Fabulous First Grader

Well, we're back at it!  Early mornings, quieter days, busy evenings, packing lunches....  SCHOOL!!!  Corwin was very excited to start first grade, to be reunited with all his friends, and to get back to work.  He came home not as enthusiastic, but was still hopeful.  I think he quickly realized that first grade is going to require more work from him.  And handwriting!  UGH!!!  Lots and lots of writing.  The boy hates writing.  But, I know he'll do well.  His teacher has told me that he is perfect--behaviorally.  That makes this mother very, very happy.

The two younger ones have adjusted, I think.  Owen usually asks for us to go get Corwin after we've had lunch.  Ella gets up and seems to look all around the house for Bubby and Daddy.  I'm still adjusting myself.  Having to get used to those early-morning workouts again, and trying to push myself to not go to bed at 8:30 p.m.

I pray Corwin and Jason have a great year.  God bless them both!

The Last Hurrah!

Well, summer is over.  :(  But, before we surrendered to that fact, we had one last water-themed hurrah!  We went to the Cave City Watermelon Festival, brought home cousin Jack for the weekend, and went to the Paragould Splash Pad.  The kids had fun with Jack here, and I think Jack had fun too.

 

Our intentions were to go the Paragould City Water Park, but we got there and found out that it was closed for the summer.  Boo!  So, they told us about this splash pad, which was a refreshingly nice, FREE alternative.

 

So, good-bye, summer.  HELLO, FALL!!!

 

Pensacola Paradise

I realize this is quite late, but I am just now getting to posting our Pensacola Beach vacation pictures.  I apologize.  Anyway, vacation started in Mobile, AL at the USS Alabama battleship.  The boys were amazed and loved every minute of it.  Unfortunately, time did not allow for them to go inside the ship to see the sleeping quarters, galley, etc.  But, they don't know that they missed anything.  :)

 

That afternoon we headed to Pensacola Beach, and ultimately to our townhouse on that beach.  Traffic was TERRIBLE because we chose to arrive the day of the annual "Red, White, and Blues" weekend.  This traffic was like being caught in Dallas rush hour for 3 hours!  But, we made it just in time to see the Blue Angels do their thing.  They are absolutely amazing!

Owen thought they were neat, but way too loud.  He later chose to take shelter indoors with Aunt Kaysie (who'd taken Ella inside because she, too, didn't like the noise).

The kids absolutely love the ocean.  Even Ella.  The sand and salt water didn't bother her one bit!  She was a lot of work, mind you, but a joy nonetheless.

 

Corwin played SO hard!  He boogie boarded, snorkeled, jumped, flipped, etc.  He spent nearly all day, everyday, in that water.  The boy LOVES the water!

Owen started out loving the sand and cautious with the water.  Thankfully, we were blessed with very calm surf for 2-3 days and he learned to brave the waves and eventually love them--as long as he had his ring on.

We also checked out Fort Pickens one day.  Corwin was amazed!

And the kids enjoyed lots, and lots, and LOTS of cousin time.  They all play so well together, thankfully.  It was a great week at one of my most favorite places on earth.  I hope to go back again soon.