Funny Conversations

In the car with Alivia on the UT Campus as college kids walked the sidewalks getting to class.
Alivia: I can tell they are adults (referencing the college kids).
Me: How can you tell?
Alivia: Because they look old, carry backpacks and wear watches.

In the car with Will after dropping off Alivia at her first sleepover.
Will: I like to teach school to my stuffed animals.
Me: What do you teach them?
Will: Stories from the Bible.
Me: Which ones in particular?
Will: Noah and the boat. And about the animals on the boat.

First Day of School for John

John had his first day of Preschool today with Miss Bonnie. He seemed a little unsure when we dropped him off, but Bonnie said he did great once we had left. All the kids came with me to his classroom. For John, the most exciting part of school is getting to wear a backpack and have a thermos like his older brother and sister. Miss Bonnie said John loved the tool set in the room and talked about "fixing stuff" while he was there. Like father like son!

His backpack is HUGE. What was I thinking?

John with Miss Angie and Miss Bonnie

First Day of School for Will

Will started Pre-K yesterday! He has Mrs. Lisby who just seems precious. He will be going to school Tuesday-Friday from 9-1 pm. I'm looking forward to another year at Covenant Preschool although I am a little sad Will goes to school on Fridays since I have some fun activities planned for Alivia this year that I know Will would also enjoy.

He is SO confident. 

He rode to school with Paige (and Uncle Peyton) on his first day since I had to work

Paige loves getting to ride with Will on Wednesdays

Will and Mrs. Lisby

Labor Day

Labor Day was especially exciting this year because Matt took the kids to Bertram for their first experience with Dove Hunting! As expected, they lasted about 45 minutes out in the field but it was so. dang. HOT. But they were excited to hang out with Daddy and wanted to go both days. For Alivia, the experience was all about getting new clothing - she even asked "What color bow should I take with me to wear with my outfit? Brown or black? I don't seem to have a camo bow." Hilarious. For Will, he loved getting some severed feet from a dove that was shot. He even placed them on a pillow next to his bed. Somehow, the feet mysteriously never made it back to our house.

Precious pic

The kids loved catching frogs with these nets at Bertram

Alivia's barrel full of frogs

Mimi and I hung out at the lake (in the AC) with the littles (Matthew 7 mos, John and Paige)

Matt brought walkie talkies which were a huge hit with the kids

Hangin' out in the 'Hood

The kids and I were taking a walk around the neighborhood just to get out of the house when we happened upon an Austin city crew working on the sidewalk in front of Emily and PT's house. Score! The men were so nice and talked us through putting our hands and names in the wet cement. They even gave us supplies for the project! When John messed his up they got their trowel out and re-smoothed the wet concrete so we could do it again. So nice. The kids were fascinated with the whole process (and I was, too.) A lingering question I had was why did 6 men need to be there for that job? Ahhh. . . our tax dollars at work. No complaints from me. . . did I mention they were nice?

Pouring the concrete

Waiting for it to dry. . . 

Still waiting. . . 

Just a few minutes more!

Baby Matthew (6 1/2 months) 

Before

AFTER! I just love it. Everytime we walk by them my heart will smile

My First Grader

Alivia started her first day of FIRST GRADE at Veritas this past week. I feel prepared for the school year and look forward to learning with and teaching Alivia. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Hurley and seems so kind and encouraging. Let the school year begin - YAHOO! I pray that Alivia will continue to build her confidence and make one or two sweet friends that live nearby.

We are carpooling with two families that live in the neighborhood and one other that lives a little north. Amazingly, I will only have to drive down to school on Monday mornings and the rest of the driving will be done by others in the carpool. What a blessing.

I love uniforms! It makes the morning so much easier. Plus, she looks adorable.

Alivia and her teacher, Mrs. Hurley

Loving the Lake