First Day of School

Ian started Pre-K at Trinity Christian School last Wednesday. This day marked one of his firsts that I surely do not want to forget. We had meet-the-teacher a couple of days prior and he was just so grown up. He totally introduced himself to his teacher Mrs. Nantz as "Hi Ms Nantz, I'm Ian" after a short time thinking and stuttering he said "thank you for sending me a postcard" (she sent a hello postcard introducing herself to Ian and he was reminded by us to say thanks, but I didn't really think he would remember)





The next few photos are of Justin and myself taking Ian into school for the first day. Trinity's mascot is an eagle. He has to wear a uniform everyday and Wednesday is chapel day where he has to wear a white polo tucked in with navy trousers and a belt. We are really pleased with this school so far. Ian is pulled out of his class each day for a special class. It rotates everyday between Spanish, Computer, Art, Library, Music and PE. He came home after is first Spanish class telling me all the colors in Spanish (rojo, azul, blanca, amarillo, verde) I know I've said it before, but he like a sponge. That boy totally sucks up any information you throw at him, relevant or useless! :)

Long Night

Well, yesterday we had this fine idea to go swimming at the ranch. We packed our dinner (brats, salad and beans) and off we headed to Gordon, Texas. We picked London up from school and all was well. Just about the time we arrived at the club house, London spit up a bit and was a touch fussy. Well let me just tell you, I totally watched the whole progression of a full-blown stomach virus unravel before my eyes. (At least, I hope that's all it is.) She proceeded to get sicker and sicker. Yes, I know this is totally gross, but seeing as how this is the first time my baby has really had a stomach bug, I didn't want to forget it.

Needless to say, we left the ranch and came home without dinner. London did sleep with Justin and me...if that is what you want to call it. Up every hour or so with a sick child mixed with trying to sleep with one eye open makes for a very long night!

However, London woke up this morning and has managed to keep down some crackers and juice. She is a bit puny, but all in all doing well. She will stay home from school today and hopefully be good as new tomorrow. Poor babe...bless her and her upset stomach!

Long Time Comin'

Hello to everyone out there!!! I do think I'm back...maybe! Hopefully I can get back connected in the blog world without getting so far behind. I'm really going to make an effort to post more frequently. Promise!

Okay, enough of that! This summer has really been uneventful and has flown by way too fast! One of our highlights was spending 2 weeks in Northern Virginia at Justin's dad's home. Justin's two sisters (kate and victoria) and their families were also there. Justin's brother Mark and his wife live about 20 min from his dad, so they joined in the fun as well. At one point there was 17 people sleeping under one roof!!! Luckily Barry and Chris have a large home with a super sized back yard complete with screened in porch and swimming pool. It was a very laid back vacation but so much fun! The kids all got along beautifully.Darren & Kate, Mark & Amy, Justin & Mel

Ian & Callum dancing to "Kids Bob"




Toward the end of each evening, Grandma had a special treat for each kid! This night was bubble night! The kids loved them, especially London! She totally knew what to do and picked up bubble blowing quite quickly!

Ian became quite brave doing "tricks" off of the diving board!



Callum & Ian both learned how to dive properly, and by the end of the holiday, they were competing with us adults for the prize of "best dive"!

Alfie is 15 months old and Victoria and Matt's son. This is the first time for us to ever meet him. He is the best baby, so laid back and happy. He would sit outside in the high chair after his nap watching all the big kids! He was so content and such a joy!

Mark, Amy & Alfie


Matt, Victoria & Alfie

Most days were spent swimming, eating, and hanging outdoors by the pool!





We all celebrated Callum's 6th birthday...Spongebob style!!




And then there is Miss Priss! She totally thought she ruled the roost at Grandma and Grandad's house. After a few days, she really warmed up to everyone, especially the guys. She was all about cuddling with her uncles. As far as London knew she was just as big and could do EVERYTHING her brother and cousin did. She was so curious and watched every move they made. For the most part the boys were very patient and included her in their play. I really think her being around and interacting more with older kids did her a world of good with her speech. She attempts to say everything and over the past few weeks, she is becoming more clear and easier to understand.
Oh Miss Bella...you deserve a gold star! I do believe London has found her long lost best friend. London followed her around everywhere. Bella was so sweet and tolerant of Miss Priss. Whenever Bella was done with London's pestering, she would just hide under the couch to escape. One night we were watching TV and London disappeared. After several minutes we found her snuggling Bella in the mud room under the table. They both were so content.








One morning we took breakfast to a kid's park and all ate and played. The kids had a blast, but by the time we left the sun was already scorching us. Virginia is super hot and super humid...thank goodness for the pool!

We all had such a GREAT time. Thanks to Grandma & Grandad for being such lovely hosts! Everything was PERFECT! We are already planning our gathering next summer!!