A new chapter

Today was Aubrey's first day of Kindergarten! The day I have looked forward to in many ways for almost 6 years :). But now that it's here, I wonder why I wished for it to come so quickly! I was not at all prepared for the emotions I felt in the last week leading up to the big day. Excitement for sure, but also a bit of dread and a serious amount of anxiousness. It all started last week when she had a rough time at a drop off birthday party. Without going into details, she got into a situation where she needed my help... and I wasn't there. She was devastated, and so was I. I felt guilty for not staying at the party, and suddenly, I started to panic about the next phase of our life. The transition from her needing me for everything, and I was always there to provide... to her needing me less, but I was always there just in case... to her still needing me a little, but I can't be there most of the time. I know this is the natural progression of things. She needs to learn to take care of herself. She needs to make decisions for herself. But it's sooooo hard to let go of that control. You wonder "did I do enough?" Did I prepare her well? What did I really do these last 5 plus years besides try not to go crazy? Did I wish it away too quickly? Aubrey was not an easy baby. She was born in Japan and Brian was deployed most of her first year. We moved from Japan to Fort Worth to Austin. Lived as students again for two years and then Henry entered the mix. If I think about all that has happened since her birth, it seems like a lifetime ago. But suddenly, it seems like no time at all in the grand scheme of things. It's crazy!

All of that said, she could not have been more excited. We met her teacher last week, and while she was definitely overwhelmed, she left with a smile. We don't know anyone in her class, and only one or two other kindergartners in the whole school. Despite a few nerves that she doesn't know anyone, she was up early and ready to go today. We all walked her to school, and it was so fun to see so many other families headed that way. She grabbed Brian's hand just before entering the class and asked that we all walk her in, but once she found her table, she didn't look up and didn't say goodbye. No tears from any of us. She started to work! I volunteered to help with dismissal this week, which meant I got to come a few minutes early to her class. She was very excited to see me, and Henry too. The walk home was HOT and quiet. I tried not to ask too many questions, and before I knew it, she was filling me in on little details... recess, twice; she ate all her lunch and snack and begged to buy lunch tomorrow; she learned rules; and made two friends, although she doesn't know their names. I couldn't ask for more!

A new chapter begins for sure. For the last 6 years, we have been on basically the same schedule. And we love our schedules around here. This is a big change and I'm not sure yet how it will all pan out, but we'll ease into it I'm sure. Henry missed her today. I look forward to him starting preschool in a few weeks, but I will try not to wish away my days with him!

Camp Casa Rio wrap up

We had another great trip to Santa Fe this summer. We went a little earlier in the summer than usual, which meant it was a little warmer than we anticipated. June is their hot month. But I can't complain. As hot as it was there on some days (mid 90's), it can't compare to the TX heat. My car read 110 the other day! It did cool down some at night, which makes the daytime heat MUCH more bearable. It was very dry though, and as I'm sure some of you saw in the news, there were fires burning all around Santa Fe. This put a damper on our hiking plans. We were only able to hike one day. Some trails were closed due to smoke hazards, but others were closed just to prevent more fires. At least we got in one good hike. The kids did great. Almost 3 miles in the mountains with only one meltdown from Henry.

We had to find other ways to entertain the kids, which wasn't too hard. I took them to see Cars 2 (Henry's first movie experience), we ate some great meals at some of our favorite restaurants, and the kids played for hours in some containers we filled with water. I think the highlight for the kids was riding the train from Santa Fe to Bernalillo (just outside of Albuquerque for breakfast. Brian was able to join us for the last part of the trip, which is always so fun. Sure wish we were there now. I am done with this heat!

GiGi had the cutest shirts made for the kids, and herself. Camp Casa Rio is awesome!

Up bright and early to catch the train. Those clouds are actually smoke from the fires.

Waiting, and waiting for our train home. We were there by 8am, done with Breakfast by 8:45, but had to wait until 10:30 to catch the train back. Despite the absolute lack of things to do at that time of the morning in Bernalillo, the kids did well.

Cooling off with the hose. The river was dry!

Story time. My mom had bought a book in New Orleans called Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. The kids LOVED it. Especially because you could download the music/story on your phone and listen along with the book. I highly recommend the book. Nothing like hearing your 3 year old answer the question (Did Pete Cry?) with... "Goodness No." Note to self...I must remember to record his voice.

