Last Hurrah!

I'm going backwards a bit.  This was our last little getaway before school started.  The kids and I have had a great summer with our Jax friends that will run off to the beach with us on a moment's notice.  We've made lots of memories this summer thanks to them.  We took the kids to the inlet one evening.  It's quite a walk down this looooong boardwalk to get there.  The girls were a bit tired on the way back, but it was worth it.

 

So much sass!

breakin' the law :)

sliding

Hunter's New Smile

Hunter lost his first tooth!  This thing has been wiggly for probably 2 months.  Friday it became VERY wiggly so I knew it wouldn't be long.  Then Sunday night he pulled it out himself!  He was so, so excited.  It's those joyful moments that I hope to remember forever.  Dedi was the guest tooth fairy for his first tooth and she set the bar way too high!  The Mommy/Daddy tooth fairy will not be living up to the Dedi tooth fairy.  Thankfully, Hunter doesn't exactly understand the value of money so I don't see him being disappointed with a measly $1 next time :)

Is it me or does he instantly look older?  

Happy 3rd Birthday, Peyton!

Dear Peyton,

You turned THREE yesterday.  How can that be?!  You are my baby!  You've done a lot of growing up in the last few months.  It started with potty training which was a pretty easy process.  Then we moved you into a big girl bed.  You would have slept in your crib forever, but I felt like it was time.  That transition could not have been easier.  You haven't once gotten out of the bed and you call me in the morning to come get you.  The next thing is preschool.  It starts in a week.  It's starting to hit me that you're going to be gone every morning.  On one hand, I'm thinking of all the things I will accomplish and on the other I know I'll miss you.  I think you are going to love school.  I'm looking forward to all the things you're going to learn and come home telling me about.  

You are a mama's girl for sure, but as soon as I leave you will immediately make a new best friend... whether it be Daddy, Grandma, Dedi, etc.  You have a funny little personality.  You're starting to show a bit of imagination, too.  I can tell you're maturing because you and Hunter are playing much better together.  You used to fight because you were just acting your age and bothering him, but there hasn't been as much of that lately.  You are very helpful.  You love to do little chores that I can trust you with.  You also know that everything has its place.  You know exactly where things should go and you will put them back..... a girl after my own heart! You love shoes and love to pick out your own clothes.  I love your long blonde hair.  You ask to have it braided which I love.  Your eyes are still blue, but I feel like they're trying to turn green in the very center.  Only time will tell.  You are 33.5" tall (10th percentile) and 28.5 lbs (10th percentile).... a petite little thing!  You are double jointed in your hips which is no new discovery.  You can do full straddle split and fully rotate your hips from front to back. You are definitely built like a gymnast.  We'll see if you enjoy it come October.

You are a joy to raise.  I love watching you grow and learn.  I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

I love you,

Mama

{These pictures were taken in the front yard in a less than 5 minute time frame}

Hunter's First Day of Kindergarten

{I couldn't wait until tomorrow!}

This day has been highly anticipated by Hunter.  In the days leading up he's acted very nonchalant about the whole thing.  But today he woke up and came out of his room and exclaimed, "Today I get to go to Kindergarten!".  No one shed any tears, although I might have looking through these pictures....he's growing up.  I know he's going to do so well in school.  He LOVES kids and he enjoys learning.  I'm excited to hear how his day went :)

HA!

Nice photo bomb, Peyton!

Hunter took the teacher an apple cupcake ;)

Gotta represent the Noles!

She loved her cupcake.

 

 

Something big is happening today....

Oh right, today is the first day of Kindergarten for Hunter, but we're going to talk about that tomorrow when I'm done crying. Kidding! Sort of :)

I can't even remember why I took these pictures. They were clearly not dressed for a photo shoot.  But they wanted their picture taken and I was happy to oblige.