Par-tay!

Gosh, it's hard to believe that summer is over! About three weeks before Osten's first day of school, the kids made a list of things that they wanted to do. One of the items was to have a birthday party for Lamby and Parker. While Daddy was at his cigar club, we rummaged through our party stash and found some crepe paper and Christmas plates. We also happened to have a box of brownie mix and a few candles on hand. And we dug out some newspaper from the recycle bin to make hats. Let the festivities begin!

Let's decorate!

Par-tay!

Excellent!!

Another Milestone

We've been talking to Osten all week about getting dropped off in carpool. On Tuesday, we had him all pumped up about getting out of the car in the line and walking to his class with one of the big-kid helpers. Well, as soon as we got to the front of the line, he burst into tears! Luckily, as soon as I pulled back out of the line, he calmed right down. I parked, and Marci and I walked him to his class.

On Wednesday and Thursday, we parked and all walked in together, but we took a few minutes to watch the carpool kids get out of their parents' cars and walk into the kindergarten building. Last night, Daddy and I had some time to talk to him again about being brave and trying new things. We also sweetened the deal by promising him a trip to Menchie's for frozen yogurt. He seemed to be on board, but I was a little nervous about the follow through.

When we loaded into the car this morning, I switched their booster seats so Osten would be on the carpool side. We talked a little bit in the car about frozen yogurt and how many toppings he could have if he overcame his fears. (We settled on six!) He also asked to make a special delivery to Daddy's office so he could celebrate with us. Things were sounding pretty good, and the scent of success was in the air . . .

We pulled into the line and quickly made our way to the front. I was getting good vibes from the backseat. As the teacher opened the car door, he took off his seat belt, shouted, "Bye, Mom!" grabbed the helper's hand, and off he went! He didn't hesitate or glance back at the car a single time. He just confidently walked hand-in-hand with a girl who looked like she was in about the third grade.

Oh, this growing-up stuff is bittersweet. Our little birdie is learning to fly! Thank God he won't be leaving the nest any time soon. We are just so proud of him!

The Front Door Shot(s)

I got Osten all loaded down with his gear, and then I just had to get a few shots of him by our front door just like my mom always used to do with us.

Peace out, dude!

Hmm....I'm getting the feeling that somebody thinks I'm taking too many pictures??!!

He indulged me for one last shot!

K is for Kindergarten

Guess who had his first day of kindergarten this Monday??!! I had promised his favorite dinner (Kraft macaroni and cheese) on the special plate, but I surprised him and let him have breakfast on the special plate, too. We started the big day off with some apple juice (a/k/a "strong juice"), bananas, peanut butter and crackers, and a little bit of silliness!

We got to school nice and early and had time for some pictures with Hamilton. Osten found a giant feather in the pine straw and is holding it in his hand.

Starting school has been a little rough on Marci, who is ticked that Osten beat her to kindergarten! She's been a good sport about it, though, and we have had a very nice time together this week.

Here he is at his table in Mrs. Dempsey's class. He looks so big! And he gets to sit close to Trixie, the bunny. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you, Osten!

Packed and Ready to Go

After dinner tonight, the kids were so excited to sort through Osten's new school supplies and get them packed in his backpack just right. Although they were both along for the trip to the store when we bought everything, it was like they were seeing it all for the first time. It was really cute to watch them look at everything and squeal with delight.

Thankfully, the final determination was that everything was in order. So I guess we're all packed and ready to go to kindergarten!

In the Raw

I got a new camera for my birthday last month. It's a simple point-and-shoot and small enough to fit in my pocket. I love it, and so apparently do my kids. After getting Osten's school supplies packed up for the big first day tomorrow, they both begged for a turn with my camera. I obliged, and here are their raw images--untouched except I couldn't help but hit the auto-contrast button out of habit and in hopes that it would help with the lack of makeup, the eye bags and the wrinkles! The first image is Osten's.

Of course, Marci had to have a turn, too. This second photo is her handiwork. I'm never a big fan of photographs of myself, but I love the way they both captured my smile. One day when they are old enough to appreciate it, I want them to see the proof of how happy they make me. Gosh, I (and Daddy) love those kids!

Barber Shop Beauty

We went to the barber shop this afternoon to get Osten a much-needed back-to-school haircut. Marci, of course, was along for the ride or so I thought. After a short wait, the owner of the shop called us back for our turn. Marci marched herself right in front of her brother and climbed into the chair. By the time Osten and I caught up to her, she already had the cape around her neck and was telling the barber that she wanted a haircut!

Earlier in the day, I had been telling her that it was time for her (finally!) to get her first cut. Her little locks really took a beating from all of the cholorine and salt water this summer, and her ends were looking more than a little frayed! I promised her that after Osten started school I would take her for a special first haircut at a fun kids salon (something along the lines of what we did for Osten). Au contraire! I took one look at her in that chair, and I knew there was no convincing her to wait another minute for a new 'do. As she looked at me with those big, brown, strong-willed eyes, I could tell she had waited long enough to be the one to get a haircut!

And here she is in the second-best seat in the barber shop and looking mighty coiffed! Those crossed legs (um, when/why/how did she start doing that??!!) almost make me wonder if she's going on 4 or 14! Sigh . . . where, oh where does the time go??!! On a more practical/economical note, I have to meniton that the barber only charged me for a half haircut (a mere $6!!) since he basically just cleaned up all of her ends. So on second thought, even at full price I'm thinking the barber shop is our best bet from here on out. She's got plenty of time for fancy salons later on! And the barber shop has a Ms. Pac-Man game and a female name to boot. Yes, I think I'll continue to take both kids to Christy's Barber for as long as I can get away with it!