Older brother? pretty cool...

Having the brownie bowl all to yourself when older brother goes off to Kindergarten? Priceless.

Spider babies...

If you're confused, let me shed a little light. These are pictures of our spider babies! We discovered them on the bottom of one of our toy cars the other day. Matthew pointed out that there was a spider in the way of his riding and when I took a look, there was the mama with her egg sack and tiny little offspring. I just didn't have the heart to squash her especially with the kids looking on. Instead the kids got a lesson in spiders and I got a lesson in compassion. I know, I know, it's just a spider...kill it! But, it's more fun this way especially since she's not in the house and not hurting anyone.

Ella Jane and I got a closer look at them yesterday with the stem of a leaf. I pointed out where the babies were but the mama didn't like that. She started to attack the stick and it was fun to explain to EJ that the mama was protecting her babies. Later when we went to check on them, I noticed that mama spider had moved her egg sack to the upper corner (it was clustered around the babies before we messed with her) and she was nowhere to be found. Did she go off to die? My knowledge of mama spiders goes as far as Charlotte's Web...

Success...

Matthew had a successful first full day of school! That's him waving as his class lines up to be dismissed. He had lots to share with me as he unloaded his backpack. He's all about the details and explaining to me about his folder, lunch, and silly songs he sang in class. It's only Day 2 but so far I like getting everyone out the door so early. There is a crispness in the air now and the walk up and back is so refreshing. We clip right along on the way up and then dawdle on the way back. It's a good way to start the day!

Kindergarten!

We sent Matthew off to Kindergarten this morning! And carrying on the Suyetsugu tradition from when I was a kid Matthew packed his lunch last night for the very first time. We had been talking about what he would pack for a few days so when the time finally arrived he was very excited. Such pride in his smile as he's making his own sandwhich! The picture in the front yard is taken in front of a sign that says "Matthew, Welcome to Kindergarten!" One of the Kindergarten teachers came by yesterday to post that in the grass. What a nice surprise!

On our way up to school we were met by our new friend Joshua. We turned around to hear his little voice say "HI MATT!!!" He was so excited and I thought it was cute that he called him Matt. We walked up to school which is about 2 blocks away and got Matthew situated with his locker and the table that he'd be sitting at. Jim was able to get away from campus for a minute and say goodbye as well.

Ella Jane wanted to be in all of the pictures too. She's very busy these days taking care of her baby so baby got in there too. Funny, Sara is wearing an outfit that Matthew wore as a baby and as I put her down to nap this morning I had the surreal thought that this seemed to look like Matthew and here I am five years later taking him to Kindergarten.

So the girls and I are home now. Sara is sleeping and Ella Jane has requested to do some puzzles. Time to go play!

To the laundramat we go...

Our washer broke this week, thus the pileup in the picture above. The kids got a lesson in coin laundry! We turned paper money into quarters, watched the laundry go round and round, and saw the timer countdown the minutes until it was finished. They thought it was pretty fun. Any advice on a new machine?

When you wake up...

singing Barney, it's going to be a long day!

Catching up on pictures

Above are pictures of the following...Ella Jane getting the corn ready for dinner, the PINK in Sara's room, Sara in the johnny jump up, Sara asleep in my arms, looking up at sister, cramming 3 kids into the subaru while the van was in the shop, 4th street elevator (we actually went up this), views of downtown DBQ. from the top of the bluff, sleeping Sara under the blanket made by Liz

It really is a small world after all...

Took the kids to a birthday party today for one of our new little friends and met a few new adults in the process. Two of which had connections to Maryland! One family is new to Iowa after moving from the D.C. area. They were familar with The College of Southern Maryland of all things. The other family had an uncle who lived in Waldorf. I was just passing by this conversation, heard the word Waldorf and invited myself in to hear the rest of the story. I spoke up and offered a few locations that the man was trying to remember like Nav Air, Pax River, etc. What a fun time to be able to speak of the place I just moved from and miss terribly this week! I got out the church directory for the kids and I to browse through last night. I showed Ella Jane the picture on the front and asked her what it was... she smiled and said "that's church!"

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today Jim is 35 years old! He had presents at his place at the table this morning and the kids could hardly contain their excitement. We watched him open and then he promptly made french toast for everyone. Mmmmm.....sounds like that should have been my job today!

We are also taking advantage of the Farmer's Market here in town and loving fresh Iowa corn! There's nothing quite like an ear of corn fresh from the field.

What's in a name?

Nana's rose, Sweetie pie, Prom pink, Pink frenzy, Pink whisper...these are just some of the different shades of pink we've been thinking about for the girls' rooms. I've been pouring over swatches for days now trying to decide what to choose. Sara's room is PINK! Not just any kind of pink, but PINK!!! It's a little overwhelming at first but it's growing on me. Ella Jane's room will be pink with purple polka dots. She's so excited. Pictures to come...

VBS...

Matthew decorating his heart cake

Our new friend Gwendolyn

That's Sara in the stroller...she looks a little shocked. Matthew and Ella Jane loved pushing her around. You can tell Matthew cheeks that he's laughing!

Bundled her up before a cool morning run

And another thing...

So happy
Grandma and Sara

Matthew and Ella Jane are at VBS this week. Ella Jane was VERY excited to be able to attend something that Matthew got to do. Ella Jane is now old enough be able to start participating and she couldn't be more thrilled.

Meanwhile, Sara and I are either home doing projects, napping or running. It's so peaceful! She continues to be a very happy little girl. Bless her little heart, when I wake her from a nap to put her in the car she just opens her eyes and smiles. She is getting so strong now too! She rolled over for the first time last week. Her expression was a little shocked but I think she liked it. She's also turning out to be a little stander just like Matthew. He LOVED to be upright as a baby and she seems to be following in his footsteps.

Oh my goodness! Sara just grabbed for her pacifier that was sitting in the johnny jump up tray. Her face was so focused. I love to be able to watch these first milestones as they are happening!