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Torn Paper Apple

Just a little fall activity. I am trying to do one or two craft activities a week.


















Olivia is loving school. I am so glad we chose to put her in the half day program. It is just perfect for her. Ethan and I are getting used to the mornings together and trying to get a schedule set for ourselves. He is loving storytime, his "school time." I am LOVING my new camera, lens and editing software. The kids are getting a little tired of modeling for me. Can't wait to start my own photography business -hopefully will be up and running come spring!

Olivia's First Day of Kindergarten!

Well, my baby girl started Kindergarten today. She did amazingly well, seemed a bit nervous as we were heading out the door but more excited than anything else. The backpack she chose was one that had "most of the Princesses." She stood in line with the other kids looking quite unsure about what to do. I wanted to hug her and kiss her and hug her again. She waved goodbye halfheartedly as the kids filtered into the building. There were no tears (from her, I had my fair share after getting into the car) no clinging, just off she went - getting a little confused in the hallway I might add because the line got disconnected and the boy in front of her started going into the wrong room. Was this the same little girl that had to be pulled off of me several times at Preschool? Some parents, me included, peeked into the room and snapped a picture, not that you can see her well in the picture. It was funny because as we pulled in the driveway after dropping her off Ethan said, "Evie's not here, she's at school" and when we used to drop her off to Preschool and go back home he would say, "Where's Evie?" I guess they are both growing up. Ethan and I also saw the class going out to recess as we were arriving to pick her up. We all went to McDonald's for dinner to celebrate Olivia's first day of Kindergarten. We love our little Kindergartner!


















A little disheveled after her first morning at Kindergarten...

This and that

Our dates this August were a Mommy/Daughter "ladies' lunch" and a Father/Son "dudes dine out." The kids absolutely eat up all of the one-on-one attention. Olivia and I went to Applebee's for lunch and then to the bookstore and a dollar store. At the dollar store Olivia picked out a hot pink furry purse and a cowboy hat for Ethan, always so thoughtful. Scott and Ethan went to Pizza Hut and then drove around Grand Haven looking at boats. He just loves special time with Daddy.














This past week, the last week of summer vacation before school starts, Kaitlyn came over a couple of days. The kids just adore her! One day we went to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and then to the Allendale Community Park. Olivia was enthralled with the dress up section and little stage! She just kept putting on new things and having me stand in front of the stage and watch her. So cute! The next day we went to the zoo. Our friends Melanie, Wesley and Hunter met us there too. Kaitlyn is so amazing with kids - Olivia, Ethan and her brother Jarek. She is full of energy and so playful! She is also one of the biggest helpers ever! The kids just can't get enough time with her.

Over Labor Day weekend we went to visit Aunt Debbie and family out at Grand Haven State Park. We played frisbee and football, walked the pier, played on the beach (the water was freezing), and watched the boats. Olivia and Ethan are just all smiles at the beach, any beach. They just love running and splashing in the water and playing in the sand. I really think that is when they are at their happiest. That evening we all went for pizza at Clover Bar. There was us, Nana, Grandpa Ed and Beverly, Aunt Deb, Uncle Steve and Emily, Megan, Phil, Craig and Lorelie. We had a great, late night. On our drive home it was Olivia who pointed out the most gorgeous pink sunset I have ever seen. Scott was the first to notice the very large, low and PINK moon. A beautiful ending to a wonderful day.

The kids also bought new Build a Bears with some piggy bank money. Olivia chose the pink, sparkly unicorn and a Disney princess t-shirt and pink cordoruy skirt. Ethan chose the tiger and a Detroit Tigers t-shirt to go with it. They were absolutely perfect for each of them.
















I just have to journal about a sweet little thing that the kids did and have done in the past. I told them they could each choose a short video to watch. They both came to me holding up two Pilates tapes. They really wanted to watch them so I put one on and they started following along...