Hunter's 8th Birthday

8 years old!!! September 13th is my first baby's birthday! I adore you, Hunter! We had a great day to celebrate such a unique soul! Daddy ran to the store to grab donuts for birthday breakfast. Hunter doesn't really like donuts, but he loves candles and chocolate milk, so he was a happy camper!

I took the kids lunch at school, which is always a treat! Scott and I had "Back to School" parent night at school that evening. So, I let Hunter pick where we ate an early dinner. He chose Pappy's!! Scott's family met us there, and we had a great time!!! Hunter was all smiles. Especially since Macy and Kinsley are still visiting from the Virgin Islands. After dinner, Macy played at our house while Scott and I went to parent night.

Then, that weekend was party time!!!! Hunter had his party at the ninja gym...his favorite place in the world!!! Hunter chose Nick and Jared to work his party because he always plays with them while I train there. They don't usually work birthday parties, but they were so excited to lead Hunters party! They went all out, and these boys had a very memorable time! Since I teach classes there, we were able to bend some rules. We way passed the "capped number of guests!" And nearly 30 second grade boys have LOTS of energy, and it was so so fun to watch!

Hunter was beaming with joy the entire party. Bouncing from obstacle to obstacle. His friends were amazed at his strength...I am too. He is really strong and brave! Faith Ann was right behind them...more than keeping up. She was setting the pace and completed way more obstacles than most of these boys. She is something else!!! Unbelievable! And my Trent was in the middle of it all...a lot of these boys are his friends too, so he was having a blast!

We went with the "American" theme for American Ninja Warrior. Scott's mom and Macy decorated the room while I was on the obstacles with the kids! haha! They did great. The room looked so patriotic and festive. Hunter picked out his own cookie cake, and we had pizza.

Happy 8th Birthday my sweet boy. You are kind, thoughtful, brave, witty, joyful, spontaneous, smart, an over achiever, everyone's friend, and you continue to motivate me with your adorable soul! I can't believe you are EIGHT!!!! I so badly want time to slow down...however, I love watching you soar!

First Day of School (2nd, Kinder & PreK)

Hunter 2nd grade. Trent Kindergarten. Faith Ann PreK! All of my children at one school. Rummel Creek Elementary. This is life changing...for all of us!! A huge chapter has closed for me. I have had a child with me for 8 years, and now they all hop on the bus! This was surprisingly harder for me than I expected. I am so happy, yet it is hard to let go of such an amazing chapter of my life!

They are all ready to grow. Hunter is obsessed with school, and he was eager to get the 1st day of school under his belt. Trent claims he doesn't like school, but his smile and excitement say otherwise. And Faith Ann is such a confident soul...she is ready to fly. She said she wants to be a "sister" when she grows up. Gosh, I love her! Hunter wants to be an American Ninja Warrior and Trent wants to be a football player...these answers have stayed consistent for years. 

Faith Ann picked out one of my necklaces to wear to school. She picked out one that matched her dress. It was actually the last gift my dad every gave me. He always went to Chicco's to handpick a necklace for me every Christmas. Such a sweet man! And this was the last one he bought me. Honestly, it wasn't my style so I haven't worn it yet. And to think Faith Ann immediately picked it with a smile just warms my heart. I love that she picked this necklace for her special day...a piece of my dad went to school with her!

And of course, Trent went as JJ Watt with mismatched tall socks. Hunter was cute as ever in his new clothes with a shirt that says "never back down." That is the truth...Hunter never backs down from a challenge. So, they were off to crush the first day of school. Or, so we thought!!!

Scott and I drove them to school. Walked each one in their classroom for the final goodbye's. The boys walked in proud and ready. Faith Ann wouldn't let go of my leg. As confident as she is...goodbyes are hard for her. This picture says it all! Her teacher, Ms. Hansen, had to literally peel her off of me!!! Faith Ann had a ninja grip on me. So, I kissed her head and walked out. That was hard! Her teacher texted me a couple minutes later with a picture of her playing with a smile. She bounced back. So, I was extra happy to see all three smiling when they got off the bus that day! FaithAnn got off first. Her brothers closely trailing behind. All had smiles and talked my ear off about their day. First day of school success!

The following days had smooth starts and cute clothes. We either drive or walk to school. They always ride the bus home in the afternoon. We plan to ride bikes every once and a while too. I will admit...the hardest part for me has been a quiet car! I am so used to talking while I drive and listening to the kids. The silence is deafening. So, I have filled the space with sweet Bentley! ha!

It's an adjustment for everyone. But, we are really enjoying the change. I have been taking care of my dad and kids everyday for nearly 10 years. So, to say this is an adjustment for me is an understatement. Dad is gone and the kids are gone. 'Hard' is the first word that comes to mind. But the word 'peace' is the second. As the 'hard' parts smooth out each day...I am finding peace in this new chapter. Lets go school year 2018-2019!