Grade 2: Day 1.

So. Here we go.

1st day of 2nd grade.  A new school.  A Catholic school. 

It's a shift from what he's used to.  What we're used to.  But it seems like the right decision, especially after this morning.

His school had an assembly first thing upon arrival.  The principal introduced all the news kids. And it was loving and lovely. And she talked about faith. Faith that each child should have in themselves, their friends, their families and in God.  A pretty fantastic message to start a year.

Lots to learn. Lots to discuss with that fella. 

And then there's the whole uniform scenario.  :)

Bottom line on days like this...I love this boy. With my heart and my head and everything I've got.

Here's to his first day. 

That Farm.

We must be about done with summer.

Because the kids and I took a trip out to Remlinger Farms this week.  And that journey is always the harbinger of fall. It means school is just around the corner.  And waking up early again. And homework.  And regularly scheduled baths. And packing lunches.  And extra cirricular activites.

You get the picture. 

It's become one of my favorite trips. 

Not because I'm tired of summer. Quite the opposite. It's like our last grasp at old-fashioned, concentrated summer fun. And it feels like my special time with these turkeys. 

Plus, it's like a 1/4 slice of Disneyland pie.  Without the plane ride.

And, spending this time with them...well, it only makes me want to squeeze the stinks (hard) and say, "Please - one more week.  Just one more."

So, I bring my iPhone and I document.  The comings and goings of a farm day.

Henry's running up against some challenges at Remlinger Farms.  But we're going to go every year anyway.  Until these kids are 32.  At least.

Because there just aren't better end-of-summer days. 

So bring it on, Fall. 

Sista.

The Pack.

As I mentioned, those boys are off on a grand cub scout camp adventure this week.

Word from the field brings news of bb gun sharp-shooting, pocket knife practice, meal-time skits and swim tests in deep lakes.

Yikers.

The boys got all packed up Thursday morning.

And the last time I saw them and their things, it looked like this.

Always do your best, young scout.  We miss ya.

Girl's Day.

It's scout camp week.

So, since the fellas are out of town, we had a little bit of a girl's day.

And it was nice. 

I got to be with my fave.  Fave girl.

The Dock.