Raising Cubs in a Campground

Another week has passed already and thanks to this photo-dump style post I've been able to record some every day moments that would otherwise be a vapor in my memory. It's only been three weeks but already I feel so good about writing more here and posting photos for our family blog book series. Don't be intimidated by the number of photos I'm posting - jump in and post ONE photo - even one view from your shoes will be a slice of time in your life that you can't get back. Moving on to some views I had this past week... Saturday night PapaBear and I had the opportunity to leave the kids home with my mom and go out to a local bar to celebrate my BIL's 40th. This is what I found when I got home. Julia in a basket. In the closet. This is nothing new as I have a whole series of photos of her unique sleeping habits. Sunday after the kids sang at the early church service we enjoyed a quiet day at home with my mom. Sam wanted to join in the Quiddler fun and did ...

Hooks. Preschoolers, Kindergarteners, and First Graders, (and maybe Second Graders too?) have hooks for their coats and backpacks at school. They are one of those little things that you don't realize are part of being little. Sam has already graduated from wanting me to walk him to his class every morning to being totally fine with me dropping him off at the door. It won't be long before he'll be one of the 'big kids' slamming their lockers closed in the mornings. I took my big camera with me yesterday to get some decent shots of the hooks in the hallway/entryway and am so glad I did. Now that I look at them I see so much more that has been part of their early school years. Sam has used that same backpack since he started preschool in the Fall of 2008. He's also been wearing that same hand-me-down Spyder jacket for three winters. I'm so used to seeing them that I don't think I'll ever forget them, but without these photos, chances are I would. T...

Sam celebrated his 7th birthday today with all the boys in his class. The four boys get along so well together - nobody gets left out and they truly enjoy being together.  It's a good thing since they are outnumbered by the ten girls in the class! Sammy settled on a castle theme a few weeks ago so I did what I do every year, I Google until I find all the elements I need to pull off the party of their dreams. I'm lucky that they are easy to please because there isn't often much to be found in the theme they choose! In hopes of helping out anyone out there who decides on a castle theme for their child's next birthday, I've put together some collages of today's festivities. Be sure to click on the collages to make them bigger. (You can click on the BIRTHDAY label on the sidebar for more information on party themes from other years.) Julia also chose a castle themed birthday party so a recap of her special day is up next.  Invites: (text found on an unknown w...

Sam started first grade after Labor Day and loves it. His teacher is so kind and loving. His class size is 14 - up one from last year. 10 girls, 4 boys. He brings home great progress reports and since he's such an early riser it's not a big deal to get up and ready in the morning. He's picky about what clothes he wears but I'm trying to be more relaxed about it and let him pick as long as it's seasonally appropriate which around here means shorts one day and jackets another.  I love hearing him read to me from his reading textbook. He loves to learn, but if you ask him what his favorite part of the day I bet you can guess what he says - LUNCH! Julia started her final year of preschool and is quickly falling into the routine. She's got a busy schedule with preschool and speech on Mondays, ECFE and dance on Tuesdays, preschool on Wednesday, speech on Thursdays, preschool and speech on Fridays. It sounds crazy busy but she loves it! She doesn't eve...