Preston's First Lost Tooth...

The first tooth lost is always so exciting, and although it is sad to think this is officially our last first tooth lost of all our kids, Preston was thrilled to get a visit from the tooth fairy.

 

Preston's First Soccer Season

It's finally Preston's turn to play soccer. Justin volunteered to coach his milltown rec team. The patience one needs for this age group is never ending but there is nothing cuter than little kids kick and chase. Of course their is no score kept but the excitement when the ball hits the back of the net, or when they get an opportunity to boot the ball as far as their little leg can kick, is unmeasurable!

First Day of of School 2021-22...

This year we are trying new things. The biggest of them all is starting a new school. 

On a wild hair during Covid I applied to St Pius. I drove past the school on my way to gym and couldn't get over that they were having kids IN school IN person! I felt prompted to apply and we got the two younger boys in. Well the day is finally here! Ryan is in Mrs. Conner's 3rd grade class. Look at those textbooks?! I have never been more excited for him to actually get to learn out of a book, and not an ipad. My heart is bursting for him! I meant to apply for Pre-school for Preston but mistakenly hit Kindergarten, so Preston is in Mrs. Mattecheck's Kinder class of 17 kids. This school has high expectations, but they have two teachers per class to help ensure the kids are finding success. I am nervous but hopeful we will have a great year!

Kate is in 8th grade at Tumwater and Zach is a junior this year at Sunset. We are not thrilled about the masks, but are willing to follow the rules to be able to be IN PERSON! 

And for the first time in 16 years I have an empty house. I am sure I will find plenty of things to do to keep myself busy, but really hope I find time to sit still and do nothing. Sadly sitting still is really hard for me.

 

Oregon Zoo with Berrett and Rad...

We invited our best buddies Berrett and Rad to go to the Oregon zoo with us. The animals were out to play today, especially Nora, the polar bear! I am sad summer is almost over but I am glad we snuck in this summertime tradition.

 

Preston's 5th Birthday...

Happy Birthday Preston! (Grandpa too!) We can’t believe you are 5. You love noodles, chicken nuggets, ice cream, Spider-Man and Avengers, Sonic the hedgehog, candy and doing whatever Ryan is doing! You are the most intense child and will fight to the death to get what you want, with moments of sweetness and quick snuggles. We celebrated by going to the movies during the day and at night with your best buddy Robel and family at our houses. We love you! 

 

Preston's Pre-school Graduation...

I am so thankful to Village Bible for not shutting its doors and allowing these sweet littles to continue learning and having socialization. Pre school for Preston has been such a blessing. He got to attend with his best buddy Robel too! Mrs. Nolan was his favorite teacher. It's hard to believe that he will be going to Kindergarten next year.

Finally IN PERSON School...

After months and months of online school, the kids finally get to re enter their schools. They go for 2.5 hours a day with masks on, so they don't catch or spread Covid. It is completely ridiculous that they have been out of school this long so I will take the small win that this is. I have written so many emails, attended more zooms than I can count to advocate for my kids and all the kids of Oregon to get back to school. II even went to a couple rallies around town to try and draw attention to how horrible this school closure has been. This is s a small step in getting back to normal.