Last Photo!

Michael took a picture of me this morning, so I thought I'd suck it up and post the last picture ever of me pregnant. Unless someone takes a picture of me in the delivery room, this is it, folks :)

One Child

I think having one child at home is harder than having three...
On the upside, Michael has been talking a lot more (or maybe I've just been noticing a lot more...) and all of a sudden he seems like such a big boy to me!

He wears his fireman boots every chance he gets and runs around yelling "Fireman to the rescue!" Sometimes he ties the girls' red picnic tablecloth to his shoulders and then he changes it to "Superman to the rescue!" He saved us from a yogurt monster this morning by spilling some on the floor and then stomping in it. When I said, "honey, that made a mess!" He very seriously said, "but it monster! I rescue you!" What can you say to that??

Bus Stop

The girls rode the bus for the first time ever today! The bus stop happens to be our driveway and the bus has beaten us home the last two days, so we decided to give it a try. I gave the girls very clear instructions to always sit together and sit as close to the driver as possible, so hopefully, it goes well. I feel a little bad having them ride the bus when I can drive them, but the new carpool line at the school is ridiculous and it will be nice to not have to wake Michael up from his nap everyday to go and pick them up.

First Day of School 2010

Both girls started school this morning! Kindergarten is full-day here, so they're both gone all day :( Paige isn't heartbroken, though, she is SO EXCITED to finally get to see what it's all about. Over breakfast this morning, Paige asked Ashley all kinds of questions about the different specials classes (art, music, PE), lunch, and everything else she could think of. It was fun to have Ashley be able to answer her questions and help her get excited, even though Ashley was pretty nervous about the start of a new year, a new classroom, new kids, etc. Ashley does know a few people in her class, but there are five second grade classrooms, so there will be a lot of new friends to meet.

Ready to walk in. This is the last picture I could take of Ashley. I tried to get one in front of her classroom (and I wanted one with her teacher), but there were already kids in there and she didn't want any more pictures!

Paige didn't care one bit! Here she is in front of her new classroom.

I think Paige comes up to her new teacher's shoulder...We're really excited about this teacher and think she'll be great!

Here they are!

Michael stole my camera on the way out. Here's one of Ashley's favorite teachers from last year feeling my belly! We went to the park where I tried my best not to cry in front of the other moms there.

Michael had a blast, but was a little lonely until some friends showed up.

We'll see what the girls say about school when they get home. I hope they're having a great time!

Cake Bosses

Ashley and I watched the Cake Boss marathon that was on TV the other day and were inspired by it to make a few cakes! We didn't make them nearly as interesting as on TV, but funfetti cake and sprinkles never disappoint!

Whenever there is cake, we have to have candles and singing, even if it's not even close to anyone's birthday!

Fun Fun Friday!

We had such a great day today for fun fun Friday! We went to a park not too far from our house and rode bikes, played on the playground, had a picnic, and played in the river.

Lunchtime!

Burying their feet in the sandbox...

Burying their sister in the sandbox!

The river! This is how far they were technically supposed to go in. A sign specifically said wading was allowed, but not swimming...

I did have the foresight to take Michael's shorts off so he could ride home partially clothed...

And then it was just too much fun, so we just gave up on trying to keep their clothes dry! These girls sure do love their little brother!

I think the "lifeguard game" sounds better than the "I'm drowning game" here! It was very realistic, complete with water spurting from her mouth after Paige pumped a few times (ewww)... A little bit sandy!

Amelia's Birthday!

Monday was my birthday! Ashley and Paige devised a plan to go shopping with James while I took a nap on Saturday and they picked out new pajamas and candles for me. Right when they walked in the door, Michael said, "I buy you new clothes, Mommy!" On Monday morning, the girls woke up early and brought me breakfast in bed all by themselves (toast and ice water :)). I opened presents and then Heather and her kiddos came over for the day--we went to a cupcake bakery and let everyone pick out their own cupcake (which was louder and wilder than it sounds...6 kids wanting to be sure they got THE ONE they wanted!). The cupcakes were absolutley delicious and totally worth the scene at the bakery! Then, when James got home from work, we went out to Outback for dinner. It was a great day!