Back to School

Back to school has been a big transition for our family. Dominic headed to first grade and the twins are now in Kindergarten. It’s a whole new world at home. They are loving school. Patrick especially loves it! He keeps telling me he wishes there was school all day, and one day he asked when he could go to bed so he could get up and go back to school again! Dominic has Mrs. G (who also happens to be our neighbor across the street). He says she is the best teacher ever.

 

Today, our little Leo started preschool. He loved it, of course! No nervousness or tears at all (from either of us)!

We interrupt this regularly scheduled blog for a cute picture of sister.

 

Notice anything about these two first-day-of-school pictures?

Leo will forever be in hand-me-downs…

 

I have been enjoying the change. We were all ready for a new routine. Leo likes getting lots of attention with the big boys gone for the day. I’ve gone between enjoying the slower pace at home and missing the big kids, but mostly, it’s been great. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I’m home with just Lucy. I don’t even remember the last time I spent 3 hours at home in relative silence.

We’ve started a ritual after school that the kiddos call “Tell time”. On our way home from school everyone used to fight about who gets to tell me what happened from their school day. So now they each get some time, one-on-one, once we get home to just tell me whatever they want. Not sure if this will be sustainable long term, but I really enjoy sitting with the kids and hearing about their day. They love to tell me about who they played with a recess and what special treats they got. It’s like pulling teeth to get them to tell me what they actually learned, though!

Here’s to a great year for my four boys!

More Photos to Dump

 

We soaked up a few last days of summer at the Axtell Pool. I remember dreaming years ago about the days when I could just soak up the sun while my kiddos played in the pool. Well, that day has arrived, sort of. I thought we were done swimming, so I dressed Lucy. When the boys decided they wanted to play a while longer, I just let her crawl around and let the big boys play. It was everything I ever dreamed of.

 

 

We met Luke’s family in Omaha for a fun weekend away. On our way there, we stopped at the Children’s museum in Lincoln and spent the night with the Guenthers.

This man loves maps. He sat and stared while the rest of us played. One of his many quirks

 

After a night at the Guenthers, we went to The Donut Hole in the Rail Yard. Best. Donuts. Ever. Ever. Then we walked across the pedestrian bridge together.

 

That night, we met at our hotel in Omaha and played at the mini water park. After, Lizzy graciously agreed to watch our crazies so we could do an adults only dinner. Word to the wise: avoid Storz’ Trophy Room like the plague, but the company was great! We did the zoo on Saturday. The kids were SO good and it was only when the adults finally started getting tired that we had to call it quits for the day. We made the kids buddy up –the main purpose of which was to make the kids hold hands, because 5 year olds + holding hands = adorable.

For an extra treat, we got the full access pass to the zoo, so we had unlimited rides on the train, tram and carousel. I ended up on the tram with 5 little hoodlums!

Dominic and Sophia were glued at the hip the whole day. She is such a sweet little girl.

The prairie dogs were so tame, they untied Dominic’s shoe laces while we all watched!

Sunday, we hit up Mass and met Jake for Lunch. SUCH a great weekend!

Monthly Photo Dump

My family got together for a very fun weekend at Middle Island near South Bend. We borrowed my parent’s friend’s cabin and all four siblings + spouses and kiddos were all there with mom and dad. We spent tons of time in the water, played games until late into the night (late for this old woman), enjoyed some alcoholic beverages, did some synchronized swimming (you better believe it) and generally had a blast. My family is crazy and awesome. We also celebrated Lucas’ 15th birthday. Happy Birthday, Butch!

 

 

I convinced this sweet kiddo to be my date for my monthly trip to Kearney. This laid back mom (wink, wink) even let Jackson keep his Batman face paint on.

 

 

Occasionally we stop by church to visit Jesus and spend some time in prayer. This particular day, I caught Dominic and Leo praying together. “Mom, I prayed a Glory Be and a Hail Mary with Leo,” Dominic told me. Too sweet.

 

This is pretty much my nightly view. No wonder Luke has back problems…

 

Lucy’s go-to face right now. It’s awesome.

 

We had so much fun with the Guenthers. The kiddos played together while Katie and I talked and talked and talked and walked while we talked and talked some more. Lots of chaos and lots of fun.

 

Pig tails!!

 

Luke’s brother and sister-in-law trekked from the frigid North to Nebraska. We met them at the lake for an afternoon. We had 11 littles and 8 adults enjoying a great day on the water.

 

And this stud and I celebrated our 8th anniversary with a date night to the Speakeasy here in town. It is Luke’s all time favorite steakhouse. Frankly, I would have been content with McDonalds as long as my food was hot and I could carry on a conversation involving full sentences! Love you, Luke!