When They Were Younger

This time of year, with school and all of the related activities starting up, I always seem to be struck by just how big my kids are getting. And, the younger ones often remind me of the older ones when they were littler.  So, keeping with that train of thought, here are some comparisons that I felt compelled to do when thinking back on when my kiddos were all a bit younger.

When Barrett was going to KECC, we started a tradition of taking pictures with the turtle out front on his first day. We continued the tradition with Fletcher, and I am excited to continue to continue it next year. Here's a side by side of Barrett and Fletch by the same turtle at 3 years old.

 

 

Now, when Audrey's first day when she was 3 was also Barrett's first day at daycare. When I looked at this, I was struck by just how tiny Audrey was. She's gotten so big that it's easy to forget she was once just as small as her baby brother. 

It's also really sinking in that we've lived in this house now longer than we've lived anywhere else during our marriage.  As a result, we've been playing at the park across the street for nearly 7 years now. The kids love playing at the park, and I love taking pictures of them playing at the park. I found these pictures of the kids all in the same tunnel. Barrett and Audrey are both 4 when their pictures were taken. 

As a parent, watching your children grow older is bittersweet. I hope I can continue to make memories that will last with all 3 of them. And that I never forget how they were when they were babies, toddlers, and so on up until today. They are pretty fantastic humans, and I am so thankful they are in my life. 

Goodbye Edge

When Audrey was about 2 months old, we decided to buy a new car. At the time, we had two sedans, and with all of the added baby gear needed for trips to the lake, we needed a car with more cargo room. So, we bought a brand new Ford Edge. Last week, we sold the edge and got me a new car. It's still weird when I think about it, because I've been driving the Edge to work every day for the past 7 years. I've driven that car longer than any other car I've owned! My new car is awesome, but I still wanted to just take a moment to say goodbye to the Edge. It was a good car, and I am grateful for getting to drive it for so long.

Back to School Days

The other day, I caught myself telling a friend that I was looking forward to school getting underway and getting back into the associated routines. I was shocked, but at the same time not at all surprised, by just how much like a parent I sounded! This summer really has been a great one for the kids. We've done A LOT.  They've done A LOT. Every week, they go 2 or 3 places, spend time at the park, and try out all of the board games in the game closet. They've also had camps and TONS of time living the lake life. Despite all of that, THEY'RE EXCITED TO START SCHOOL AGAIN TOO. 

That's right. Fletcher was probably the most excited. He actually threw a fit when we were leaving his school after a meet and greet with his teachers earlier in the week. Every time we talk about him going to school, he grins and giggles. Barrett and Audrey, surprisingly enough, were excited as well. They both have good friends with them in class and seem to be looking forward to the learning part of things too.  I doubt any of us are really ready for all of the homework, but I'll just choose not to think about that until it starts rolling in a couple of weeks from now. 

So, without further ado, we have the obligatory internet post of first day of school photos.  We really struggled to get a solid group shot, so I am sharing the "best" one that we have AND the one that's my favorite.

"Best Shot" 

Mom's Favorite 

Fletcher's first day of Preschool.

Barrett's first day of 2nd Grade.

And Audrey's first day of 5th grade, which is also her last first day of elementary school. 

Here's to a great 2019/2020 school year for all 3 kiddos filled with lots of learning, frienship, and fun. 

Let's Get Away

We took a mini vacay down to Lake of the Ozarks this past weekend (well, we made it a little longer than a weekend).

The first day, we took a long boat ride down to the new Margaritaville Landshark restaurant on the Lake. The day started out overcast, but it ended up clearing up and getting warmer as the day progressed.  After lunch, we decided to cove out and swim while Fletcher napped. The kids made friends with some of the local ducks, and then we headed back to the Lake house.

The next couple of days were the weekend, so we stayed close to home. The weather was pleasant for July, which meant the kids did a little bit of swimming, but also wanted to do other outdoor activities like crafts. drawing and playing in the swing. They also made tents on the patio. Barrett's craft was boat made out of aluminum beer bottles, popsicle sticks, balloons, and more hot glue than he probably needed.

The kids also found time for an epic squirt gun/water balloon fight. There was no clear winner, only a clear loser...me!

The last day of our vacation, we started the day with a plan.  We had made blueberry muffins, loaded up the boat, and were heading to the other end of the lake to go to a restaurant that has waterslides. As we were loading the boat, Tripper decided that he wanted to go. The kids decided they were willing to forgo the waterslides if it meant their pup could join them for the day, so Tripper hopped on board the boat and away we went.

Our first stop was lunch and swimming in the pool at Dog Days. Tripper was remarkably good. He didn't bark, stayed put, and hardly anyone even noticed he was there.

After we left there, while Fletcher and Tripper napped, we headed on down the lake. Before we knew it, we'd made it all the way to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. We swam for a bit, and then when Fletcher woke up, we decided to make the hike to the top of the hill. The hike up was shady and pretty pleasant, especially around the blue lagoon. It really is a beautiful place.

The kids did a great job of getting up the hill, and so did Tripper. We were all definitely tired once we got to the top, but the kids were real troopers and only complained a little :) Once we saw the castle ruins though, Fletcher did not stop asking questions the entire hike back down to the water. If I wasn't so tired from carrying him half the way, I might have been more frustrated. Instead, I just explained, at least 15 times, how the castle burned down and why no one lived there anymore.

By the time we got back to the boat, it was nearly dinner time, so we decided to find another place to grab dinner instead of eating the pizza we'd planned to make for dinner at the house. It didn't take long for Tripper to pick a comfy spot to nap. I think he may have been even more tired than the rest of us! 

After dinner, we got to finish out our vacation with a beautiful sunset cruise home. It was definitely a long day, but it was a fantastic way to close out our time at the lake, and our summer.  That's right, school starts next week!