Emily's first day of 1st grade!

Well, it seems like only yesterday I was posting about Emily's first day of Kindergarten. I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. Emily is definitely ready for 1st grade, but emotionally it has been hard on all of us. She has been very concerned with not being able to hang out with Aaron and I and play with us as much. She's talked a lot about how long her days will feel. I think they will go faster than she thinks...lots of activities, lunch, recess, art, music, etc. I know she'll adjust and just love it. She seems to have a great teacher and everyone speaks highly of her.

Yesterday was a half day for her and today is her first full-day. The house is definitely quieter. Aaron jabbers and makes noise, but she was my conversationalist. There was always plenty to discuss with her around!!

Em waiting in line, with her class, to go inside.

Random Summer pics

I had an awesome summer with my kiddos! We really enjoyed the Wheaton area this summer and found lots of fun things to do. We visited the library at least once a week, the pool a couple of times a week, lots of parks, the splash park, the zoo, and the Children's Museum.

I already can't wait for next summer and all the new memories we'll get to create!! This summer went way to fast. (Watch for a post on Em's first day of school.)

Enjoy the pics.
Emily at the splash park.
Aaron wasn't crazy about getting wet, but he enjoyed the splash park more this summer than last summer. He like to dump water and play with the water guns.

Children's Museum

Aaron's favorite part of the day...the water table. No matter where we took him, he kept migrating back to the water table. Anyone who knows him well, knows that this is not surprise.

Emily pretending to be Superman!!

Emily building her very own creation!

The finished project - a scooter

Giant Lite-brights!!

A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen.