Bittersweet Moments

Moments like these just make my heart ache. Although we are so very proud of them, it's bittersweet to watch them grow. Thursday was Brock's first day of kindergarten, and he absolutely loved it. He didn't have any problems leaving Mama for the day, but it felt so good when he ran to me with open arms after school was over. He has so many friends from preschool that he plays with daily and is meeting tons of new friends every day.

At School
(His backpack was kept at school the night before at orientation)

This has also been quite an adjustment for him not taking naps. It never fails that every day around 5:00, I find him somewhere in the house snoozin'.

Today was Ella's first day at preschool. She has been so excited to go to preschool ever since Brock started going there. She had her moments of sadness where she didn't want to leave me for so long (3 hours), but that was easily dismissed once we stepped in the doors at preschool. Again, it was so lovely to get a big huggie when I walked in the door.

Ella is quickly becoming friends with all of the girls, but she told me today that she doesn't like the boys. Daddy says, "Just remember that when you get older."

Hugs and kisses for Sissy

This was as close as Brock would get to her

Talking to Daddy before school
At Preschool

Blake loving the vacuum

What's summer without a giant mud puddle?

I didn't get any pictures of them on the swing set slide, but the mud puddle was directly underneath it, and watching them slide down through the mud was hilarious!

It's probably a good idea to dump mud in the real water slide.

We found this pretty lady on our hunt for acorns. It was on the verge of dying, so the kids kept it as a pet for the day. Sadly, she wound up in a bucket directly in the sun and didn't make it much past noon.

Vacation 2010

This was Chad's first week back to work after a week-long vacation. Although the first part of the vacation was emotionally draining, we finished the week with lots of fun activities. The pictures are in reverse order. I don't have the energy to fix them. =)

County Fair Rodeo
We will be signing the kids up for Mutton Bustin' next year - so hilarious!

Mason putting the moves on Ella

Waiting for the parade to start

Brock and Ella waving at the floats

Even Sophie got in on the waving action
This was Ella's reaction to the clown that was in the parade:

Ella is becoming particularly bossy when it comes to taking pictures. In this picture, she said, "Okay, now Sophie will sit on the chair, and Mommy, you can come over here on this side and get down right by Sophie. Now say 'CHEESE'!"

Camping!

Sophie vs Jello
She was at it for at least five minutes.

Saltdogs Game
Brock and Daddy parading around the field before the game

Brock was able to run out to second base for the National Anthem.
After Brock ran in from the field, a couple of the players from the Saltdogs team invited him to come and sit on the bench. Inside the dugout, they propped his feet up on a cooler, turned his hat backwards, and gave him a Gatorade.


Pay close attention to the little boy in the cowboy hat. So cute!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Diving for the imaginary ball

All ready for a surprise party!