Jakob starts preschool!

posing where his big sis did on her first day of school

(not sure what the flag is all about!)

"entering" preschool

Found his name and hook, nervous smile, maybe!!??

outside his classroom

Jakob started prechool this week. He will be going 2 mornings per week. The first day brought more tears by mom than Jakob (preschool teachers are so sweet, she gave me the best hug!) so I considered it successful! He's been singing his welcome song all afternoon. I could tell that he was very proud of himself.

I had 2 projects planned today while Jakob was at school...organize office and clean out Jakob's closet. Neither project got finished....or even started if we're being honest! Bucky and I just stared at each other and couldn't believe how QUIET the house was. Maybe Thursday I'll accomplish more!!

2 kids in school. I cannot believe it!

love

rachel

First day of 1st grade

checking in her school supplies

"entering" 1st grade


outside West Elementary

ready to go, after many outfit changes!

(it was FREEZING!)

Jaiden started 1st grade last week. She was so excited to have a desk this year....and HOMEWORK!! I can already tell it's going to be a great year!!!

love

rachel

Quick Summer Update

I cannot believe it's been so long since I've updated....and yet we've been so busy and have so much to share.

Jaiden started her summer vacation off with a BUSY week of basketball camp, tennis, and vacation Bible School. After that week, she jumped into a Kidds Klub that meets 2 mornings per week and T-ball 2 evenings per week.

Jakob had his first experience of preschool in June. A two day preschool "Sports Camp". He loved every minuted of the 2 1/2 hours away from mom. Yes, I did cry dropping him off the first day. I held my tears in until we got in the car. And then Jaiden quickly asked me "Did you cry when you drop me off at places?" Oh YES I told her!!

We've also had so much fun meeting friends at a different park around Hutch 1 morning per week. Going to listen to Stories in the Park on Thursday mornings. Keeping up on our Summer Reading Programs and playing school with Jaiden and Jakob's workbooks. We've had some fun at our community pool and running through sprinklers. The kids are anxious to start their swimming lessons. Jakob will have 1 more preschool class, "Construction Zone".

Our summer was going so great....to great maybe with both kids getting along and such fun activities....and then it happened. I ran back into our garage for something, slipped on the floor and broke my ankle in 2 spots! I had surgery to have a metal plate and screws put in. I am determined to not let this ruin our summer fun. However, I'm on crutches for 6wks. We are so lucky to have great friends here that have helped out with kids and running us where we need to go, running errands for us, meals, and just overall supports. My dad has been a lifesaver also running the kids to activities and even Jaiden to the dentist. He even got in on one of the "park playdates". He will be back to Hutch in a week to help out again. Brian has been able to take a lot of time off work. I feel like everyday since June 23 (day of the fall!) has been Saturday!! He has been taking on all the household stuff, taking great care of Jaiden and Jakob, and taking great care of me. Jaiden has been amazing with all her help. She asks me what I need and never hesitates to jump right in and help. Jakob is starting to follow her lead! I owe everyone a HUGE THANK YOU!!

love

racheljakob before his Sports Camp

sprinkler fun with friends

having a fun summer together
sparklers on the 4th

celebrated the 4th before dark--tired kids!!

Last day of Kindergarten

first day of school

last day of school

Never thought I'd be more emotional on her last day of school than I was on her first. We're so proud of everything she has learned over the year and how much she has matured. I wish Kindergarten would last forever!!!

Now on to summer vacation!!!

love

rachel

The Picture of Summer

is she the picture of summer, or what??!

more pictures from our busy and fun Memorial Weekend to come!!!

love

rachel

Mother's Day

Homemade card by Jaiden, flowers, coffee in bed, clean house by Brian and kids....

yes, it was a happy Mother's Day

Sure, there were moments of missing my own mom on this first Mother's Day without her. But being blessed by my own family made up for it!!

Happy Mother's Day to all out there!

love

rachel

Rainy Day

Is this the best way to spend a rainy day, or what??! And since they're calling for

SNOW, yes, SNOW on May 7th...

I think I just may go join him!!

Jaiden had her spring dance recital a couple weekends ago. Did you like the pictures?? Oh wait, no pictures!! I was busy running around back stage getting girls lined up and kept quiet to take pictures. Brian video tapped her dances, but we're having trouble making the videos a small enough file so they'll load on the blog.

We'll be meeting my dad, Nick, Lauren, and Alli for biking Saturday. Thought it was a nice thing to do for Mother's Day since it's something my mom enjoyed so much. And then on Sunday, my wish is to go to a quiet bookstore with a good cup of coffee ALONE! And come home to a clean house, laundry done, and dinner on the table! I've been sending Brian telepathic messages about this....we'll see if he gets them. :)

Only 1 month of school left. I cannot believe I will have a 1st grader in 1 month!! Jaiden will have a summer filled with basketball camp, vacation Bible school, t-ball, library reading program and swimming lessons. Jakob will have fun with a preschool sports camp and construction zone (each 2 days for 2 hours, it will be a good transition for him to "real preschool"), library reading program, and swimming lessons. We'll even have time to meet our friends at parks and enjoy story time at the library.

Hope you're enjoying your weather!!

love,

rachel