School starts!

We (aka me) couldn't be happier to get back into a routine around here. We have had a couple of weeks with minimal commitments which has been both fun and exhausting. Minimal scheduled outings means more home time which ultimately means feisty kids.

We had a stressful holiday weekend with some unexpected events which juggled schedules. This resulted in kids who were desperate for some family fun. I woke up with Sully on Sunday morning and he was immediately requesting a trip to The Children's Museum in Brookings. With an open afternoon, we dropped everything and hit the road. The kids had a great time exploring. We dropped Dave off on our way into town and he was able to escape to Yankton for the evening to spend some time with his buddy, Paul. All in all, it was a good day.

We kicked off our new school year with our second annual DQ outing last evening. We had fun making a mess with ice cream and reminiscing about how last year at this time I was 34 weeks pregnant with Piper. I dropped Sully off this morning and as he was getting out of the car he told me how excited he was to see all of his friends and teachers. What a great feeling as last year he was nervous and I was, too. Greta was slightly jealous she wasn't able to spend her day with Miss Heather and Miss Trina, but I assured her, her time will come. She was happy to get back in the swing of things with toddler time at Miss Jaspers'. Piper and I did our thing at Weight Watchers and then it was already time to pick up the kids. Just like that, we are in the full swing of the school year.

Dave and I leave Saturday and the prep (milk pumped and frozen, e mails sent, calendars made, child care arranged, etc) is done (eek)!!! We are so excited to get away and anxious to leave the kids. They will be in great hands and loved and cared for, although they will be missed more than they will ever know. We just need to get on the plane and my nerves will hopefully subside.

Keeping a safe distance from the dino at the museum
and telling daddy to 'watch out!'.

Dress up fun. 

Light bright. 

Everyone gets in on the fun. 

Piper on a mission.

Dave getting a chance to let loose.
Mucho deserved. 

DQ fun. 

Greta trying to contain Piper. 

Losing the battle (welcome to my world).

First day of school photo. The baby is front and center. 

Sully and Greta. So big and so sweet,
and SO excited about new school shoes.  

Thumbs up on our way to the car (and noisy road construction
on our street, I'm surprised it even phases her ;)).

Big boy ready for the new preschool year at The Graham Academy. 

My selfie attempt. 

So excited to see me :).