Homework

The downside to Raleigh starting school is homework and projects.  I'm trying to be good and let her do it on her own, but it's tough!  Especially when I could do it much quicker, but I'm going to let her do it whether it looks neat or not!  You can find me sitting on my hands and biting my tongue to keep from telling her what to do.

A Boy and His Car

Garner has quickly picked up on how to play with a car...sounds included!

Surprise...Christmas in August!

Jason came home and told me to sit down.  He said he had something for me and then handed me this big box.  Inside was the greatest thing I have ever seen... a Canon 5D Mark III!!!  I've had my eye on it since the day it came out.  It's my Christmas present, but I have a time limit to try it out and make sure everything works on it thanks to the great deal he got on it.  I think Raleigh was as happy as I was because she knew it was something I really wanted.  :)  Thank goodness I had two beautiful subjects to practice on!

Daddy's Helper

Daddy has a little helper in the yard!

First Day of Kindergarten

Raleigh's first day of Kindergarten is in the books!  It's so difficult to believe that she's in big school.  She's going to Mulberry Elementary and I'm so thankful that we are sending her there.  Not only is it small and family friendly, but it's filled with so many familiar faces.  Every turn we made this morning was met with someone we knew.  Love that!

I was doing ok this morning until I got out of the car to walk her in and then it hit me.  My eyes just wouldn't quit watering...it must have been allergies.  ;) On the walk in we were met with so many friends and got several cute pictures of them.  Once we got in we took some family pictures and then headed into Raleigh's room.  Her teacher is Mrs. Graham and I think she's going to be wonderful for Raleigh.  Raleigh went right in and hung up her book bag and found her seat.  Her morning work was to draw a picture of herself.  I was telling her to sit down and she was so concerned with telling Garner bye.  She went and gave him a hug and kiss and almost forgot about daddy and mommy!  We waved goodbye and the tears started rolling.  I knew deep down that she would be fine, but it's just a brand new chapter.  I remember how much my students would change during the Kindergarten year and I'm just not ready for it.  Guess I better get ready because it's coming.  When we walked back to the front of the school we found so many of our friends standing there talking.  I'm so thankful for them and their hugs and words of encouragement!

While Raleigh was at school we went grocery shopping, to Garner's doctors appointment, and to Hobby Lobby.  Before we knew it, it was time to pick her up.  The car rider line was very, very long and I was very antsy.  :)  She came out and was all smiles!  She said they didn't get to go outside and didn't have specials.  Raleigh said she played with "things."  Not sure what those things are yet, but I'm sure we'll get it out of her later.  She said she played with Charity and Cierra.  She also said that some of the boys in her class were not good and Mrs. Graham had to talk to them a lot.  :)  She also got an E in behavior for the day.  We're very proud of her.  I wish that behavior would last all year, but I'm sure she'll probably have some off days and that's ok.  I'm so thankful that she had a wonderful first day!!

 Good Morning Sunshine!

 Pancakes for breakfast

 Raleigh with some friends...Whitney, Katie Beth, Samantha, and Alyssa

 With Mrs. Graham

Garner wasn't happy about leaving Raleigh at school!

 The long car rider line!

 Daddy bought Raleigh some flowers for her first day of school

 Goodie Bag from Mrs. Graham

Menchie's treat after dinner for a great first day!

'Twas The Night Before Kindergarten

The bags are packed and Raleigh's asleep.  Mommy's praying that all is done and that the day will go well!  I can't believe it's here.  I think the part that scares me the most is knowing how much Raleigh's going to grow up this year!  We'll all make it through it!

 Sweet Dreams Baby Girl!

19 months

Garner is 19 months old and Raleigh starts Kindergarten tomorrow!  Where has the time gone??  Oh, Garner, you can wear me out!  You are so very active...always moving and playing.  You still love to go outside.  When we go out to get in the car you always think it's time to play and run from me when I go to pick you up.  Your favorite outside toys are the shovel, wagon, and lawnmower.  Your favorite inside toys are cars and balls.  You love to make a car sound as you push it around the house.  I love listening to you!  You can throw a ball as well as anything else you have in your hand.  If you have a toy or cup and you're finished with it, you just throw it down.  You sometimes choose to obey and pick it up and other times you don't.  It's a work in progress for sure!  You still love to watch the Wiggles and your new favorite show is Thomas and Friends.  A new thing that you've started this month is to spin around. It's so cute!  You also love to climb on everything!  When we were at the beach the couch was lower and you could easily get on.  You are all boy and have already had a busted lip and skinned up knees!  Your newest words are uh-ah (uh-oh), unh-unh (while shaking his head), and banana (you say it budadua with your tongue sticking out).  You're really starting to watch us talk and trying to say more words.  You are growing steadily.  You weighed 30 lbs 1.1 oz (92%) and were 34 in long (85%).  I have a feeling you're really not over 30 lbs, but you had just drank your whole cup of milk and had a full diaper when you were weighed.  :)  Garner, you love to be independent and when you're not getting your way you can really have a temper.  You'll throw your head back and kick.  Mommy's got to go workout just so I can stay stronger than you!  I still love you though, but we're going to have to break that quickly.  :)  I'm sure you're going to learn so much more in the next month!  I love you, Garner!