Ahhh...summer, we hate to see you go!

I can't say that I'm all that excited to get back to school.  It's a completely different feeling than where I was a year ago when it was my first semester back.  I am excited, though, that I only have classes on Tuesday and Thursday.  So, that will help with my sanity.  With only one more week of time off before school starts, I'm feeling a little sad and overwhelmed.  We all know that the last week just flies by, and we are going camping at the end of the week; our only time away as a family this summer.

Shall I mention that my eldest child might be starting kindergarten!?!?  It was kind of a last minute thing.  I found out that Thompson Valley School District's registration date is Oct.1, whereas PSD's is Sept. 15.  Since Mason's birthday is Sept. 21 and he doesn't qualify for PSD I decided to register Mason in a TVSD elementary.  We're still waiting to find out if he'll be allowed in because we're "choice-ing" into their district.

I went through a flurry of emotions when I found out that he might starting school.  I had previously been accepting of the fact he wasn't starting school, which was bittersweet.  I just know that as soon as he starts school I'm going to feel like time is getting away from me.  That makes me sad. *sigh*  However, I know that him being in a stimulating environment will be so good for him, in so many ways.  It's a win/lose situation really.

I can't believe that he'll be turning 5 soon and (potentially) starting kindergarten...I save that blog for another day.

Yes, the end of summer means back to school, a child's birthday, the end of some of my favorite foods, no more shorts and tanks, and a holiday-a-month.  There's not a whole lot I like about the end of summer; but, to everything turn, turn, turn!

Monday, Monday

Today we went to old town to play around with the camera, taking pictures of Matt for the church website.  It was a really hot afternoon!  So, we stopped to let the boys play in the water feature on Oak st.  Grady was a bit timid, he's much more of an observer anyway; but Mason went right in...here's documentation!

I took the boys with me to scout a new location I thought would be good for some photoshoots. I just love good shots when you aren't trying to set it up! :) It's really hard to get good smiles out of my boys unless its candid, but even then its hard to snap it right away!

Here's a couple of my favs...

Puerto Vallarta

Matt and I were fortunate enough to take a vacation just the two of us.  The boys got to split their week between both sets of grandparents.  We all enjoyed our time and were happy to be reunited.  These pictures are of our time in Puerto Vallarta!

Easter 2010

Easter was a wonderful day of celebration! We went to church at 8:30 and then we enjoyed some time with friends at the church's continental breakfast. After church we came home for Grady's nap and then went over to our friends' (the Osterbergs) house. I hid our eggs in their backyard for the boys to hunt for. I know Mason had a lot of fun running around trying to find hidden things.

After that we had our Easter dinner; FANTASTIC! Ham, prime rib, scalloped potatoes, homemade bread, fruit and salad! It was also Brandon's birthday so we celebrated that and had ice cream cake for dessert! Mason spent the day playing outside with Tanner and Brandon; they really wore him out! The next morning, Mason was asking if it could be Easter again. :)

Here are pictures of our day.

Sunny Sunday Afternoon

It was such a beautiful day today. We ate tacos outside and then the boys played ball together, for a little while. I was able to get at least a couple good shots before Mason gave up on playing with Grady :)

Sunday afternoon treats!

Strawberries are so good right now! I bought a 2 lb. box at Sam's and had a hankering for chocolate covered strawberries, the best way to eat them! I thought I would have Mason help me. I wish I could eat them all by myself! (Click on the title or picture to view more pictures)

Grady turns 1!!

Well I can't believe that I've been slacking so much of keeping family and friends updated on our lives. I'm sorry! With formalities out of the way; I can hardly believe that Grady's 1 already (well now he's 13 months).

The first year of the second child just FLIES by! He's a walker now and is starting to pick up on more words. He is a VERY stubborn child, but so incredibly loving! I love that I can know my child's personality at such a young age! He so much smaller than Mason was; it's a little strange to have such a petite child; and also kind of annoying that he doesn't fit anything! :) Grady loves to look at books and now enjoys throwing and rolling balls.

I think Mason has realized that Grady is more durable now and so Mason is taking the typical older brother role. Sometimes they will wrestle which is so cute! Mason does have his sweet moments; like when he willing plays with Grady (gently) and also when he walks up to Grady to give a hug or kiss and says "I love you Grady" or sometimes "Bubbas", which is my pet name for him. We put them in the same room this past weekend. The transition was quicker than I expected. Although they wake up earlier than I would like. Everything in due time; right?!

Here are some recent pictures of the boys

The next post will probably be after Matt's and my Mexico vacation in April!! :)