Party at the Klauser's Cinema

When Elyse mentioned she wanted to go to an indoor playground or the movies like her friends did for their birthdays I knew we were in trouble.  I then asked her who she wanted to invite which resulted in her naming 12, yes 12 close friends.  Nate and I knew we could no way go somewhere outside the home, so we brought the movies here.  Each kid was encouraged to bring his or her own pillow.  They were then welcomed to the Klauser's Cinema with a bag of popcorn and sent downstairs where we had a projector, screen and audio all set up in the dark.  After the movie, we celebrated with cupcakes, opened gifts and played outside.  Perfect party and I hope the kids all had as much fun and enjoyment as Elyse did.  By the way, forgot to mention it was for Elyse's 6th birthday.CRazY, 6 on Monday!

Caleb's First Day of Preschool

Here we go again, another first day of school.  Today was Caleb's turn.  He began preschool and  I will admit that today was a lot easier for me; especially since I have experienced the preschool thing already. Plus with preschool I still have control of his drop offs and pick ups, as well as one-on-one contact with his teachers.  Today was just an introduction to what his day will be like and meeting his teachers.  Overall, he loved it and is super excited to go for the entire 2.5 hours on Monday.

Elyse's First Day of Kindergarten

As all you moms who has had or has a child entering school, today was such an emotional day!  In fact, this morning alone involved me smiling, laughing and yes the obvious, crying. Even though I know Elyse was ready, excited and prepared, I still did not have her in my control and was so scared to let her go.  I do look forward to hearing all her stories (hopefully happy ones) when she gets home (which is not coming fast enough).  Although it's official, there is a kindergartner in the house, so bittersweet!

Last Day of Summer

Even though I loved school as a kid, it was still always hard to be happy on the last day of summer.  Now grown up and having two off to school this year I am having those same sad emotions.  Therefore, we are making the most of our last day of summer as a family.

Celebrating Mom/Nana

While my mom was here this weekend, we decided to surprise her and celebrate her birthday a few days early.  We celebrated by singing and eating birthday cake, opening presents made by the kiddos and giving lots of hugs and kisses.  

To Mom:  Thank you for all you do and for being an amazing mom, friend and support system.  I am so grateful to have you as my mom and just hope Elyse needs me as much as I need you when she is a mom.  Love you lots and hope you have a happy birthday!  Enjoy your day because you deserve it.

Happy Birthday, Mom/Nana!

Family of Christ's Car Show

Today my mom and step-niece joined us as we headed to Caleb's preschool (weird not to write Elyse's) to check out local collector cars and tractors, army equipment as well as fire engines.  We also shopped the craft section, jumped in the inflatables and ate some yummy food.  Very simple event but fun for all.  

Beautiful Butterfly

Recently some of our closest friends captured a handful of caterpillars to watch them turn into beautiful butterflies.  Lucky for us, they had to go out of town and let us keep the last two.  When we received them the two were happily living in their cocoons.  But within 24 hours they blossomed into beautiful butterflies.  When butterflies come out their wings aren't dried off and developed enough to fly away.  Therefore, the entire morning was spent with the kids feeding, watching and holding what they considered their pet butterflies.  Very awesome experience for the kids!  Side note...holding a butterfly isn't so beautiful, feels like a bad insect crawling all over you.