Preschool - Monkeys and Doggies

Today was the first day of preschool at CCP.  Bentley and I were both excited.  I couldn't wait to meet my students and Bentley couldn't wait to be in the monkey class.  At school, each classroom has an animal associated with it.  My class is the dogs and Bentley's class is the monkeys.  She is going three days a week this year and I am also excited to see how that is going to unfold.  She walked in the place like she owned it this morning (she is there so much, she practically does).  She picked her favorite of her new school outfits and had her flower in her hair and so she was all set.  I dropped her off at child care while I was at my meeting and her old teacher from last year was handling child care, so that was a breeze too.  I checked on her mid-day (I love this about teaching at the preschool) and she was doing fine.  Her teacher told me that this was like old hat to her.  That makes momma feel sooo good.  She was really tired when she got home and she did finally lay down before ballet tonight.  She still takes 1.5 to 2 hour naps MOST days, so we will see how this all plays out.  Here are some pics!

And He Made it Home

Riley made it home safe and sound.  He is so excited and told me school is AWESOME!  He showed me his folder and he got a sticker for listening today.  His teacher also called to check and make sure he made it home ok and to tell me that he was a good helper and listener.  I am so proud of him!

First Day of Kindergarden

Well, today was the day that has been heavy on my heart for a couple of weeks.  I knew it was going to be hard, and it was.  First, we had his kindergarden picnic on last Thursday evening.  It was a nice thought, but it was soooo hot.  Riley did meet a friend or two, but we mainly just lost our body weight in fluid.  Then Friday morning, we met his teacher, Mrs. Melker.  She was very nice and I had a peace about her after having met her.  Her room was really decorated cute and was well organized (you know that is important to me and Casey's anal selves).  Riley was a natural.  He found his desk and just loved being in that atmosphere.  He was so excited.  I did good at this event.....choked up a couple of times, but didn't lose it. (Of course, I was chasing Bentley around and keeping her from knocking stuff over or getting on the classroom computer and this helped take my mind off things.) 

Then this morning came.....I felt sad the whole time I was getting ready.  It is really hard to be excited and act like you are sooo happy when really you are just sad.  I didn't even put on eye makeup because I could feel the water works getting ready to come.  Riley was dressed and ready to take on the world, or at least kindergarden for today.  The whole family went out to the bus stop to see himoff.  The bus was ontime and as it pulled up, the largest lump came up in my throat.  It stopped and he TOOK off running.  Riley was so happy and ready to ride this bus.  He was not nervous or shy or apprehensive.  I could not have felt more opposite.  Casey and I watched him get on the bus and he sat in the very first seat like a champ.  I have not been more proud and scared at the same time.  I am so proud of who he is and how awesome he handles situations, but I am so scared of what this world can introduce to him.  Needless to say, I cried my eyes out. 

I am now sitting here typing waiting on the bus to get home so I can hear all of the wonderful things he said about this new journey we are on.  I love you Riley and cannot wait to see your face this afternoon!!!!

Waiting for the bus

Excited about new backpack and lunch kit

Bentley was meeting the teacher today at CCP

Sibling love

Riley and Daddy

Waiting for the bus

Running to the bus

Bye Bye Bubba

San Antonio

After having so much fun hanging out with April and Greg at the family reunion, we all decided we needed a little vacay in San Antonio.  We got it on the schedule and actually made it there this year (we have talked a lot about this)!  We left early on a Friday morning and drove straight to the River Walk to have lunch and catch some of the San Antonio must sees.  We started with lunch and walking around.  Riley and Bentley loved to see the ducks and the big fish in the water on the River Walk.  After that, we hit the Alamo.  Riley was pumped to see some actual battlegrounds.  It was SOOOOO hot that we would just go into every other store to just cool off.  We also had some fun playing with the touristy JUNK they had.  Riley and Bentley also had a dance off in one of the stores that was rockin out. 

I know this pictue is not good of Bentely, but I just thought it was hysterical!

Funny sunglasses

Daddy and the kids (I am never in pics!)

Yep kids, that is the Alamo

The wax museum just happened to have some wrestlers in it!

Daddy gettin jiggy with predator

He looks so small compared to that!

We went to April and Greg's house after the RW and had some phenomenal food (actually we had awesome food all weekend!).  The kiddos had a great time playing with Julianna, James and Jake.  Saturday we got up and headed to Sea World, but momma did not bring her camera :(  So I have no pics from Sea World.  But the kids had a blast and April and Greg were the best tour guides EVER.  We hit all the hot spots and got to see the shows and Shamu.  Thanks so much guys for hosting us, it was a great time.\

And now for the king and queen of dancing.....



Fun in Box, Part 2 and The Dentist

I don't know why, but Bentley loves to get into boxes.  She does it all the time and it is just funny to me to see her wathcing TV or playing dolls in a box.  This was taken about 3 or 4 weeks ago and I had forgotten about it until I downloaded the pics.  She put all of her toys in the box and set it in the chair and climbed right on in!

This is not a big box.....there was stuff under her bottom

And she chilled like that

On July 26th, Bentley had her first appt with the dentist and Riley had his 3rd.  Riley, of course, did great.  He had to get his x-rays done again and then he got his teeth cleaned and he got a great report.  He will not be losing any teeth for a while, but the dentist said that was a good thing....the longer you keep your baby teeth, the longer you keep your adult teeth.  Good to know that Riley will not be running around red-neck and toothless at 50, lol.  (I thought that was a weird comment, hence the joke).

I was really worried about Bentley.  Most of you know that she is FAR from laid back and doesn't just cooperate for people in scrubs or white coats.  But I must give credit where credit is due, she did GREAT.  She had her first x-rays and then they cleaned them and flossed her.  She was patient and listened the whole time.  I was so proud of her.  Maybe having Riley there to go first helped, but whatever it was, I will take it!!!

Riley getting his x-rays

Bentley...she looks like a mental patient here

Checking out the equipment

She liked the sucky straw

5 Year Birthday Pics

We celebrated Riley's birthday this past weekend in Beaumont, but I forgot my camera.  We came home and opened presents and had the Canizaro's come over.  Riley had an AWESOME weekend!!!

Ready to tear into his gifts from Mom and Dad

Bentley was dying to help

WWE ROCKS

Riley and Carter singing Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday My Man!

Riley,

I cannot believe that 5 years ago you graced us with your presence.  You are such a joy to have around.  You really are the most laid back, well-mannered child that parent could ask for.  There has not been a Sunday school teacher, Preschool teacher, babysitter, family member, VBS teacher or camp counselor that doesn't say the best things about you after being around you.  From the Camper of the Week award to your teachers this year going on and on about how you need to go to kindergarten, you truly do exceed our expectations all the time. 

I love the way we can sing to each other....you learn the lyrics of every song just like me.  You can hear a song only a handful of times and you know every word.  You also memorize the lines to your movies (I did the same thing :)  You amaze me and anyone who is around you with this talent.  Your smile is amazing to me too.  I can look at you and when you smile at me, it melts my heart.

You also have such love for God and a sound biblical foundation laid for you.  You love to read the Bible at night.  And when you pray, I am awe struck.  I cannot believe you are as young as you are, praying the way you do.  You are so mature.

You love wrestling, beyblades, pokemon, swimming and playing your DS.  This birthday is so bittersweet to me....I am so excited to see what you will become and to see how good you are in school, but I cannot believe you are going to school.  You will always be my baby!!!!

Gig'em and Hook'em!!!

I love you,
Mommy!!!