Back to School Again!

The first week of school is in the books, so I wanted to get these back to school pictures posted before the whole year zooms by!  Everyone was excited (and a little nervous) for the big day.
First, bright and early, the elementary kids headed out:
Cole is entering 1st grade!

And Regan is in 3rd grade!

We got to the school so early, we had to sit in the parking lot for a few minutes!  Surely a once in a lifetime occurrence for us!  These two were just so excited and ready.  They loved seeing old teachers and friends, and it was a beautiful morning.
After they assured me that I could leave (it was more me lingering around hoping they needed me...which they did not), I headed home to help the girls off to middle school.
Jordan is starting 6th grade!

And Ashton is in 8th grade!

These two weren't quite as zippy as the elementary kids, but they were still excited.  I am so glad they got to go to middle school together.  When I dropped them off, my heart skipped a bit as I watched them head into the sea of students.  But then I saw Ashton motion for Jordan and her friend to stay with her...and I instantly felt better.  Still as we pulled away, it was hard.  From the backseat, Luke was saying "bye Ashty, bye Jordy."   We will miss all the kiddos while they are away for the day, but I am so thankful they have the opportunity to attend school.  They will have the chance to learn and to grow, to face hard challenges and to have successes.

Looking forward to a great 2015-2016 school year.

Last Days of Summer Vacation

As school grew closer, we were counting our remaining precious days of summer.  With Tod being gone, I didn't really have the energy to do anything too extravagant, but I still wanted to make a few more summer memories.  And that is exactly what we did.

On Thursday, we headed to "Unpack Your Backpack" and met some fabulous teachers.  It required some coordination and help from friends to get to 2 different schools in a short amount of time.

Cole has the fabulous Mrs.W for 1st grade.  Regan had her, and we are thrilled to have her again.

And Regan is heading into 3rd grade with Mrs. R.  She is so excited, and we know her teacher will be great!

We rushed home and took Cole and Luke to a friend's house, so we could head over to the middle school for 6th and 8th grade.  Pictures were only allowed at the house before and not actually at the school!!  Haha.  It was a whirlwind of locker opening, schedules, finding rooms, seeing all the new remodeling, greeting old friends, and meeting 14 different teachers!

The next day, Friday, was our last real day of summer vacation....why not a trip to one of our favorite places, Wild Cat Den?  And of course, we had to have some KFC to make the trip complete.  It was a very fun, beautiful evening.

At this point, we were really missing Tod....he had been gone since the beginning of July.  There was the temptation to just exist and not really try to get out, but I just felt so strongly that I needed to carry on and try to really enjoy this time together with my kids. These 5 are my world, and I love being their mama.

And isn't this picture just fitting...ragged jeans and all.  I survived these few months alone!!  It wasn't always pretty but we made it.

As we were driving back home, it was just the most beautiful evening ever.  Iowa is truly breathtaking.

On Saturday, we had some wonderful friends who invited us to join them for a day of camping.  Yes, I said a day of camping.  That is how we roll, and it was perfect.  But first, Ashton had her first soccer game of fall season.  They lost in a close match, but it is already evident that they are much improved from last season.  So proud of her. She was so nervous.  They have been practicing so hard, and it shows.

We then headed out to the campsite (Regan and Jordan had gone out earlier), and were greeted with some fresh, hot Iowa corn.  Delicious.

Then it was time for some fishing.  The kids absolutely loved it.  And Cole even had some success!

I am so thankful for amazing friends...more than ever while Tod was away.  They helped me in so many different ways.  I am always so thankful for patient friends who love my children.  My kids really had such a wonderful night...the perfect end to summer.