The First Day of school

Today is the first day of school for three of our kids. Orion started 3rd grade; Isabella started 2nd grade and Hunter started kindergarten. They were all very excited to go to school this morning. I thought for sure Hunter would cry, but he didn't. He has Isabella's Girl Scout leader as his kindergarten teacher, so I think because he already knew his teacher, he wasn't nervous - just very excited!! I cried though. Sabrina has been very jealous of the school stuff the kids have done this week. She insisted that we take pictures of her. She starts preschool next week, so she'll get the spotlight then.

All four kids never smile at the same time

Getting a picture of all four looking at the camera and smiling is virtually impossible. I have tried bribery on many occasions. I will cut them a little slack with these pictures because they were taken at 7:30 in the morning. I'm not much in the mood for pictures at that hour of the day either.

Orion and Isabella are pointing at Brett who had just driven into the driveway. I was trying to get them all to look at the camera; Brett was behind me.

I think this picture is the best of the bunch.

First Day of School

The first day of school would not be complete without pictures. I'm sure my kids will be totally sick of their mom taking pictures of their entire life!! Just like last year - today was a dreary, misty, chilly morning. Brett is working swings (evening shifts) this week, so he was home and all six of us went to school together this morning. The parking is horrible around the kids' school, so we were walking up to the building as the first bell rang. I don't feel like I really got to send the kids off with my desired well-wishes, but off to school they went none-the-less.

Orion started 2nd grade.

Isabella started 1st grade.

I have friends who are sending their oldest child off to kindergarten for the first time this month. I have been reflecting on the momentous occasion of the first day of kindergarten. I don't think it has gotten any easier. This is my third year to have one of my kids in school full time. It was just as hard to drop them off this morning as it was two years ago. I miss my kids so much when they are at school.

Boulder Kids Triathlon

Orion and Isabella participated in a Kids Triathlon in Boulder on August 8th. It was a short race, but they really seemed to enjoy themselves. If it doesn't look like enjoyment in this picture, take into consideration that it was 7 am and a little chilly.

Isabella walking through the Boulder Reservoir. They weren't required to actually swim until the 8 year olds.

Brett just barely caught a picture of Isabella on the run. She finished very closely behind Orion.

Orion started out swimming, but then when everyone else was running he switched to running.
Orion was very focused on his bike and run.

Look at those long strides he is taking at the end.