Summer's Ending, School's Beginning

Our days that were already filled with pockets of busy and some precious moments of calm turned very busy with school starting again.  I'm grateful Andrew is such a good baby and that the big kids are helpful, independent and happy!

Abby at Open House

Andrew at one month

Go Cougars!

I love the Summer Reading program at the library and the fun coupons the kids get to redeem all summer!  When Roy traveled last week, we got (free) Noodles & Co for dinner.  With at least a dozen options of what to eat for dinner, do you know what these kids chose?  Mac & cheese and spaghetti.  Here they are sitting in a booth watching their food being put together.  We don't do restaurants that often so this was understandably a fun adventure :)

The girls found these gigantic Olaf dolls and had to take a picture for Uncle Steven Freebairn, who might be the only person in the world to think that Olaf is annoying.  I'm glad my girls have a sense of irony and enjoy teasing people.

Look at those fabulous cheeks and that sweet face.  I enjoy the snuggles.

First days of school are so exciting!

Can you see how unhappy Sam is to say goodbye?

Happiness

Nervousness

Right to work!

Abby will be riding the bus to school this year.  She has loved it so far.  In fact, it's the highlight of her day.  Lydia and Sam enjoy the 5 or so minutes of running around in the morning while we wait.  When Abby boards the bus, they start yelling, "BYE, ABBY!" as many times as possible until she rides away.  Occasionally, they throw in an "I love you".  They are so loud.  Someday it'll be embarrassing but right now it keeps us laughing.

Sam started preschool last week.  We're doing Joy School with 4 families.  He is so excited to have 2 days a week of preschool.

And never one to be forgotten or left behind, Lydia packed her backpack, grabbed her unneeded umbrella and said it was the day for Purple School to start.  We just roll with it and call whatever activity we are doing a Purple School activity.

Abby and Sam both started soccer last week too.  With practices back-to-back, it'll keep us on our toes and out of trouble (and exhausted).

I got out of the shower to find oldest cuddling youngest, both asleep on my pillow.  The flash was a little bright for these sleeping people.  Oops.

I'm so lucky to have these 4 fantastic kids!  I was feeling grateful this morning that I could get all 4 out the door for church in exactly one hour from start to finish and had to get a picture.  These kids bring so much happiness to our family!