August.

Small Fry had a half birthday. Yep, I'm still doing the half-birthday thing. Buck rolls his eyes and makes a big fuss over how stupid it is EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Newsflash, he better get used to it. This year Small Fry got drums! And started drum lessons. Three words -- it is loud. Buck also got him a new bat for baseball (so while he poo poos the half birthday thing he participates!).

Brownies!

Gotta love a 1/2 birthday!

Speaking of loud, Fawn bought himself an electric guitar. He worked hard all summer for money (did jobs for Lulu, Aunt C, and Mr. Lance) not to mention some big, hard jobs at home. He bought the guitar used from Highland Music. They gave him a bit of a discount -- I think they felt sorry for him! Also, if I thought I was out of my league buying sports equipment at Dick's or Academy, that's got nothing on trying to figure out the world of music equipment. Thank goodness for Park at Mason Music who tries to educate me as much as possible.

Hey now, you're a rock star.

One final end of summer McWane trip. It's fun to explore McWane with bigger kids. We saw a show on combustion -- it was fascinating and very cool. And we got to go to lunch with Buck. Jimmy Johns of course -- Fawn's very favorite meal.

So funny that Small Fry looks as big as Fawn.

They played a game called Mindball where you had to think about absolutely nothing to win. Small Fry won every time. 

 Fawn has decided he's into golf. He's working hard to get better. I'm thankful for beautiful Pine Tree.

A truly beautiful view.

Class Of Pictures.

It's that time again. Small Fry's first year to participate. And wow does Fawn look big in his shirt.

First Day of School.

By the grace of God I survived the first day of school.

I am not a mom that likes the first day of school. In fact, I dread it. I love, love, love having my children home with me in the summer. While I'm excited for them for the first day of school, I am sad to have a quiet house when they are gone for the day. I also think the first day of school includes so much anxiety -- how will the new teacher be? how about the other kids in the class? will it be a good year or a not-so-good year for my babies? This year was extra, extra tough since Small Fry started kindergarten. I have to say it was a bit easier than expected (thanks to God's grace). I think because Small Fry was so very excited to be in big school with his hero -- his big brother.

The first day of school was a busy day for me -- I had a Kindergarten mom sip and sob or hooray. It was a nice way to start the morning. Then I exercised -- always good medicine and an emotional pick-me-up. And I went to Bottega for lunch with my IPC mama friends. Boy did I need that. And I am so thankful for those friendships and pray that they don't flicker out as our children go to different elementary schools. I got to pick Small Fry up at 2 so it was a quick day.

Without further ado, pictures of me not crying and of my precious children. (I did lose it not once but twice, though never in the presence of my children despite Small Fry's constant asking "Are you going to cry Mom?")

Aim high Small Fry -- he wants to be a "shark" on Shark Tank. Fawn has explained to him that that means he's going to have to make a lot of money first.

That's a proud face.

That is a tiny child with a backpack. Oh could I write a blog post about the backpack search. He ended up with a small Pottery Barn Kids backpack because he's just too much of a little guy for an Under Armor backpack. I promised him next year we'd try again.

Fawn wants to be either a lawyer with Buck or a MLB player.

Handsome child.

Guess which brother was excited about pictures with the other and which one wasn't?

How is he this big?

Oh I miss him so. The three years of one-on-one time on the back end of preschool were the biggest gift from God (as were the three years of one-on-one time with Fawn as an only child). Through God's perfect timing I feel like I truly got to know each of my children and bottle up precious memories of them as little ones. "But [she] treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19.

Here's to another great year at BWF! 

Kindergarten Orientation/Meet the Teacher.

Well, we got our class lists last Friday. And it rocked my world.

I assumed that Small Fry would have Mrs. Davis. I love her so much -- she is a kind, gentle, woman of God. And I trusted her completely with Fawn. I thought I had made it perfectly clear to the school that that's where Small Fry should be. I'm kind of joking, but I had said how much I loved her and would love for Small Fry to be with her. But, I looked down her list and there was no Nichols listed. My heart plummeted. I kept looking and looking through all the Kindergarten teachers -- I made it to the last one until I found Small Fry's name. Mrs. Perry Wright. While it was nothing less than a gut check to realize that Small Fry wouldn't be with Mrs. Davis, I have heard nothing but amazing things about Mrs. Wright from two of my dearest friends. Her husband is a pastor and she is bubbly and adored. So I am hopeful -- and Small Fry is with some sweet boys I know so that is great!

I did not request friends for Fawn -- and he's not thrilled. He absolutely lucked out with his teacher placement. He's with Mrs. Caroline Strange. He and I both love her. She will be perfect for him. While most of his best buddies are in another class together, I truly think he's where he needs to be to have the best year possible. I go back and forth on the requesting friends thing -- I want to foster sweet friendships and for Fawn to be happy and enjoy school. But, I want to prepare him for life and for him to get to know as many people as possible at BWF. And, I don't want to micromanage his life to his detriment. I have to trust that the school knows best.

So today, Small Fry and I went to Kindergarten orientation. I was a nervous mess. I was actively not listening -- yes, that's a thing -- so I wouldn't cry. I just couldn't listen to a read aloud of The Kissing Hand without crying. So I stood in the back of the classroom and completely tuned the teacher out. That's called self-preservation. But Mrs. Wright, she's perfect for Small Fry. I love her already and I want to be her friend. He will do great with her. There are sweet parents in that class too.

After his orientation, we went to California Pizza Kitchen with Fawn and Mimi (who hung out with Fawn all morning). Then it was Fawn's turn. He and I went to Meet the Teacher, while Mimi hung out with Small Fry. Mrs. Strange was just as wonderful as I knew she would be. She and Fawn already have an understanding of each other that will make for such a smooth transition. Her room is one of independence and choices -- Fawn will thrive. And she starts the day with science. So although Friday was one of uncertainty for the upcoming year, today smoothed all things over and he can't wait for tomorrow.

And we're off. T-minus one day until Kindergarten.

Meet the Teacher -- she's precious!

Mr. Pitner and Mrs. Christian love Small Fry.

Could Mrs. Strange be any cuter?

They think Fawn is a cool kid!

Never too big for a kiss.

3rd grade here he comes!