Monday, August 27, 2012

First Day of First Grade

Wow, that went fast.  I swear we were just heading out for the last day of Kindergarten.
Everyone was excited for the first day of first grade.  Quinn and Delaney were up extra early right along with Meredith (oh joy).  They were all dressed and ready to walk to school right on time.
 Thanks for the new backpack KK and Papa Jim.
 Meredith kept asking Quinn and Delaney if they were going to miss her during the day.
I actually think they really did!  I know I did (sniff sniff).
Delaney was ready to go in her gymnastics leotard.  She tumbled so hard she voluntarily took a nap today.  Win!
 
 Saying goodbye for the whole day...no tears for either of us!
 Thanks for joining the entourage Grammie Dana!
 Back with her buddies Sofia and Ruby, heading into Mrs. Greenwoods classroom.
I think it's going to be a great year for Miss Meredith!  Although I'm already hearing complaints about my lunches...

Keeping Busy in McCall

Like I said, we did some interesting things to keep busy in McCall the last couple of weeks.  One day we joined Jesse on a woodcutting adventure.  The girls thought it was really cool to see their Dad chop down a tree.  Too bad that the chainsaw wouldn't start (loooong story) right after this tree fell across the road.
Huge FAIL for the day, but the kids had fun in the woods!  And for the record, Jesse went back and did indeed cut that tree up for wood.  No freezing this winter.


 The Bryans were in McCall the same week so we swapped big girls/little girls on a couple occassions.
I thought the 6yr olds would be the easiest.  Nope, these 3 girls kept each other entertained for hours with no refereeing from Mom!
 Love these girls, they were too cute teaching Quinn how to use a tube to float.
 Which is not so great now that she won't wear water wings and thinks she
can 'swim' to the end of the dock.
 We had to make our annual trip to the Roseberry Summer Concert series.  We had gorgeous weather and a fantastic bluegrass band. 

 Delaney squeezing in the tip jar
 Quinn having a typical "Quinn Moment".  Yes, that's a whole roll of Smarties in her mouth.







 I usually get to celebrate my birthday in McCall and this year did not disappoint!  We had dinner with the Bryans across the lake.  What a fun evening, good food, good kids and good adult bevies!
 Erin makes the best goodies.  Thanks for the cake girlfriend.
 Looking every bit of my 35 years.  Jesus, someone Botox me quick!
The girls spent quite a bit a time making me cards and a crown.
 Thomas the lone boy in the pack enjoying his Mamas cake.
 Big girls heading to 1st grade in a few days!
 Our annual adults only extravaganza had to be downsized this year.  Instead of a full weekend of kidless nonsense we managed to carve out about 12 hours of 'free time'.  We took full advantage of the Darmodys lake toys for the afternoon.  No sunscreen, no lifejackets.  It was great!
 Lots of fun boats to play on too...
Now it's back to early mornings, gymnastics, playdates, school, soccer, lunch packing, laundry etc...
We had a GREAT summer full of wonderful friends and memories.  As sad as it is for summer to end, this Type A, OCD Mom is ready for a schedule.  Bring it fall!

Squeezing In More Fun

We were so fortunate to be able to spend so much time in McCall this summer.  We had another 12 day stay at the lake in August - heaven!  We got a little creative this summer keeping the kids entertained.  We can't spend every second on the beach in the sun, as much as I would like too!  One day I had Quinn entertained for a good hour watering plants.  Big bucket of water and a tiny cup did the trick.
 The Dunn Family was brave enough to join us for a weekend.  We took the chairlift up to the top of Brundage.  A really fun idea that kept us all entertained for a few hours.
Hudson (2), Quinn (2), Delaney(4), Meredith (6), Kennedy(4)
 The kids thought it was hilarious to see the lodge with no snow.
 On the lift with Coco/Barney the stuffed dog of course.
 Throwing rocks at stuff.
 Gourmet lunch at the bottom.
 Nope, not the Race for the Cure.  Just matching pink shirts for Meggan and I!
$1 beers to boot.
 72 on the mountain...not a bad day
 Some friends let us borrow their EZ Ski Trainer.  The kids loved this thing. 

 Meredith tried it for a day and quickly graduated to her regular water skis.
 Meanwhile on the boat...
 Hudson going in for a 'nuggle'
 "Uh Mom, is this okay?  I'm so embarassed"
 2 yrs old on the EZ ski!
 Watching the action
 Took a little convincing but Kennedy gave it a whirl
Buddies
 Back safely on the tube
 Tandem tubing
 You know me, so good with the kids. 
Really odd that Quinn is screaming bloody murder.  I swear she is turning my hair more
 gray by the second
 Life is good with a cute boy feeding you ice cream!