...and The Adventure Begins-- School Year 2011- 2012

I can't hardly believe that summer vacation is over and another school year began today. We had a wonderful summer but thankfully, my kids are usually pretty enthusiastic about heading back to the classroom. May have something to do with the new school supplies, shoes, clothes, and meeting back up with all their friends, but never the less-- they always get excited. :-)


The evening before school starts the PTO hosts an Open House so the students can bring their school supplies and meet their teacher. Khara, Kesley and Kaden-- ready to go!!

Not to be outdone by the siblings, Karson grabbed his backpack on the way out the door.


Kaden visiting his classroom for the first time. His first venture at the public school for 1st grade!
Kaden with his very sweet teacher, Mrs. Sayler.


Kelsey in her 4th grade classroom. Checking everything out!


"Hhmmmm, look at all those books!"


Kelsey with her teacher, Miss Conner. She is so excited to be in her class.



For the first time Khara doesn't have a homeroom teacher to pose for a picture with. She has 7 teachers. She decided she would get a picture with her locker. A new thing for 6th graders.


And when she can finally get that combination to work, she is THIS kind of thrilled!!! ;-)


Tuesday-- First Day of School. They were up early, dressed, and ready for the day waayy early!!



Once again, Karson grabbed his backpack on the way out the door. HE wanted to go to school, too. Poor little guy, he cried and cried after we had dropped them off.


Kaden in his classroom on the first day.



I consoled Karson be telling him we would have school at home this year. We came home and got out every workbook we could find Pre-K- 1st grade. He was thrilled. He/we worked away until we left to go to camp. Happy Boy!!!

I am so thankful that we are blessed with such a great school!! Praying for another WONDERFUL YEAR for my children!!!

Happy Birthday Khara and Kelsey!!!

Khara and Kelsey both celebrated a birthday a week ago. Kelsey was 9 on June 29, and Khara turned 11 on July 6. This year they were happy to have a combined party. We were so happy that Phil, Dana, Elijah and Tanner were here for their birthday this year!!

Kelsey wanted a cell phone cake this year!


Khara chose to have an ice cream cake. We all enjoyed the cake/ice cream combo! :-)


Ready to blow out those candles!!


Gift time-- some happy, excited girls!!!

They were thrilled to receive their pool. Kaden said, "I'm kinda liking this, too!!!" ;-)


Happy Birthday, Khara and Kelsey!!!!

Awesome Shopping Trip

I just LOVE "couponing"!!! I usually find the best deals at Walgreen and CVS but feel I am at a little disadvantage due to living 40min. from Walgreens, and over an hour from the closest CVS. Today, my local grocery store really came through for me!!!! No ECB's or RR's involved. :-)

They have been offering a $10 off $50 coupon for several months now that I LOVE-- saving 20% off your grocery bill these days really means something! :-) Today, I combined that coupon with several others and came away with this little stockpile:

My before coupon total: $53.40 after coupons......$1.62!!! I was a happy shopper! :-)

Michigan Trip

Over Memorial Day Weekend we took a trip to Michigan to attend the wedding of Mark's niece, Harmony. We enjoyed a great time of cooler weather and lots of family fun.


At the church, Evan and Kelsey want to see just how long this wedding is going to last!! ;-)

Khara and Kelsey passed out the programs.


The cousins and their cameras...

Kaitlyn and Karson hanging out before the ceremony.


Two of my favorite guys!!!

Harmony and Chris



All of the cousins except for Karson who had fallen asleep.

The Burley family


Pretty reception


Monday morning we all went out for breakfast:
Ryan must have thought it was still just a little too early. Kelsey on the other hand...

The other half of the table.

A really neat tree on Chris and Harmonys property. Perfect for pictures.


On our way back to Missouri we just had to make a quick stop and let the kiddos see the beautiful lake. I could have spent hours there--- Beautiful.

Happy 6th Birthday, Kaden!!!

On May 25, Kaden turned 6!!!! He's a sweet, sweet boy that I'm so thankful God blessed our home with!! He loves to hunt, fish, really do ANYTHING that calls for being outside!! (which makes his daddy very happy) He loves to help out with household chores and can clean and organize his room almost better than I can. ( and THIS makes his mama VERY happy) :-)

HAPPY BIRTHADY, KADEN!!!!



He didn't waste any time in putting his garden tools to work!!! What little boy doesn't want to dig?? :-)



Before he got out of school I took cupcakes and icecream up to his kindergarten class to celebrate his birthday a little early.


This was his reaction to the class singing "Happy Birthday" to him!! Bless his heart, he was pretty embarrassed!! ;-)



And not to be left out, Kelsey thought that since she had a summer birthday her class needed to celebrate with her! :-)

Kaden Graduates!!!

Tuesday, Kaden marched down the aisle and said good-bye to Kindergarten. Thankfully he wasn't the least bit sad, his mama on the other hand... Seeing 17 little 5 and 6-year-olds in caps and gowns is an adorable sight!!
Kaden, ready to get his cap and gown on. A student forgot their cap/gown a couple of years ago so the teacher just keepS them at school now until the night of the graduation so that doesn't happen again. The classroom reminded me of a wedding dressing room. Hustling and bustling around...I've never seen so many tassels straightened and caps adjusted! :-)


A happy graduating kindergarten!!


Kaden with his wonderful K-5 teacher, Mrs. Daniel!!


E.C.S. Kindergarten Class 2011


Kaden with his sweet friend Olivia!! ;-)


Saying his speaking part.



Kelsey and Khara take a quick picture with Kaden!! Karson was still inside with Mark!



After a graduation ceremony, opening cards, gifts, a fun trip to Pizza Hut with Gr. and Gr. Englund... Kaden was feeling the "happiness"!!! :-)

CONGRATS, KADEN!!!!