First Day of School

Hard to believe Annika is a first grader and Lauren is off to "JK."  They were pretty excited to head off to school - as was I after a long hot children-filled summer. 

Lauren's teacher is Mrs. Fellows.  After the first day I asked Lauren who she played with during recess and she said, "I played with Mrs. Fellows on the bench."  It doesn't take long for Lauren to grow attached to her teachers. 

Mrs. Dunlap - the aide in Lauren's room.

The twins just had to make sure all the toys in Lauren's classroom were in working order. 

Hands in the mouth is always an indication of nervousness for Annika.  Here she is in line for the first day of school prayer/welcome. 

Annika's teacher is Mrs. Wichman.  I looked at her paper the other day and she had written, "I love you Mrs. Wichman!"  (clearly I should have taught 1st graders instead of high schoolers.)  This was followed up with a drawing of Annika and Mrs. Wichman with the disclaimor, "sorry I didn't know what color eyes you have." 

Annika's table - she has 3 others at her table.  She gets to sit right next to Calvin the bunny (see cage in background) - woo hoo!

Lauren settled in right away (as opposed to last year when she clung to me and wouldn't let go!).  She even said, "I'll say 'Hi" to Niblets (the hamster) for you" as I walked out. 

Race Day!

A couple of months ago Erin casually mentioned wanting to start running with me in the mornings.  I wasn't sure how serious she was, but she faithfully met me at 6:30 in the morning every M,W,F to run 2.5 miles.  She started out running about halfway but in about a month she was running the whole thing.  According to Erin, this is the longest she has every stuck with an exercise program - way to go, Erin!  We just had to do the "Clifton Heights 2nd Annual 3K" together in August.

The kids were fired up and ready to cheer for us. . .

The race route went right by our house.  Chet and Karl fittingly had the kids yelling, "Put the hammer down!" as we ran by. . .

Harkins, Cedar, Annika, Lauren and Finley (top of head) are ready for the start of the kids fun run!  Too bad they blew a horn that made half the kiddos start to cry. 

Karl and Audrey are pacing themselves. . .

Lauren was sooo focused.  She ran the whole way with a very determined look on her face.  Future track star? 

Annika followed close behind.  Remarkably, Audrey has almost caught up with Annika!

Celebrating with neighbor friend Eliza after the race. 

The Hutchinson clan crosses the finish line!  They are moving this week - makes us very sad. 

Cooling off with a post race popsicle - need to replenish all those lost calories!   

July Happenings

Way back in March(?) I decided to try and purchase U2 tickets on the day they went on sale.  After about 2 hours of trying, I finally got through just before they sold out.  I ended up getting relatively cheap seats in a "behind the stage" section.  They were great seats - quite close to the action and it really wasn't that big of deal to be behind the 360 stage.

"The claw."  We really didn't know U2's music all that well but it was still a really fun date night.  

U2 entering from back stage.

Vacation Bible School at Mount Calvary with the Ryans was a fun way to give some focus to our summer days.

Christine is 2 weeks older than the twins.  They're becoming good buds. 

Audrey is the only one of our children who likes(d) to put her head under water at the age of 2.  She lays her head all the way back and gives a big smile on her face. 

God bless Ashley for helping keep me sane during potty training!

Our first bowling experience.  The older girls loved it - the twins, not so much.  Guess there's a reason there aren't 2 year old bowling leagues.

I LOVE the summer reading club.  This year we received 8 free Cards tickets thanks to the reading efforts of all four girls. 

Michigan summer

Michigan summers - ahh, temps in the low 80's, low humidity, and lots of lakes.  The girls and I spent a week with Grandpa and Grandma in July. 

This was actually an 80 degree day, but by 6:00 the clouds rolled in.  The water ended up being warmer than the air - when I looked back at Grandma on the beach she was wrapped in a towel and shivering!

Meijer Gardens is always entertaining - especially with cousing Emma and Brianna.

Giant Horse!

Is anything more fun that running down a grass hill with Grandpa? 

"Mad Mom" statue.  Looks a lot like I feel (sometimes). 

More beach time with Grandpa and Grandma.  This beach is 5 minutes from their condo so we went a couple of different times. 

I used to love doing this puzzle when I was Annika's age.  We discovered it in Grandpa and Grandma's game closet. 

Fun with the Sprick family at Deanna's Playhouse.

Annika and Lauren are receiving a tutorial in "how to make strawberry shortcake." 

Grandpa asked for help with washing the van.  Here Annika and Lauren are (attempting to) washing the top of the van.  Let's just say there is a bit of an angle issue. 

We spent a morning hiking at Calvin's nature center.  Look at all those girls!  We really want our girls to be hikers, but after this experience it was confirmed that they are not (at least at this age). 

We took Annika to see the gravestone of my Mom's parents.  She asked lots of questions.  I wish she had had the chance to meet them.  The house below is the one my Mom grew up in.  I have great memories of sleepovers at Grandpa and Grandma's house.