Ben's 1st day as a Bulldog!!

Ben was very excited for his first day in the "bigger" kids preschool class. He now gets to go three 1/2 days per week. I didn't think we were going to have tears like last year but, alas we did. Luckily, they were only on the first day and it has been smooth sailing from there!
Excited to get in and play....

not so excited b/c mom is leaving....

Found Hailey and no more tears..thanks for the picture Mel!

New kid on the Block..

Lilly Faith Heiner joined our neighborhood on September 4th. She is so beautiful and I was blessed to be with our good friends Mel and John during her birth. Now, as everyone knows with three of my own I have never been on that side of the "show" before and it was absolutely AMAZING. Melanie joked that I should become a midwife..I don't know about that but, it certainly was an incredible experience to be there when Lilly was born! The kids just can't get enough of her and of course are all pushing for another brother or sister..I think they'll just have to settle for cousins and friends :-)

Birthday Reunion..

Staci and Alon's birthday celebration...we got to hang out all together for the first time in a few years..Tina was even in town from South Bend! It was awesome to see everyone...

The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round...

Gracie was more excited for this day than the first day of school (b/c it was easier on mom if dad drove her and walked her in!). She got to ride the bus like the Big Kids. Wait.....She is a Big Kid now. Of course she and Shelby sit together in the very front row....
Gracie and Shelby...they didn't want to pose for photos..just wanted to get in line for the bus...

Ye Handsome Pirate Three

A day with three sweet boys that started in the direction of the park ended with a rainy day spent trolling the dollar store and home to play pirates with their treasures.

Cole, Ben and Nolan..

HOORAY! Let's Play~~

It only took about 75 days but, alas the infamous playset is complete. With Jason helping coach two teams and weekend tournaments there wasn't much time for building this summer..Lucky for me (and them) it's ready just in time for daycare kids to come back! Katie, Hailey, Ben and Gracie taking turns in the crow's nest being lookouts with the telescope..

The glider, two big kid swings, swinging monkey bars and we couldn't forget a baby swing for the little ones here and that are on their way :-)

The sandbox fits nicely underneath and there is a built in picnic table for outdoor lunches! Thanks Dad/Jason for all your hard work..It's awesome to have a playground in the backyard.

WE BLINKED...Kindergarten and 6th grade 2009!

Oh What a day...Tay had to be up at 6am and left for middle school at 7am(luckily she rode with Alicia who could help her if she needed it..Thank you so much Alicia :-)). Gracie was up and ready by 7:00am and didn't leave with Daddy until 8:45am..what a long wait she had. Neither girl nervous..just ready to get on with their exciting adventures in Kindergarten and 6th grade.
Look out Middle School! It's all about making good choices..right Tay. Looks like another year of ponytails, huh.
WOW. Where did the time go. Can't believe Gracie is in Kindergarten..growing, learning and changing every second. Thanks for my cool outfit from Justice Gma and Gpa Mendenhall!
Gracie and Shelby with their brothers, Cole and Ben, who asked for them all day!
Milestone Alert: Gracie and Shelby entering Kindergarten together! Lots of nerves (mostly from the mom's, went into this moment. Gracie pounding the play dough on her first day of Kindergarten!
Gracie in her Kindergarten classroom..No drama or complaints from the day..just not enough "drink" breaks!
The day was a success for both our girls. Tay got into her locker and helped others with theirs, labeled her Chinese teacher as the "meanest" and thinks Mr. Hamilton in Social Studies will be the best. Gracie loves reading at school and playing with all the kids.