Whirlwind

Wow!! I can't believe the last time I blogged was during the first week of school. Obviously, this whole "back-to-school thing" has been a bit of an adjustment for me. Between after school activities, waking up earlier, packing lunches, checking folders, homework, after school snacks, and just trying to maintain my sanity...blogging has fallen by the wayside. BUT, now that the kiddos are getting back on somewhat of a steady schedule, I am trying to create a new schedule for myself, which definitely includes keeping up with the ole' bloggity blog.

So here's a bit of a recap on what we've been up to lately:

Sienna cheered in her first football game, and we were so excited to find out she would be cheering for her cousin Kaleb's team......they had a gaggle of fans cheering them on.

She was "head cheerleader" for her first game and we were so very proud of her!!

Sweet Cousins

I also got a chance to snap a few pictures of our big girl wearing her "Kinder Rocks" t-shirt from Bodda Bling Designs.

And speaking of Kindergarten.......one of the best purchases we have made in a long time is this sweet little desk for Sienna's room. She loves sitting in her chair to do her homework, to practice writing or just to color or draw in peace (translation: away from her little brother).

So there you have it. Getting back into the swing of things little by little......much more to share very soon.

taking flight

She's been waiting for this day for weeks (months really), and she finally gets to tell everyone that she is officially a Kindergartner!! 

As for me, I'm still processing my own emotions: excitement, fear, disbelief. But one thing I am sure of, is how proud I am of my baby girl. She is brave and smart and kind and sassy and curious, and even though it is sometimes hard for me to watch her fly.....I know she is ready!

a quick little photo shoot before heading to Meet the Teacher

On the big day, she was definitely excited, but she was also very tired & had a tough time waking up at 6:30a.m.

Sweet Sienna with sleepy eyes :-)

waking up a little

the one & only shot I could get of the 2 of them

she walked right in, put away her backpack and got right to work

and this is how I left her.....before I walked out into the hall & felt the tears start to fall

We said a little prayer this morning on the way to school for her teacher and her classmates, and we asked God to keep her safe, to help her learn, to make lots of new friends and to be a good friend. I just know this is going to be a great year!!

Preschool

Well, today was the BIG day for our sweet little boy. He woke up with a big smile on his face, jumped out of Mommy & Daddy's bed (he snuck in there at some point last night & I didn't notice until about 5:00am), put on his new uniform, grabbed a quick breakfast, and headed to his very first day of Preschool.

And I must say, he was a very good sport, and didn't complain AT ALL during our mini-first-day-of-school-photo-shoot!

Once we arrived at his classroom, the nerves started to get to him just a bit, but the meltdown was quick and relatively painless. Daddy was able to get him to hang up his backpack, and put away his nap mat, and then I could tell it was time for us to make our get-away.

He still looked a bit nervous when we left, and there were definitely no smiles for Mama's camera, but I just know he is going to have a wonderful first day!

LOVE YOU BUDDY!!

back to school

With one starting Kindergarten next Monday, and one starting Pre-K(3) on Wednesday, we are officially in "Back to School" mode around our house. We are buzzing with excitement, preparing for the first day, getting our calendars in order, and thinking about how to stay organized while maintaing our sanity (and by "we" I mostly mean "me")!

There are a thousand great back-to-school ideas floating around blog land these days (and I'll admit to checking out most of them), but in keeping with my goal to simplify this year, I have chosen just a few to incorporate into our back to school routine.

Of course the all-important Kindergarten backpack and lunch box have arrived:

via Pottery Barn Kids

I've printed out this super cute Back to School Photo Checklist:

via Rebecca Cooper

I'm in the process of printing out these cute "1st Day of School Printables" for our annual photo shoot on the front porch:

via How Does She

But I also really like these???:

via I Heart Nap Time

I've read through this article on establishing a Back to School sleep schedule:

via I Heart Organizing

And I have a few ideas on cute Teacher Gifts for the First Day:

Like this one......

via Eighteen 25

or maybe something simple like this......

via Rebecca Cooper

and I really love this:

via Eighteen 25

I absolutely LOVE this time of year! Stocking up on fresh school supplies, making lists, clearing out the clutter, getting organized, making memories, and creating traditions......what could be better than that!!