Bradley Turns One!

Bradley turned one year old on August 23! We had a nice family party here at home, and enjoyed watching Brad eat nearly an entire cupcake on his own and play with his new gifts. It was a nice day/weekend of reflection as we all thought about what a blessing he has been in our lives and how we've made it through the first year of his life. I always get a little choked up thinking about my baby leaving the "baby" stage and becomming a toddler. It always seems to to go way too fast.

Brad has been walking since 11 months, and can now nearly keep up with Jacob and Madeline. The "big kids" love taking care of their little bro and enjoy playing games like "fetch" and "hide the toy" with him. It's wonderful watching everyone grow together and learn to love one another more each day. We are blessed.

Mommy's First Day in Kindergarten

I had the joy of working in Jacob's kindergarten classroom today. What fun! I was really excited and a tiny bit nervous. I had worked in his preschool classroom the year before last, and that was fun as well.

After my first day, here are just a few of my observations:

1) I should not be allowed to go near the copy machine.

2) Elementary teachers never get to sit down, or eat, or go to the bathroom.

3) Never underestimate the ability your kindergartener has to sit still - they sit still for LONG periods of time in class and do just fine.

4) It's important to remember how to do the hoky poky, search for bugs, and play duck duck goose!

I loved seeing my boy Jacob playing with his friends, listening to his teachers, and doing quite well! Now I'm off to staple some kindergarten coloring booklets together and make playdough in the microwave.

Lastly, hats off to the four kindergarten teachers at Dry Creek Elementary School - they are awesome!!!

Today was Jacob's first day of Kindergarten at Dry Creek Elementary School. I can't believe this day is finally here. It seems like only yesterday, we welcomed him into the world. You'll be proud of me that I didn't cry too much, but I haven't picked him up yet . . . so there's still a chance that I could loose it.

We are so proud of our Jacob; his is confident, well-adjusted, loving, sweet, but not afraid to stand up for himself. He was so excited today, hardly nervous at all. Meanwhile, my stomach was in knots for the last two days: Will he be alright? Did I pack enough snack? Will he make new friends? Will he like his teacher?

Despite my normal mommy fears, God has reminded me that none of us are out of his control. Jacob actually reminded me this morning that God knew all of us before we were even born, and that He loves us so much and can see everything, everywhere. I guess I was the one that needed the pep talk :-) That's our Jacob.

Atta Boy!

I love the mountains!

Over the Fourth of July weekend, we took a short family vacation near Lake Tahoe in Genoa, Nevada at David Walley's Resort and Hot Spring. As we drove aroud Lake Tahoe (hoping to swim in the lake) we couldn't find parking, so we stopped and had a picnic at Spooner Lake instead. The kids had a great time chasing lizards, chipmunks, and Blue Jays. We took a mini hike to the lake, getting really dirty along the way (dry dirt trail), but had a fun little lunch even though we didn't get to the big lake (Tahoe) on this trip. Perhaps next time.

At the resort, we swam every day and soaked up the sun. We met cousins Mike and Danielle Henderson for dinner at Old Red's 395 in Carson City and had a good relaxing time.

Jacob's Rainbow

I've enjoyed seeing Jacob grow to love coloring and drawing pictures in the past year. He didn't always love doing artwork, but now, he takes pride in drawing a beautiful rainbow (see left) or coloring pictures to go along with our daily Bible lesson. He's such a people-pleaser, and loves to make things for everyone.

Currently he's obsessed with making paper airplanes for all his friends, which means we have dozens of paper airplanes all over the house. Who knew paper could be so entertaining? Children are so creative, it often blows me away.

Jacob is preparing to start kindergarten in August, and so we're already getting a bit weepy and thinking back to when he was just a little baby. Wasn't that long ago :-)