Sweet Friends

Some friends from North Carolina came up a couple of weeks ago for a visit. It was GREAT having them here. We were able to soak in a lot of girls' time, which was needed. It was refreshing to be able to spend time with some great friends. Abbey, Marsha, Jessica and myself were so encouraged by our time with Allyson (and her little girl Lexi), Kristy (and her little girl Laney) and Beth. We loved having these ladies and their babies here for a few days.
Allyson and I taught together. In fact, she was a big part in me getting my job at Rolesville. I owe it to her for my years there! I love Allyson and consider her a great friend. I loved having her stay with me. It was great catching up and hanging out. I must say, I am a little (okay, a LOT) jealous of her little Lexi's napping schedule. Lexi is a champion napper...and well, Owen, he is STRUGGLING these days. Maybe he will catch on. I can hope. But, I love Allyson dearly and am so thankful for the time I had with her while she was here.

Me and Allyson

Lexi and Owen

Maine

Jon planned a get away for us last week. We went and stayed at a little cabin in Ogunquit, Maine. We were right on Perkins Cove. On the way up we stopped and shopped and went to a movie. Once we checked in to the cabin, we went for a walk along the coast and enjoyed dinner at the Oarweed, right on the water. Ava stayed with the Gretos and Emet stayed with the Millers...BIG thanks to our friends for keeping the kids. We took Owen with us. It was a great little get away and I'm so thankful for my husband who is thoughtful and sweet...he planned everything. I love you honey!!!

Our cabin is tucked away in the woods

Maine Coast

I love him!!!

My sweet little man!

Love my boys!

Dinner at the Oarweed

Isn't his face sweet?

View from our cabin

Preschool and Sports

We started preschool with some friends a couple of weeks ago. Emet, Matthew, Trip and Parker are doing preschool and the mommies are taking turns teaching. I taught the first day and only Emet and Matthew could make it. Since then they have had two more days of preschool and Emet is loving it!
Emet and Matthew are also taking a sports class at the YMCA. They rotate and practice a new sport each week. They are having a blast and doing really well. It's so much fun to watch the boys in their element. They both LOVE sports!

Ready for preschool

Emet and Matthew

Soccer Day

Basketball Day

Jon was there on football day!

Ava is in Kindergarten!!!

Ava has started Kindergarten. My baby girl is off to school, and I must say, LOVING every minute. While I miss her during the day, it is comforting and reassuring to know that she loves where she is going, what she is doing and her teacher. It thrills me to see her excitement about school and learning. I can't wait to see how she grows and learns as a student this year. We did capture memories from her preview day and her first real day of Kindergarten.
I think the start of school and transition has been much harder on me than her. I enjoy having her home and treasure every minute with her. I miss her now that she is gone during the day, but am thankful that she is enjoying her school experience. I think it is good for all of us to be in this phase. It has been fun taking her and picking her up each day. It is a great time for me to meet other parents and connect with what is going on at her school. I'm thankful for a school that we have heard so many good things about and a teacher that Ava seems to love. It is going to be a great year!
Look at our big girl!!!

Preview Day

So grown up

Everything ready before her first day

EXCITED!!

Here we go

In front of Brooks School

She can't wait to go in!

I love my girl!

I will be okay, I will be okay, I will be okay...

Silly faces

Walking In
Picking Ava up from the first day

Isn't she adorable? I'm so proud of my big Kindergarten girl!

Sitting Up and 7 Months...

I am a little late and realize Owen is almost 8 months old at this point, but I found these pictures and remembered I hadn't posted them. Here he is at 7 months old and sitting up on his own. He doesn't really like to sit up, he prefers playing on his back or belly...but he has on occasion sit up for us. We love this little boy!

Loop, Swoop and Pull

Cross

Loop, Swoop

and pull!!!

Ava can tie a shoe!!!

Labor Day Fun

We enjoyed spending Labor Day together as a family. We started our day off with a trip south of the city to hike a small mountain. There was a mini zoo there, so we checked out the animals before our hike. The kids had a great time exploring as we hiked. After our hike we went down to Wrentham to the outlets. As I was walking around, I spotted someone who I thought was the kid, Snap Boogie, from America's Got Talent. I actually stopped to ask him. It was, him! He is from Boston and got sent home last week. He is a street dancer, so naturally I loved watching him. As little Emet LOVES to dance, it is fun to watch these guys perform. He was great and I wished he would have stayed in the competition a little longer. But, he was very friendly and even took a picture with Ava. Emet got shy on me and wouldn't get in the picture.
After shopping we headed out to dinner to use a coupon we had for buy one entree get one free.
Overall our day was great. The best part, just being together as a family! I'm so thankful for my husband and our precious kiddos!

Before our hike

Checking out the mushrooms

Love this!

Are they cute or what?

Love him...

and her!!!

Snap Boogie and Ava