First Day of School

It's hard to believe, but here we are again!
The kids started school day.
With a forecasted high of 101, we're pretty glad that it's a half day!
Emma is now in first grade.  Last year, she went
for just three hours, so this is going to be a big adjustment for her.
I anticipate a very tired child getting off the bus until she's used to it.

Ryan starts the fifth grade!  I cannot believe that
my little boy is in the fifth grade!  When they say that the years fly by, they ain't a kiddin'!

Emma woke up this morning crying from a bad dream...so she
was a bit off this morning.  She was crying when I left her.  Someday she'll understand that it just about broke my heart to leave her when she was sad.  I'm hoping she'll come home happy!

Ryan has a bunch of his buddies in class with him.
His teacher has my sympathy.  HeeHee

To be green or not to be green

I've been wanting a comfortable reading chair in our bedroom for quite some time.  I had an old rocker...but it was small and didn't have any arms.  It was not the most comfortable chair for sitting and, therefore, became a clothes hanger!  I was very excited to find this chair at a local consignment shop for just $35.  It's solid wood, in almost perfect condition and, well, green.
What do you think?  Should I leave it green?  Recover it with something else?  Leave it green but lose the skirt?  I need opinions!

Meet "Bubbles"

and "Hopper"
~~~
The kids' end-of-the-summer pets that I promised them.
I'm a tad bit concerned though.  Ryan's very excited to have his frog, but he's also
very excited to dissect him once he dies.  Hmmm.....

35!

If you ask some people, I entered middle age on Monday.
After much research, I've determined that this is NOT so!
The average white woman lives to 79, which means that middle age starts
at 40!  Whew!! 
~~~
Anyway, we celebrated with my sister-in-law and nephew on Sunday night since we were driving home on Monday.  Doesn't that chocolate cake look delicious?!  Lots of yummy, fudgy frosting.

After getting back home on Monday, Bob, the kids and I went out to dinner.
It's so nice to occasionally not have to cook!
Then we headed over to Max and Amanda's for dessert.
They live on a golf course, and the kids love their backyard!
It was beautiful evening ..... we sat out on the back patio while the boys and
Emma threw the frisbees.

It seems that, as you get older, your birthdays last longer!  :)
Last night, a few of the other moms in the area left their kiddos at home with
the daddies, and we headed to The Crepery for dinner and dessert.  Ever been?
It's delicious!!  Here are some photos of the dessert crepes we demolished.

I have to say that it felt very good to exercise this morning!  whew!!

I have some very crafty friends!
Look at some of the cards I received for my birthday.

{This looks just like the old machine that's in my living room!}

This one is not handmade, but I thought it was beautiful!
I'm gonna try to duplicate it with stamps...once school starts...A WEEK FROM TODAY!!

Webelos Woods

Bob and Ryan spent three days and two nights last week at Camp Morrison in McCall for
Webelos Woods.  They had a great time (except for the mosquitos!). 
They got to learn about nature, shoot BB guns and bows and arrows, had campfires, learned about First Aid, did a bit of craftsman, started carving their walking sticks, and Ryan was even brave enough to take part in the 7:00 a.m. polar bear plunge!

That just looks COLD!

Shiver...Shiver!

A beautiful summer evening in the country

Three very-soon-to-be first graders.
~~~
Last night, Em and I headed out to the country to see friends and
attend Mom's book club.  It was such a beautiful summer evening
in the country!

I'd LOVE to have this view every evening.
As we stood outside, chatting and waiting for the girls to finish their goodbyes,
we enjoyed watching the sky change from a stormy afternoon to a gorgeous sunset.

Em~Em

Sweet little Aisy