First day of school

Big changes for Carter as he started middle school. He now rides the bus, has a locker and changes classes. He's been really excited and loves it. I have been a bit of a basket case worrying about everything. I'm glad that he's so responsible so that I have one fewer things to worry about!

Hailey kept telling me that she wasn't excited to start school because she "hates school." Mmm-hmm. She loves it and has a wonderful teacher for 2nd grade. She has just found out that the older kids say that and thinks it makes her more mature.

Now that he is the oldest sibling at the elementary school, Andrew has really stepped up to take on the responsibility. He's been walking Grant to his classroom each day and picking him up. What a patient older brother.

Grant was excited, but also nervous about starting all day kindergarten. After week 1, we are still adjusting.

Alyssa also wanted to pose. All week, she has been playing with me. But, then she will get quiet and say, "Carter bus. Bye bye Andrew. Bye bye Hailey. Bye bye Grant." She is so lonely without everyone and loves to wake up from her nap to see her brothers and sister.

New cousin

My sister, Cory, just had a baby and we are now obsessed with baby Lily. Alyssa keeps talking about her, so I pulled up her picture on the computer. Here is Alyssa fawning over her.

Quick trip

We decided to take a last minute trip to Michigan as a family. It was short, but we had such a wonderful time together.

The house that we rented-it had a huge front yard where we played football, volleyball and ran around.

They had so much fun jumping into the hot tub whenever they wanted to.

We found a leaf bug that we watched for quite awhile. I wish I had been taking a video because as soon as I snapped this picture, Hailey started SCREAMING because the bug wouldn't come off. Alyssa also screamed because of it-when she accidentally stepped on it, it started screeching at her and she FREAKED out!

There was even a fire pit in the back yard. We put each of the children in charge of one meal while we were there. Carter had Sunday night and chose to make foil dinners. Unfortunately, he isn't in the picture, but everyone had a great time making them and I heard they were wonderful.

Carter and Andrew choose to sleep out on the patio. It was screened in and had these great day beds, but otherwise they felt like they were camping and even woke up a little wet from the condensation (Andrew hated that).

Hailey and Grant opted to sleep together even though there was another bed. They had fun since they usually sleep in different rooms.

Running up the sand dune.

Up at the top. Each of them earned a ice cream from Chris for making it up the hill.

Playing at the beach. Digging holes is so fun.

The girls.

By the afternoon, Alyssa was done and would lay down on her towel to cry.

Hailey's turn for a meal-she made breakfast.

Playing in the front yard.

Having fun-well except for Alyssa who wanted to get DOWN! Fun family memories.

Chinese lanterns

We got these cool Chinese lanterns like in the movie, Tangled. We had so much fun lifting them off and watching them floating away.