The Wheels on the Bus....

Elias strapped on his bright yellow backpack and climbed up the familiar steps of his bus this morning. He woke up early and even ate all of his breakfast this morning despite being so excited he could hardly sit still (he doesn't sit still much normally!). After a few pictures and brushing his teeth, we headed up to the bus stop. Looking back through these pictures is breathtaking for Al and me. We could only hope this day would come 4 years ago while we were still in the NICU. What a gift we have been given!


Don't mind my "morning" face....no makeup yet!


Eli seeing the bus pull up!


Heading off to school.

First Grade

Our baby is not a baby anymore. Carson set off for first grade this morning. He is now officially in school a full day! He enjoyed choosing his school supplies and carefully thought out the exact color he wanted his backpack to be. Last night Carson told me that he "doesn't take baths anymore, just showers". When I asked him why he wanted to switch he informed me that "baths are for little kids and all you do in the bath is play. I'm a big kid now and just need to get clean and play a little air guitar". I couldn't help but laugh because he was 100% serious.

I started up the shower for him and he washed off, scrubbed his hair, and proceeded to play air guitar for 5 minutes. It was took cute. He also wants to wear boxer briefs or boxers only now because briefs are for little kids too. When did my baby start referring to a group of children as little kids??? Wasn't he just in diapers?

I can't wait to see what first grade has in store for our big guy. He is ready to dive head first into everything at the moment and we are loving it. Six years old has turned out to be so much fun!



Elias heads back to preschool on Tuesday with the same teacher and schedule as last year. He can't wait to see his friends but today he was sad that Carson was going to be gone the entire day. They really do love each other even though some days they fight each other on every little detail.

Beautiful

Saturday my little sister was married to Keith. They had a gorgeous wedding and everyone danced the night away. I followed two funny, well put together speeches from Mark, Keith's best man and Brooke, my sister's Maid of Honor. Unfortunately I was a tad nervous and botched the ended to my speech. I meant to say, "Here's to Lori and Keith!" but ended up fumbling out an awkward, "We'll see how it goes....".

Nice. What a great sister/sister-in-law I am! ACCCKKKK!! Well, the night was perfect aside from my little mishap and Lori and Keith are happily married on a cruise in the Caribbean.






Congrats to Lori and Keith! Here's to a lifetime of happiness, health, and prosperity. Cheers!

Guitar Heros

The boys have been busy perfecting their Guitar Hero performance today. To Al's delight they both have attached themselves to Korn's "Freak on a Leash" and sing/play their little hearts out. Here is an a cappella rendition with Eli on the guitar and Carson on drums/vocals. They are having a blast and even though it's an "Al" song....I have to smile!

Wedding Shower

I threw my little sister a bridal shower today and it was so much fun! I cannot believe Lori is getting married in just three weeks. It seems like I was just bouncing like a lunatic on the trampoline all summer long. Who told her she could grow up and become so successful, beautiful, and confident? Geezz.....so much for the bossy big sister gig. I better switch into Matron of Honor mode and fast!!

The shower was a blast and so many of Lori's great friends and family were able to come. Thanks to everyone who made it memorable for her. She missed everyone who couldn't be there but the turnout was fantastic. I just can't wait to watch my little sister walked down the isle on the 22nd. I bet there will be a few tears coming from my eyes! Here are a few pics from the event taken on the fly. Mom has the better pics but unfortunately I don't have access to those yet.

Typical Mom and Lori


Brooke and Ashley


Toilet Paper Wedding Dress Game


Grandma Helen and the Blushing Bride