Halloween

"The Lion"

"The Ninja"

"The Candy Corn"

With their stockpiles

With the cousins and Great Grandma Sternberg

Back to School

We missed the official back-to-school open house while we were camping, but we did stop in prior to the first day so that Claire could familiarize herself with her new upper wing classroom.

She even gets her own locker!

It's going to be a good year.

Henry returned to the same classroom, which is for 1st-3rd grade...

And back with Ms. K., who despite the sheepish grin, he was excited to see.

First Day of School

4th grade

2nd grade

Pre-K

Even though George has afternoon class, 

he had his backpack on and was ready to go.

Hopping the white lines.  Don't touch the lava!

Back with his buddy, Gryffin

George's early morning eagerness waned as the afternoon approached, and his nerves settled in.  After changing his shirt a dozen times, he landed on orange.  Good choice, I would say.

Though he was apprehensive, he bravely went in with his teacher.  He ended up having a great day and seemed really excited to go back.

Day #2: three eager beavers

I just got a kick out of their plan to all wear red.

Claire acting in a class play.  

She seems to be settling in quite nicely.

And George is too.  He's enjoying learning new things each day.

On a sidenote: don't be alarmed by the empty shelves.  In Montessori schools, classrooms begin the year with empty shelves and add things as they go.  By the end of the year, the shelves have been filled with all the lessons they've learned!

Summer Part 7: August

And finally, the remaining pictures from what proved to be a very full summer.

Remembering Joshua's 1st birthday with a 

hydrangea bush gifted to us by friends.

Reading to our furry friends at our library.

A compromise between my kids, who really want a pet, and 

myself, who feels I have enough mouths to feed, for crying out loud.

Under construction: Grandpa and Grandma S.'s new home

The Downtown Market hosted the Critter Barn for some added fun with animals.

Seed Service Projects:  

Our church deacons (myself included) gifted each child with $10 to invest in a summer service project of their own choosing and design.  It was fun to see how each child chose to serve with their "Seed Money".

Claire used her money to bake cookies and buy fruit to hand out at Heartside Park.  She's always had a soft spot for the homeless who often spend time at that particular park.

Henry bought and delivered $10 worth of toys for Helen Devos Children's Hospital.  The toys would be distributed to kids who were there for treatments.

George bought $10 worth of dog treats to give to neighborhood dogs as they walked our neighborhood. It was a fun way to meet and serve our neighbors...and another great way for George to get quality time with dogs.

The Coast Guard 5K Run

A well deserved ribbon

Well, I did it.  I submitted my resignation to Africa's Child.  It was a difficult decision, but it was time.  I was glad to stay on until Charlie was born, helping out in the store as they transitioned to new owners.  I am grateful for my journey with the ministry.  I learned and grew a lot, and I am hopeful to leave the store in good hands with people who can carry on the good work. 

Henry and I create a backyard volcano.

Please don't grow up.

Joe's dad had given him tickets to participate in the GR Mud Run, 

which despite my bewilderment, he insists is a good time.

Just look at that smile.

After the 5K, Joe convinced Claire (and George) to do the kid's run with him.

Claire's smile was almost as big as her daddy's.

George did pretty well, too.  But bowed out after the reality of it settled in.

Which left daddy and daughter.

Showing off their mud.

George still doesn't look too thrilled.

Proud of them all!

Whew! Being a spectator is exhausting.

Camping with the Sternbergs.

It was a cold, rainy weekend.

But thankfully, we had plenty of nice moments....

...like this evening on the beach.

Still, it felt good to be back in our warm, dry home.

One last summer play date before school begins.

And to say our official good-bye to summer, 

one last trip to the beach with the cousins.

All those blondies

Claire spent the evening jumping the waves with cousin Ruby

Henry enjoyed digging in the sand.

And George, well, he just soaked it all in.

And that concludes our August.  I'm sure the kids were ready to hit the books as they prepared to head back to school!  Yeah right.