These Two

Emma starts full-day kindergarten tomorrow, and we are really going to miss her around here.

First food!

Abigail got to try banana for the first time today! The big kids were all so excited for her. She liked the taste, but she really liked playing with the new texture the most. 

Sisters

Callen's pool party

The kids were very excited that Callen's birthday party was at the indoor pool with a slide again!

Lately

Football Season

Max is ready for football season. This helmet has become part of his daily attire. 

First Day of Kindergarten

Emma had a great first day of kindergarten! She was a little nervous but mostly really excited. She couldn't believe today was the day, and neither could I! 

Our house was much too quiet this afternoon without her here. She brings so much life and laughter to our home that her absence was definitely felt, but I'm also really excited to watch her soar. Kindergarten is oh so bittersweet. 

I really love how they ease into kindergarten here in Hesston. They start with half days for the first few weeks, and so far our kids have all been in the afternoon sessions. We spend our mornings playing outside, reading, taking walks, and really soaking up our last few weeks of life as we've known it. It feels like an extra little gift of time - a little balm for a kindergarten mother's heart. 

First Day of School

Natalie is in fourth grade this year, and Max is in third. They both had a fun day and are excited for the year!

End of Summer Break

We have had the best summer break. None of us are ready for school to start tomorrow, but ready or not, here it comes!

One last swim before school:

Ice cream at Freezing Moo after school supply shopping:

All three big kids will have had Mrs. Flaming for kindergarten!

And a sweet nap on the way to the park this morning:

Water Balloon Fight!

I bought a big pack of water balloons earlier this summer in hopes of having a family water balloon fight. We had so much fun! The water balloon fight went un-photographed, but we do have these sweet pictures of our sideline spectator. 

Sitting Practice and a New Face

Abigail bites her bottom lip now, and we think it's just the cutest. Natalie and Isabel made this same face around this age.

Tanganyika

5 Months

Abigail is five months old today! She makes life so fun. She loves to talk and play with her toys, and her giggles melt us all. She is getting really good at the tripod sit, and she is getting stronger on her tummy every day. Natalie hopes she crawls soon, but I'm enjoying her littleness while I can!

Weekend in YC