Back to School

Today was the girls' first day of school. We got up on time, seemed to be getting things done right on schedule, and then poor little Kaylee passed out. Yep, she fainted. Fell right out of her chair and (fortunately) into my arms. The same thing happened over the summer when she was really sick with pneumonia, but this time she wasn't sick. So, instead of taking the girls to school this morning, I took Kaylee to the doctor while Chris dropped Ainsley off for her first day of fifth grade. Kaylee was not happy.

This year Chris and I decided to send our girls to a charter school. There's one just up the street from us (about a 10 minute drive), and after attending a meeting they held in which they talked about their educational goals, Chris and I felt confident that this was the right school for our children. We've known all summer they would attend Gateway this fall.  The girls have been excited but nervous.

When I took Kaylee to the doctor this morning she was already feeling better. The doctor diagnosed her fainting as a Vasovagal episode. From his description and what I read online the diagnosis fits her symptoms to a T. The doctor gave her permission to head off to school, which made her happy. When we arrived I spoke to her teacher and the school nurse about what had happened. It's quite possible that this will happen again. The nurse told me her own daughter has the same issue. I was relieved. I felt like I was leaving Kaylee in good hands.

I'm excited about this year. I have high hopes that my children will be quite happy at this new school. It's a small school. It's off in the middle of a corn field. But, the atmosphere is full of energy. The teachers are happy.  My kids will be learning Spanish. They'll have P.E. every day plus another specials class (art, music or Spanish). They get an extra recess and a longer lunch period. Ainsley gets to sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair at her desk. I viewed Kaylee's first homework assignment and it's not busy work - it actually looks like something worthwhile. Plus she gets to pick and choose assignments. 

Yes, I'm sad our summer vacation is over, but I can't help but be enthused for the girls to be trying something different. Here's to a great year!

         

He's Five!

On July 30th Landon celebrated his fifth birthday, but the festivities began a few days before that while we were still in California. When we visit California each summer we always have a big family BBQ before we head back to Texas. This year we decided to make it a birthday party for Landon. He had a great time and was quite the little host. He spent a lot of time thanking everyone for coming to his party.

On his birthday, Landon invited his friend Jayden over to celebrate with us. We had pizza, opened presents, went to Chuck E Cheese's to play games, and ate cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. Everything was Harry Potter themed and decorated in Gryffindor house colors; hence the red wig Kaylee (I mean Ginny Weasley) is wearing. We had a great time celebrating Landon's fifth birthday with him and are all enjoying playing with the many Harry Potter Lego sets he received as birthday gifts. Landon is such a fun loving, happy boy. We love you Landon!  Happy birthday!

More Art by Landon

Landon really likes a show on PBS called Wild Kratts. There was an episode where they were learning about earthworms. This was drawn shortly after he watched that episode. He drew it then hid it because he was embarrassed to show us his creation. Once it was discovered, we were all rolling with laughter. When we asked him to explain his picture he told us it was Chris Kratt and Pinky the earthworm after getting smashed by the Tortuga (their turtle shaped vehicle). So funny!

Landon is hilarious that's for sure but he can be incredibly sweet too. 

Where Did the Summer Go?

It feels like the girls just got out of school for the summer, but somehow they're headed back to school in less than two weeks. This summer has been unbearably hot, and there's no end in sight. I wish the weather would take a hint and start cooling off as we get ready to head back into our school routine. Although, I also wish I could keep my kids home just a little longer. 

We spent three weeks (the girls spent four) in California during the month of July. In June we were anxious to head out to cooler weather and our family, but we stayed occupied while we waited. I'm really good at planning out chores for my kids, but I'm not really good at making sure the chores get done. We've gone through many chore charts that kind of worked but were soon forgotten. It's not that my kids hate chores (they actually enjoy the responsibility). It's mostly that we get busy and forget. I decided this summer would be different. I searched online for chore chart ideas and combined some of the things I liked into a very prominent, there's no way you're going to forget me kind of chart. I thought it turned out pretty cute. The kiddos take turns picking chores each week. They love moving them to the "done" slot once they're finished. They've all done a great job learning new skills and remembering (sometimes with a little help) to finish their chores each week.  

Ainsley learned to clean one of our bathrooms entirely on her own. She also learned how to do laundry. Kaylee, who is not much of a cleaner, has been a good sport and even taken on extra duties like organizing their play kitchen. Landon was excited to take on some responsibility and loves picking "clean the windows".  

We do like to sprinkle in some fun while we works, so we take dance breaks. The Wii game "Just Dance" has become our source of dancing material. It's a nice break and a great workout! 

At the beginning of the summer Ainsley and Kaylee started having daily tea parties with their American Girl Dolls.  They usually brought out the tea set for breakfast and lunch. This lasted pretty much up until they left for California. Once they got to California they planned a tea party for their grandmas and got to use Grandma Gadd's china.

The kids have been wanting to tie dye t-shirts since last summer. We decided to give it a go this summer and bought a tie dye kit. Their t-shirts turned out so cute that I think I'm going to buy another kit so I can make one for myself.

Ahhh summer vacation. I love it. I look forward to it all year. I mourn it when it's over. But, it's time to get back into the daily grind. I think this year will be exciting. The girls are going to a new school (we decided to try out a charter school), and Landon will be going to a three day a week preschool. It's amazing how quickly these kiddos are growing up. Being a mom isn't always the easiest or the most glamorous but I am trying my best to savor every moment of raising these three awesome kiddos.