Madeline Struts Her Stuff at Dance Camp

On Saturday, I took Madeline to her first ever Oakmont High Drillers Dance Camp for little girls. She and her friends Autumn and Faith had a BLAST! They practiced a routine to a Hannah Montana song for THREE HOURS. It was a riot to watch. First, she didin't really know what to do, but by the end, she was a pro! The "big girls" were great at helping all the kids learn the moves. Here's a video near the end of the camp after Madeline felt very confident about her moves :-) She's the cutie in pink and purple. Sorry the video quality is bad, I took it with my phone (digital camera bit the dust). But never fear, I bought a new camera over the weekend!

Betsy is Engaged!!!

My good friend, Betsy Brandenburg, just got engaged to her sweetie, Brian on Sunday on Saddle Mountain in Oregon (they live in Portland). We are so happy for you both! Betsy has been one of my best friends since we were about 19 years old and in college. She was my maid of honor at my wedding and is dear to me in so many ways.

Besty, we love you and are so excited for you and Brian to begin this new chapter in both of your lives!

Jacob's First Soccer Game

Jacob played his first Roseville Youth Soccer League game this past Saturday for his team, "The Sonics." We were so proud of him! He really chased the ball quite well, listened to his coached, helped his teammates, and even had lots of fun. He's playing on the 6/7 year old team in order to be with his buddy, Alec, so the kids are just a little older than him (he'll be 6 in November). He has practices Thursday and Friday evenings and games on Saturday mornings. It's been a lot of activity to get used to on top of starting kindergarten, but he seems to have boundless energy.

In the video, Jacob wears jersey #17. You might have to watch it a couple of times to see him clearly. I do have better footage, but by the time I retrieve it from the big video camera, he might be playing high school soccer :-) I'll post more as the season goes on.

Just as an aside, the mom screaming at the top of her lungs for "Jacob" in the video is not, in fact, me. There is another Jacob on his team and his mom cheers loud enough for the both of us.

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!!!