D.C. with Uncle Gary

It was Labor Day. Gary was out of town and I had been very depressed but desperately wanted not to be. On a last minute whim, I decided to get out with my beauitful boys and enjoy the nation's capital. I love living so close to D.C. It is such a blessing to live here. (As long as I do not listen to the news!) Anyways, I packed everyone up into my huge truck and I was on my way. Then the thought came to me to call up our Uncle Gary who lives in Alexandria to see what him and his girlfriend Joyce were doing. Maybe the would meet us for lunch. Uncle Gary did even better-he said he'd come with us! So, we headed to D.C. and much to our surprise it was totally dead! There was noone there! We got an awesome parking spot right next to the Mall and didn't pay a dime. Sweet! We decided to go to the American History museum since we had not gone there yet. Originally I wanted to do the spy museum but it isn't free and Daddy wanted to go too. The American History museum was awesome! They had tons of fun stuff for the kids to do. I mean, as soon as we walked into the place, there was C3PO's costume from Star Wars. Uncle Gary loves to shoot pics so here's a bunch from our festivities:


By the time we were done, I had tired out Uncle Gary and the kids. But we had a splendid and wonderful time!

Back to school

Zechariah started 2nd grade this year and Gabriel started Kindergarten. Here are the handsome boys on their first day of school. At Zech's open house, his class was supposed to write a note to their parents. The first line was supposed to state, "Thank you for coming to my open house". Zech refused to write the line and got in trouble with his teacher. When the teacher's aid asked him why he wouldn't write it he said, "Because it's not my open house. If I write it, I have to own it!" His aid tried to control her shock and amusement but let me know that she thought it was very insightful of him. He was right! It wasn't his open house. He wasn't even invited! The next line to us stated, "2nd grade is kind of a bossing zone". Ok, that made me laugh! Zech loves to make other people follow the rules but he wants to decide if, when, and which rules he will follow. Oh well, he's mine and I love him like crazy!
Gabriel LOVES school. He is really coming into his own too. Our little neighbor is in his class and says he is hilarious and talks a lot at school. I am so glad! He is quite shy until he gets comfortable with you. Hearing that he is joking and talking at school makes me happy that he is comfrtable and thriving there! He is gaining self confidence and his own his personality is really coming out.

The day before school started I threw a back to school party. Everyone had a great time!

I made cake and let the kids decorate their own slices. Ammon and Eli truly enjoyed the treat!

See my sign? I totally ripped this idea off of my amazing SIL, Cortnie. I was so proud of myself!

The crew! Unfortunately, Gary was away at Advanced training in Ft Lostinthewoods, MO but Uncle Will graciously stepped in to give the kids their back-to-school blessings. Thanks Will! It is so nice to have family right next door.

My SIL, Sarah is homeschooling her oldest this year and since her youngest 2 are not old enough to go to school, she's got them home too. We have worked out a pretty good system to help each other out with school. I take her little boy, William, to school with Zech and Gabe and pick them all up. If my babies are still asleep in the afternoon, I leave them with her while I go get the kids. Since I have had some significant back problems and am currently in physical therapy, Sarah watches Ammon and Eli 2x a week while I go to my apts. It is a life saver! I would never be able to do this if she weren't here! Thanks Sarah!

Next post: Fall soccer! We love it!