That time of year again

Time for...

decking out in John Deere gear,

boys with smiles from ear to ear,

a hot but festive morning parade,

a sparse breeze and little shade,

long lines and short rides,

carnival games we had to try,

cotton candy and funnel cakes,

souvenirs that are quick to break,

farm animals to pet and hold,

seeing friends both new and old,

excitement and fun fill the air,

Gotta love the County Fair!

Precious Moments

Well, there is not much to report this week. It is much calmer than last week, thank God! But today I had one of those moments that make me feel so completely happy. I was laying on the floor watching cartoons with my boys and they each grabbed one of my hands and just held it. I am so thankful for those moments. Especially knowing that someday they will both be too big or too mature to put their hand in mine and just be. It really is the simple things in life that matter.

Here is a picture of the first time they held each other's hand . It is one of my favorites!!Don't you want to eat them up?!

Ain't life Grand!

For your hugs & kisses, sweet smiles and high fives,
Thank you for being a great part of our lives!
The bond that we share is so strong and so true,
We'd be lost in this world if it wasn't for you!
You have been there and loved us right from the start,
We love you with all of our souls and our hearts!

Happy Grandparent's Day you five!
Colton & Cooper

Huntin' Doves

Our Labor day weekend was topped off with an afternoon of dove hunting. The boys were suited up in their camo gear and ear muffs and they were so excited to hunt with their Daddy. They loved it all, even retrieving the doves once they were shot. Yes- I was a nervous wreck the whole time but Cody was just so happy to have them out there in that field with him that I tried to hang back. But you can bet that those four little hands got super sanitized as soon as they got in the car to go home.

Backyard fun

Even though we had a great first week of school, these boys were sure ready for the weekend. Cody and I were too. It is always nice to relax in the morning and take your time deciding the next move. The boys were happy to just be playing together in our backyard. Colton even picked me some cute flowers. Here are a few snapshots of our relaxing Saturday at home.

See ya!

Cooper started preschool today and he did so good! He was so excited to go to school! We walked in, he gave me a kiss and he was off playing. No lingering hugs or uneasiness just- see ya Mama! When I called to check in, they said he loved circle time and was having a great day. He even went pee-pee in the potty. When I picked him up, he was very happy to see me but he says he wants to go back. Another successful day! Thank God!
I had the day all to myself. It felt pretty weird to run errands and spend time at home without my boys. I miss them tons but I am sure I will figure out a way to fill my time. =)

Colton the Kindergartner

We made it! Colton started Kindergarten today. The morning went well. He was excited but also a little nervous. He almost cried when I went to leave but was such a big boy and held it in.By the time I left he was doing a puzzle at the table and was fine. I, on the other hand, was a wuss. Yes- I exited his classroom and cried like a baby. Uh huh, in the hallway. (He didn't see the tears.) My stomach was in knots all day. This letting go stuff is for the birds!

Thankfully, when I got there to pick him up this afternoon, I got a huge hug and the first three things he said with a smile on his face were:

1. "Mamaaaaa- finally!"

2. "I have sure been missing you!"

3. "I had a grrrreat day!!"
When I asked him what his favorite part of the day was he said "all of it!" His teacher's name is Mrs. Miller-easy to remember-and she is very sweet. He likes her a lot. What a big guy we have. I cannot believe that he is old enough to be in school. Time flies!

Ahhhhh, now I can take a deep breath and try to enjoy it! Oh wait....Cooper starts preschool tomorrow!

Anyway, check out this handsome kindergartner!