2014-2015 School Pictures

Opening up a packet of school pictures is a little like opening - well, I really can't explain it.  The element of surprise is definitely there, along with the expectation of nothing amazing.  I hope for eyes open (all the way!).  Bonus for a smile.   Sophie came home from Kindergarten today and told me there was an envelope with 4 of her heads on it for me in her backpack.  The moment of truth.  She is a very photogenic kid, so I wasn't expecting it to be too bad.  Eli's will be the true test, but he isn't home yet.

Here is Sophie:

Update: As predicted, Eli's are pretty bad.  We will be doing a retake for him.  I'll update when I get the second round back.  Thankfully we are doing family pictures soon, and I know those will be great!

Cakes

When I was young, one of my many creative aunts would decorate amazing cakes for her children's birthday parties.  It left a huge impression on me.  As I got older, I worked on cake decorating through 4-H projects with my mom, and sometimes displayed cakes at the county fair.  I still like to decorate cakes - I try to make each kid a fun cake for their birthday.  But I cut it off at age 5.  While it's something I like to do, it takes too much time!

Here is Isaac's 5th birthday cake.  His final decorated cake.  He will join his siblings in thinking of new desserts to choose when his birthday comes around again next year.

The request was for a red dragon.  He didn't notice that it didn't have wings.  I'm not actually sure if dragons are required to have wings or not, so this was a wingless worm.  

Happy 5th Birthday, Isaac!

There is so much joy and excitement in our home this week!  Today we celebrate Isaac's 5th birthday!  Funny and passionate, determined, energetic and brave, and very sweet, this boy blesses our home and our family with who he is and how he lives.

I am glad that he is home with me for this last year before he starts school!  I keep trying to convince him to stay little forever, but he doesn't want to.  

Happy 6th Birthday, Sophia!

Today, our sweet girl turns SIX!  Our family's caretaker, confident and quirky, gentle, compassionate, kind and caring.  I love that God gave us this girl, and am forever thankful.

She didn't catch any fish on this trip - mostly due to Daniel launching rocks into the stream, but partly to blame is the fish being blinded by the neon pink top and sequin skirt - a new trend in fishing attire.  

Sophia's First Day of KINDERGARTEN

I think it was possible to scoop up some of the excitement this morning and hold it in your hands!  Sophia was all smiles as she got ready, ate breakfast, and waited for the bus.  She missed the district cut off to go to kindergarten by about 6 weeks last year, so she has felt ready for this for some time.  This is always a difficult milestone for me - I know these kids are growing up and I love to see it, but I feel deep loss with this one like no other.

Here are some pictures - 

So excited!!!

Eli has been providing coaching all week.  :)

"The bus is coming!!!!!!"  

Doesn't she look like such a peanut next to these huge second graders?  

I am praying that Sophie will adjust quickly, continue her deep love of learning, and make some amazing friends.