First Day of School

Monday was the first day of school for Jackson and Benjamin. Considering both boys have spent the summer sleeping in, I was impressed with how easily they got up...first day excitement, I'm sure! We only live a block from Jackson's school, so we walk on most days. We bought a new stroller to accommodate Benjamin and Lillian on our walks to school...nicknamed "the train". We loaded Benjamin and Lillian into "the train" and headed to Jackson's school.

Lillian's not use to so much excitement so early in the morning. She's not quite sure what to think...probably wondering if she's still going to get breakfast.

Here are a few photos of Jackson on his first day of 5th grade. He wasn't thrilled about getting his photo taken, but he allowed me to take two.

After returning home from Jackson's school, we ate breakfast and then headed to Benjamin's school. Benjamin attends school at our church three days a week and is in the "Raccoon" room. He was so excited to go and meet his teacher.

Benjamin had a great time at school and loved playing with the kids...so much so that he needed a catnap on the way home!

Past & Future House Guests

I am excited to announce we just put in a new water heater. If you have never "vacationed" at our house you will probably think this is an odd post, but those of you who have stayed at our house know this is a big deal. We have been battling the water heater since we moved in four years ago...seriously...4 years of lukewarm water with only two people being able to take a shower. Last week, I took my first...and last...ice cold shower. Nothing motivates you to call the plumber like an ice cold shower!

We put in a new 75 gallon hot water heater...that's right...75 gallons of wonderful hot water. I have to say...I'm probably overly excited about it, but it just makes me sooo happy! Isn't it beautiful...

I see now this photo is a little blurry. I must have been shaking with excitement!

So, Lily got the first bath. You would think the hot water would make bath time more enjoyable for her and the screaming would stop, but the screaming is still continuing. This is a photo of Lily right after I have turned the bathwater on...her worried look.

Needless to say, we still don't have any cute photos of Lily in the bathtub, but here are a few shots after bath time. She is still mad about the bath in this photo and letting everyone in the neighborhood know about it.

Sweet Lillian...are you ever going to enjoy bath time?

Home One Month

We have been home with Lillian for one month. She has come a long way in a short amount of time.

She is sleeping through the night in her own room and taking a two hour nap in the afternoon.

She prefers table food over baby food. She doesn't like...Mac&Cheese, bananas, or rice. I think it's so funny she doesn't like rice!

She has given up formula and bottles and prefers milk in her big girl cup.
She has gained one pound since we have been home.

She likes her brother's toys more than her own toys.

Her favorite thing to do is play in the dog's water.

She doesn't like to take baths. And to say she doesn't like her bath time is an understatement. She screams the whole time and flops around like a fish out of water.

She has discovered the stairs. She likes to crawl up to the first landing, but can't figure out how to get down.

Benjamin is trying to teach her how to get down the stairs, but she is reluctant.

It's much more effective to stand up against the bannister and cry...notice the tear...poor Lily!

She is very ticklish and loves to laugh with her tongue sticking out! She has the cutest laugh.

First Road Trip

Today we are headed to Kansas so Lillian can meet our Kansas and Oklahoma family and friends. The trip takes anywhere from 8 to 9 hours depending on how many times you have to stop. My brother always manages to make it in under 8 hours with 4 kids...how he does this, I don't know.

We left the house at 9:00am wondering how far into the trip we would get before Lily became unhappy. She has had many short rides in the car seat, but nothing longer than 45 minutes.

So...how far did we get before our sweet girl went stir-crazy? One hour and fifteen minutes. Yep...that's it.

We had to stop and reorganize the car. This could be Lucy's favorite trip. She went from the cargo space in the back to the front seat. Bennie and Jack went to the very back and Lily and I are side by side in the middle row.

As I'm sitting here looking around the van, my thoughts are...we need a suburban! This van is way too small for all our stuff. We do have an older suburban we use to pull the camper, but not economical to drive every day due to the engine size...talk about a gas guzzler!

I'll keep you updated on our trip progress. Hopefully we make it to Nana's house before bedtime!

UPDATE: We made it! Hooray! It took us 9 1/2 hours...hoping to shave some time off on the return trip!