Family Pics 2015

We had family pictures planned for mid-July.  I always try to plan the outfits way in advance so I'm not stressing the week of trying to get everyone coordinated, but not matchy.  That's not an easy task with 5 people so I do a lot of consulting with my stylist (aka: I send pictures to Carly constantly).  

So everything was ready to go and then...Ty got sick and we had him in the emergency room the Sunday before pictures planned for Thursday. I wasn't sure if he was going to be better or not (he was!) but then Paige spiked the super high fever on Wednesday. Do I just cancel? It's one of those things that you've been planning so long for and you just want to check off your list, but of course you want the pictures to be good and they cost a lot of money. And then there was rain in the forecast for Thursday so our photographer Gina and I were texting all day trying to determine if the weather was going to hold out and if Paige was up for it. We could have rescheduled, but we had Ty's party coming up and then we were going on vacation and Gina of course had her own schedule to work with so we went for it and hoped for the best (and gave Paige some Motrin before we left!).

So here are some of my favorites...I couldn't be happier! Of course there are things I wish I would have changed but that always happens (ie. those darn balloons!).  Ultimately, this is our family of five as of July 2015.

(The pictures were taken in downtown Frankfort by Gina at Gina Cristine Photography.)







This one makes me laugh because Ty was not feeling the swinging!







Another funny one!

















10 years married!



An outfit change...



and an attitude change - ha!

Luke

I shared some of Paige & Ty's pictures from our family session in July, but I haven't shared Luke's yet.

This kid...he claims to not like having his picture taken, but look at him!  He's a natural and just the most handsome boy I've ever seen.  His smile is so genuine (6 year old teeth and all!).  I just love him so much!











Fast forward 12 years to Luke's senior pictures!





That smile :)

A New School Year

It's hard to believe but another summer has flown by and it's time for a new school year!

This might actually be one of my favorite times of the year.  As a non-teacher working parent, I don't get to enjoy the everyday fun that summer brings.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE summer, but I also love fall and getting back into a routine. This is "reset" time for me. I really get back into meal planning and organization because that's what makes a happy house (and momma) and a smooth day/night. It also helps that the kids are still at an age where they are excited to get back to school.  There is nothing like spending everyday with your best friends even if you are learning.

This year we have a first grader (say what?!?!).  Luke started school on Monday.



He walked into school with a big smile and came out with one too. 



Luke's teacher is Mrs. Niemiec. He has about 6 of the same kids from his class last year so that's always good to have some familiar faces.



(Mommy chalk fail)



Ty and Paige had a special day home with mommy!



Paige is in 4-year old preschool this year.  She started on Tuesday. We are doing the full-day program just like we did last year. 



All my concerns about the full-day program prior to the start of last school year are gone.  She had a fabulous year and I know this year will be the same.  Her teacher is Mrs. Rachanski.



Isn't she just the cutest in her jumper? :)



These 2 were totally into it for me that morning!



Next week starts a new adventure for Ty too. We are changing daycares. We've been at the same place since Luke was a baby so this is a big change for all of us, but it will definitely simplify our life by eliminating some extra driving.



Here's to a great school year for all of us!

Paige's Preschool Picnic

As we are about to begin another school year, I thought I should wrap up last year with Paige's end of year preschool picnic.

Here she is on her last "official" day of school!



Then they had one more day of picnic fun and I was so happy that I was able to be there with her!





Paige & her BFF Tess!











A little storytime after lunch!



They had an ambulance come by and the EMT's talked to the kids.





Paige & Jane





Waiting for their popsicles!



And parachute time!



We headed in to say good-bye :( Ms. Joan, one of the extended day teachers popped in to say goodbye to her little friends.



Mrs. Kresal - the best aide!



And Mrs. Murphy - the best 3-year old preschool teacher EVER!



Paige truly loved school. I can't recall her ever complaining about going and she absolutely loved Mrs. Murphy (as did we!). We wish Mrs. Murphy could come with us to the four-year old class, but hopefully we will love her next teacher just as much.

What a fantastic first year at CJB for both kids!