My parent's recently added a "Bunkhouse" to their property. This is the beautiful living room. It also has a bunk room for the kids! They LOVED the bunkbeds.

I spy a butterfly

Aubrey and Grandad. I love this photo.

Why so angry?

Aubrey really wanted to buy a necklace from the Indians down on the plaza.

Great choice!

One morning we drove up to see El Santuario de Chimayo

and eat lunch at the Rancho de Chimayo. People come from all over to visit the church in hopes of curing what ailes them. Long story short..."It's widely believed that the soil is blessed, and can bring miraculous results to ailing believers who brew and drink the dirt (like a tea), or rub it on diseased parts of their body." So, I said a little prayer and rubbed some of that dirt on my back! I also left a special prayer request for my friend Bridgette who is battling breast cancer. I have more faith in the prayers than the dirt!

On one of our last nights, Brian and I put the kids to bed and then went up to a higher elevation to watch the sunset. Really, it was for me to take photos of the sunset. You can see the smoke from the Los Alamos fires.

Henry loved this harmonica. He and Aubrey, with a hula hoop, were fantastic entertainment at the neighbor's 4th of July party. At 5:30 am the next day, when we were loading up to leave, he asked where it was. I said it had to stay. About an hour into the trip, as I'm trying to sleep, I hear this little peep. Sure enough, Henry had swiped it!

Thanks again GiGi and Grandad. Can't wait to go back.

Nearing completion!!!!

We've been so busy working on the kitchen, I haven't had a chance to update you on the progress! Well, the painting is almost done, the countertops are on, the sink is in, the hardware is almost all on, and the backsplash tile is almost all up and ready for grouting. There are a lot of "almosts" at this point, but we are almost back to a fully functioning kitchen, which is HUGE. Unfortunately, the cooktop was not working properly and had to be returned, so I still can't boil water, but the old ovens and microwave are back in (for now), so we can do a little better than cereal and sandwiches. I'll let the photos do the talking...<

Countertop install

Loving the new faucet and huge sink!

Backsplash going up

I'll be happy if I never see another tile spacer again!




Even though we are holding off on new ovens (fyi.. they aren't cheap!), it still looks soooo much better, don't you think?
And we're ALMOST done. I'll save the big reveal photos for when it's truly complete! Can't wait.

Just a photo of my favorite son

Henry's 3rd Birthday

Wow, that seems like a long time ago! Way back in May my baby turned three. I will not be winning mom of the year for posting this so late. I will also not be winning mom of the year for sappy words about Henry turning three. I only have a few sappy words.

I love that he still thinks he's a baby and is more attached to his lovie than ever. The only thing he prefers more is... me. Mommy, mommy, mommy. It's exhausting and adorable all at the same time. I love how he calls his lovie "wovie." I love how he wants to play with Aubrey so desperately, and if she's willing, he will follow her lead without hesitation. He is three and that brings all kinds of fun challenges. He is feisty when he doesn't get his way. He doesn't listen well and has taken to lying. I'm pretty sure he blamed me when he hit Aubrey the other day. Nice. But this too shall pass.

He is in fact potty trained, and in a big boy bed, but he still wants me to hold his hand. He tells me "thank you for dinna mommy" almost every night after we eat. I could go on and on. But frankly, this three year old wears me out. I could sit here for an hour thinking of all the ways I love him, but I'm pretty sure he's going to wake me up soon to tell me he needs to pee pee, so I best wrap this up quickly.

We celebrated his birthday with a race car party at the park. That is what he wanted. He can be very specific about what he wants. Pumpkin cupcake, no icing. His friends could have regular cupcakes with icing, because he thought they would like that. He was a bit overwhelmed at first, but enjoyed racing around with his buddies.

Happy birthday to my "fee" year old!

Last photos of a two year old

And he's three, can't you tell?

Every Henry needs a Henry

Party Time!

And we're happy...

now we're not so sure...

and we're sad. Yep, we're officially three!

Henry and his buddie Nolan

David

Swingin' Sally

Cupcakes make it all better. I'm so thankful that he doesn't care that he is different when it comes to food because of his allergies.

Baby Will taking it all in

Um, I think you can figure out what is going on here. I asked my friend to hold the camera when Henry needed to go potty. She happened to capture his first successful pee outside. Nice. Now, he prefers the tree.