Flag Football.

Landon is playing flag football again this year.  He was very excited for the season.  Ryan is helping out coaching and I think that excites Landon even more.  I love watching his games on a chilly fall Saturday morning and then heading for some coffee afterwards.  What a great way to start the weekend out.

 Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Ken were in town for the game.  Dad and Ryan finished their stair project.  Landon was lucky enough to have Grandma Sue and Papa Gary watch part of his game the week before, too!  There's nothing better then the excitement of your grandma and grandpa seeing you after you played! Can't wait to watch the rest of the season!

So Proud.

Kenzie had struggled with gymnastics over the summer.  She did really well over the winter last year.  They had asked her to try out for the competitive team which she was asked to be on.  She did not like it at all and cried the entire time she was at practice.  It was pretty intense for even 2 and 3 year olds so I can kind of understand her feelings.  After a couple weeks we decided it was not for her.  She was a much happier 2 year old when she didn't have to go but still cried and got sad any time we mentioned gymnastics.  So this fall I was reluctant but decided to try and sign her up for a 3 year old recreational gymnastics class.  I knew she would struggle at first but was hoping she would realize it was fun.  The first time I took her she cried the entire time even with me on the gym floor with her.  I decided I would give her one more chance.  The next week I took her and she was a little teary at first but by the time I walked upstairs to the viewing area she was smiling and having fun.  Phew.  I was shocked.  I really figured she was just going to be done at that point.  I was so proud of her!

 She was all smiles afterwards and thought gymnastics was really fun!  I am so happy for her (and me).

Are you ready for some football?

We are!  The Vikings kicked off the season today and Ryan and the kids were very excited!  They all had to change into their Vikings attire as soon as we got back from church.  I just hope the Vikings can win a few games this season so not all of my Sunday's are ruined!!

And then there was one.

I have had very little experience in my life with just one child.  Since the kids started school Kenzie and I have had an abundance of one on one time.  I love it.  Even though she can be difficult to entertain at times I am enjoying this time with her.  She is just at such a great age and her personality is blossoming.  I am so glad I get this time with her!  She's my silly, stubborn, expression-filled, sweet littlest lady!

Kenzie wanted to put Kadence's dance outfit on and watch her dance recital DVD...so we did.

Sometimes she gets a little sad without brother and sister.

  

We've enjoyed a lot of runs together.

She thinks Emma is her puppy...and I let her think that.

She likes her picture taken.  Frequently.

 She has a newfound love for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Just love this little thing with my entire heart.  She knows how to make a person happy.

Weekends Relaxing.

The kids were so excited to have the weekend off from school!  They were even more excited when Grandpa Ken and Grandma Debbie came for the weekend.  We just had a relaxing weekend at home.  Ryan and my dad started building the steps for our patio.  Grandma and I snuck away with the kids for some Cherry Berry while they were working.  Not really fair is it? Happy Labor Day!

Kindergarten.

Well the much anticipated (and dreaded for me) day is here!  Miss Kadence's first day of Kindergarten! She was beyond excited this morning to get ready for school.  I don't think I even had to ask her to do anything more then once (unusual).  I can't believe my little girl is already going to school.  It is such a bittersweet time for me.  I know she will have a fantastic year, learn a ton and meet some new friends but I am not quite ready to give her to the world.  She is smart, sweet and sassy all at the same time and she has a big heart.

So as hard as it is to let her go, I know she will blossom this year at Kindergarten!

 And in the blink of an eye she was 5 years old and we were off to the bus stop!

She told me her tummy was just a little nervous but she was excited!

I can't believe I have TWO school-aged kids.

 Kenzie didn't have too bad of a reaction which surprised me.  She just looked at me and said, "KK come back home?"  This one was a little harder for me.  I turned around to walk back home and it finally sunk in.  My little lady isn't so little anymore.  Tears.

I pulled myself together and Kenzie and I headed over to the Kindergarten Center to meet Kadence.  I didn't figure she would be there already but much to my surprise when we got to Mrs. Spanier's door there she was.  She was happy as can be and chatting up a storm with a cute little blonde girl who she had met on the bus who was also in her class.  I was shocked but SO happy for her!

Kadence found her desk (right next to Mrs. Spanier :)) and was ready for the day!

Kadence and Mrs. Spanier!  How blessed are we to have such a great, caring teacher.  It made the transition much easier for Kadence (and me) knowing she would be in great hands.

When my girl got back home we celebrated with some cupcakes and she told us about her day.  I have so much love for this little girl in my heart it is unreal.  Love her to pieces.

First Day of First Grade.

Landon started his first day of first grade today!  He is at a new school with a new teacher but is not nervous at all.  He will be at Aurora Elementary school with Ms. Linn.  Landon is very easy going and just goes with the flow.  He is excited to ride the bus with the neighbors and meet new friends at school.  He didn't complain about getting up in the dark like last year so he must have been excited.

These 3 easily posed for a picture before big brother was off to school.  The Kindergarteners start a couple days later so I still have a little time with my KK.  I can't believe how much Landon has grown up in just one year.  I was doing really well and didn't even tear up until Kenzie started bawling, "My Landy, my Landy! I love my Landy, I want my Landy stay with me."  Hard not to get emotional!  I will definitely miss my boy while he's at school but I am so proud of the boy he has grown up to be.  He is a funny, energetic, tender-hearted, good boy.  We are blessed.