will thrive, but I miss my little man!

Hudson has started Kindergarten this year, and he loves it! I knew it was coming, and have known he was ready, but I'm still processing that he's in real school. It sort of just occurred to me one day that he'll never be "at home" on a daily basis again. Wow... talk about sobering. I am so proud of my big boy.

Kiddos - Always remember how much Mommy loves you!! And I cherish the times we spend together! Even though it's busy, busy, busy most of the time, I just love being with you!

First Steps

How exciting! Callie is beginning to take a few steps on her own! Wow! She seems so little to be learning to walk, but I suppose it is that time.

You go, baby girl!

Fun with Chalk

MawMaw's birthday

MawMaw celebrated her birthday with a dinner & cake!! (the kids favorite part :)

I'm not sure the candle is even lit yet, and Cade's already blowing! ha!

I think Cade decided the candle needed "cleaning off" after it was blown out. ha! (again :)

MawMaw sharing her milk with Callie...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAWMAW!! WE LOVE YOU!!

Eli's 2nd Birthday

Eli celebrated his 2nd birthday earlier in the month with

a party at Gran & G's.

Here's the birthday boy himself!

Grady

Mia, Wesley, McKenna

Ooooh! Eli can't wait to blow out those candles & eat that cake!!

Awesome! New boots!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, ELI!

We had so much fun celebrating with you!

HOT summer...

You know it's a scorching HOT summer when the low 90's feel like relief from the heat!!

Callie is 11 months!

WOW! 11 months old! It's time to start thinking about somebody's 1st birthday!!!

Callie Jewel... you are a hoot! You've got 5 teeth in, with #6 well on its way... You'll walk holding on to someone's hands. You've got really good balance, but you're just not sure you're ready to start stepping out on your own yet :) You even "bear crawl" sometimes (on your hands & feet) just to be up on your feet (plus your knees get caught in dresses & slow you down - ha! ha!)... Your dance moves now include a "twist & shout" along with your "bounce & bob"!.. You know what you want, when you want it! You're doing pretty well drinking "big girl milk" out of a sippy, but will quickly tell us if that's not what you want :) .. You can quickly track down those brothers if you can hear them, but can't see them... You put the brush right to your head when given a hairbrush, and you like to help take your clothes off, too (as evidenced by the pictures - he! he!)... You are a smart little girl!!

Love you, Callie!!

Hudson's 1st day of Kindergarten!

Wow! Can you believe it?! Hudson is starting Kindergarten!!!

(I can't! Mommy has only allowed herself a few tears, in private. I am so proud of this little boy, and so excited for his future!)

Here he is ready for his first big day :)

He is all smiles :) and so excited about going to "big school"!

Yes, it's still a very hot summer. My camera lens kept fogging up.

Little brother said he needed his picture made

on Hudson's first day, too :)

Hudson wanted a picture with his new headphones for school when we picked them up a few days later :)

Hudson had a great first day in Kindergarten! He really liked eating in the cafeteria (especially since he got to eat pizza & chocolate milk!!), and he is super-excited about his special area classes, like Library & P.E.

Mommy has already lost her "transportation coolness", apparently, because his first questions in the vehicle after picking him up were "When do I get to ride the bus?" and "When is Ms. Carolyn or Ms. Ginger gonna pick me up?" Oh, me... Gotta love him!

Hudson... we are so, so proud of you!!! and wish you nothing but a super-awesome-fantastic year in Kindergarten!!! God has great plans for you! ...All our love, Mommy & Daddy

Cade goes to Preschool!

Our little Cade-o had his first day of preschool today! What a big boy! He loved taking his favorite teddy bear with him :)

Getting ready for Kindergarten!

Yesterday, we met Hudson's teacher, visited his classroom, and went school shopping! It was a special day with just Daddy, Mommy, and our big boy, Hudson.

Here he is sporting all his stuff :) He is SO excited!! I hope he has a wonderful (read: fun-filled, academically-challenged, off-the-charts spectacular!) Kindergarten experience this year!!

NOTE: While we were out shopping, the thermometer in the vehicle registered a "cool" 106 degrees! Hot!

Callie's Christening

August 1, 2010, at 10 months old...

with lots of family & friends around for love & support...

in a beautiful family gown...

What a special moment...

what a special day...

what a precious gift!

**These are only pictures we have from church. We're hoping to get this little girl back into this beautiful gown for more pictures! :)