Her turn...

On Monday, Greer had her first day of school at Montessori Children's House, where her big brother attended for three years.



She walked right in and never turned around once! Mom got a little choked up, but was so proud of her for showing her independence.



She also has a buddy in her class - her cousin Zeb! These two are just too cute together (and so is little Arden)!

School Days...

On the night before first grade, we all read a book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Then we read Elmo Loves You for Greer.



In the morning, kids wanted Cocopuffs, so I complied and cracked open the sparkling grape juice that I got to celebrate our first day. Mom had a "real" one later to celebrate in her own way...



Picture time! Looking spiffy in our uniform and new sneaks!



I thought that as a seasoned pro I would shed no tears today...until Alex's teacher gave each parent one of these as we walked out the door. Well done, Mrs. Curtin!



Gah! He is such a cutie!



First football practice for the 1st/2nd grade flag football Greater Des Moines Catholic Football League. Guess what? I didn't see a second of practice, I was flying solo and had to keep an eye on this one...



Catching some air on the playground!



Again with the ridiculous cuteness!



Asked Alex if I could take some photos of him in his practice gear, he complied and pulled out the finger guns (so much like his dad)...



Then, instead of the Statue of Liberty play, he wanted to do the actual Statue of Liberty pose...



And gave his own attempt at the Heisman trophy pose!

I gave in...

...and let them make a pillow fort!



Having clutter and a big mess are things that make me twitchy, so this was a big, big "cool mom" move on my part. School starts in a week, so we have to enjoy the rest of the summer!

It's a gas!

We had fun with two little projects involving vinegar and baking soda and the reaction they cause when mixed together. First, the exploding plastic bag. Put some white vinegar in a plastic sandwich bag and seal it. Then take a paper towel, put baking soda on it, fold it up, and then place it into the bag with the vinegar. Seal it and watch the bag expand and expand until it eventually pops!










Second projects was hiding food color under little piles of baking soda. Then we took an eyedropper and dipped it in the vinegar. Mix the vinegar with the baking soda, and watch the colors come out! Greer especially liked this one.







And of course, this guy is just the cutest! Here he is in his Bumbo...



And here he is in his exersaucer...



And a flashback to his big brother in his (note the FOUR trees in the background)!

Four months

Four.months.old.



I can't believe it, my little baby is a third of the way through his first year!



To celebrate, he rolled over for the first time yesterday (front to back). He goes to the doctor this coming week for his measurements, and I'm curious to see if he tops his big brother's weight of over 19 lbs. He's cooing, giggling, grabbing (including pulling hair), holds his head up very well, and was introduced to his first solids this past week (green beans and peas). He is just the sweetest, cuddliest, little guy!



Give me all the solids!



Hmm...not quite what I was expecting!



Greer: Told you mushy baby food was overrated!



Morning donuts on the deck...



Yes, Alex, we get that you like playing Minecraft on the iPad...



Just chillin'...