Faith's first day of kindergarten and lesser firsts...

So here she is:  preened, packed, and proud to be a kindergartener.  I've heard moms talk and read books (both adult and preschool) about the drama surrounding the first day of kindergarten.  Not so much for the child as the parent.  I was so excited for Faith to begin this new phase, I guess I forgot to be an emotional wreck.  Or maybe I worked it out in the months (years?) leading up to the decision of where (and if) to send her.  I think it is just confirmation from the Lord that this was the right place for this time.  It's only a one-year deal, so we'll have to begin hashing out what to do for next year soon.  She has SO enjoyed her first few days of school and already has found her soul sister:)

She is in Mrs. Pennekamp's Penguin Class.  It seems kindergarten always gets the best- named teachers.  Mine was Ms. Stenjem (not sure about the spelling, I don't think we were required to know that).  Last year they built an igloo out of milk jugs.  I'm hoping this year they'll make parkas so she's ready for Christmas in MN, tee hee.

And we managed to find someone who wasn't too intimidated by our camera to take a family picture. 

Today we went to our first birthday party without Fait and Zach was having a rough time (or maybe he's practicing his pout; he seems to do a lot of that these days).  I think he was lost without his older sister there to pull him all over the park and tell him what to do.  He seemed so forlorn.

I felt two photos were necessary to really capture the mood.

Drew was also having a rough day, but in a different way.  We've gone full stream ahead with solids and the poor boy needs some prunes.

At least we could end with some smiles.

I need a vacation...

We just returned from Minnesota, and I need a vacation!  I love my kids and my family, but whew, I am EXHAUSTED!  8 kids ages 5 and under, traveling the tri-state area, and catching up with old friends in one week's time is daunting to say the least.  But it is SO worth it.  I have the pictures to prove it.  They're in no particular order, so bear with me...

 My dareangel neice, showing Zachary how to ride the ride-on toys.

I think his look matches his shirt, don't you?

My thoughtful family put together an evening where my extended family traveled up to see us.  It was a beautiful evening, great food and of course, fabulous people.  Drew got to stay up late and be passed around to the aunts and cousins.  Of course, these days, there's no shortage of babies to be passed around:)

 

We were able to go to a county fair one morning( in the town where I was born).  Zachary enjoyed the gator coaster...at first...

Nonnie and Faith

So, Ryan could NOT pass up the opportunity to see the site where American Pickers is based in LeClaire, IA.  We were just too close!  My parents, Sara, Mark and kids joined us since they are also avid Picker fans. Drew and Ruby had a ball, as you can see. 

You had to see the episode to appreciate this one.

Future pickers...

Been there, done that.

We were able locate some other points of interest.  Here's Zach thoroughly enjoying the water fountain area we came across.

Nana and Papa's mini-Toys-R-Us never disappoints!

And a final shoot.  This was like 10 of 12. We love you and miss you SOOO much!