Fall Staycation

These three amigos have earned a well deserved fall break until Monday. 

We do not have any big plans, but we are fitting in a few annual fall activities even though the weather is not cooperating with the hot temperatures. 

Today we ventured to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to walk through the scarecrow exhibit. Both Tuttle and Maggie gave the "Indiana Bones" scarecrow the highest marks. Maggie also liked the Girl Scout scarecrows since she is a new Daisy.

Everyone (especially Mommy) is looking forward to a lazy day tomorrow. No homework, piano practice, sports, or chores. Life gets so crazy with three kids, so it is essential to recharge when possible. 

Running and Rain Gauges

I was able to spend a lot of time at the elementary school this week with several fun activities. I love that Ashford Park always has opportunities to involve the parents. 

Thursday was the much anticipated Fun Run. The school had really gotten the students pumped up all week about this fundraiser, so Tuttle and Maggie were ready to complete all the laps on the field. Tuttle's grade level was up first to run, and Jacob was in awe of all the action.

Early on Tuttle asked Jacob if he wanted to run a lap with him. Jacob was thrilled and spent the rest of the morning running with both Tuttle and Maggie. He probably ran at least 30 laps! All the students were so sweet cheering him on.

I was so proud of Tuttle and Maggie for completing all 35 laps. The Fun Run was a big success this year!

Friday while Jacob was in preschool I volunteered in Maggie's German science class for a STEM activity. The students have been learning about weather, so they created their own rain gauges. I am always blown away with the students' ability to focus and respond in German!

I do not feel like I know Maggie's class as well as Tuttle's class, so I was looking forward to this opportunity to interact with the 1st graders. They are such a sweet and polite bunch!

Not to jinx it, but Jay and I have both recognized that Jacob has made a transition over the past few weeks. I think it is a combination of preschool, getting a little older, and advancing his vocabulary; he is really turning into a big boy. Managing all the craziness with three kids has become more manageable since Jacob will play independently and get creative with his toys. 

I may survive this motherhood thing after all. :)

Our Favorite Goalie

Tuttle has really taken an interest in playing goalie this season for his soccer team, and he is continuing to improve every week. He listens to all the feedback he receives and implements it in the next game. We are so proud of him for his commitment and excited that he has found his spot on the field. 

Our Sundays have made a jump from lazy to FILLED. Yesterday we tackled Sunday School, double header soccer games, and the kids' first Rise Up meeting. Jacob was such a trooper to miss his nap.

Weekends Are Not For Rest

Jay summed it up perfectly when he said that we are officially old and can only handle one activity a day without being completely dead. In other words, we barely survived all the events this past weekend. :)

Friday I was able to sneak away for dinner out with Gram for an early birthday celebration since she will be on a mission trip to Peru on my actual birthday. Gram treated me to a delicious meal at a local favorite, Terra Terroir. I love this spot because while it is located in a strip mall, the patio in the back makes you feel like you are in a different world. It is so pretty and relaxing. Plus the crispy brussel sprouts are worth it by themselves!

Saturday was slam packed with gymnastics and double header soccer games in Cumming in one million degrees. It was a total mom fail since I forgot to bring sunscreen, and the entire family burned to a crisp. Luckily the Baldwin family brought a tent that we squeezed under for relief. This was our first major loss soccer experience. We are hoping the season improves dramatically.

Everyone was ready for bed early. Jay and I might have been ready for bed around 5pm....

Sunday was also full of action. Tuttle participated in the 3rd Grade Bible Presentation at the early service. We attended a meeting afterwards to map out the expectations of the 3rd grade Sunday School class for the year, including memorizing many important lists and verses. 

Tuttle had another soccer game on Sunday, so Jay stayed home with Jacob while he napped, so everyone would be happier. It was another loss, but Tuttle has continued his commitment to playing goalie and made some great saves for his team. It rained a little bit on the boys, but we were more comfortable getting a little wet than frying in the heat.

Our last event of the day was a Popsicle party for a new organization at our school called Rise Up. It is a Christian based group that meets once a month for fun and fellowship. It took a long time for the school to pass Rise Up, and we are thrilled to be a part of such a positive group for our students. I cannot wait for the first meeting this weekend.

The sunroom/playroom is getting some finishing touches, and I am obsessed! I purged A TON of toys, and the kids do not even notice what is missing. After picking up some storage solutions from Ikea yesterday (with my little helper in tow), I think the room will be much more functional for everyone.

There is one more desk to assemble and pictures to hang, but then the room is DONE! Jay has been such a good sport about all the projects I have piled on him. Our next project before hosting Friendsgiving is a small guest bathroom renovation. I may or may not have convinced him to wallpaper for me....

Catching Up

Another week has flown by, but I do feel like our family is finally in a good routine with an almost put together house.

I am down to the final boxes. I pushed myself hard this week to wrap up this renovation and really be able to enjoy all the work. The playroom is the last space to setup, and it will be done this weekend. New desks have been ordered for Tuttle and Maggie, and Jay and I planned a storage solution for the toys. A trip to Ikea is in the plans for early next week. 

Tuttle and Maggie both worked hard over the last few weeks to complete several projects. While Tuttle could not wait for his animal project to be over, Maggie literally hopped out of bed this morning because she was so eager to present her solar system project to her discovery class. 

Jacob is loving his new owl class at preschool. His teacher told me today that his class is so easy and sweet. Jacob is showing a lot of negative toddler traits at home, so I am relieved that he is being such a good boy at school. He always walks right in ready to play.

Tuttle's Academy soccer team won their first game last weekend, and we are gearing up for three games this weekend, including the boys' first away game. Tuttle is interested in playing goalie and did an impressive job at the first game with several tough saves. 

We are trying to get back into a church routine and successfully made it with time to spare last weekend. Tuttle will receive his 3rd grade Bible this week, and we will know more about his responsibilities during this big year after a meeting. I am hopeful that Tuttle's class will require our family to be consistent with our attendance.

We are looking forward to a busy weekend of sports, house to-do lists, and some snuggles.

Jacob's First Day of Preschool

Jacob's turn finally came to start school, and he was 100% ready. We arrived early to snap a few pictures. While he was not on board with my annual pictures in front of the chapel's red door, he was eager to hold the sign once he saw a bigger girl participating.

He confidently walked to class holding hands with his buddy, Brody, and barely looked up when I told him to have a great day. He was already completely focused on the dinosaurs and cars.

It always amazes me how much I can get done in the three hour span while Jacob is at preschool. I may actually get this house unpacked after all.

Teeth and Teachers

Our Maggie Moo has been rocking the 1st grade and has become more mature within just a few weeks at school. To add to her independence, she finally pulled her first tooth that has been wiggling for months. I caught one final picture of our tiny girl with all her baby teeth not knowing that later that evening that her smile would never be the same. (For some reason this milestone has really gotten to me that my babies are growing up too fast!)

Daddy tried his hardest to convince Maggie that he should pull it, but in true Maggie fashion she wanted to do it on her own. We are lucky to have neighbors that helped supply cash to the Tooth Fairy, so she did not have to venture out again to the bank. :)

Jacob's turn to meet his new teachers came this week, too. He is going to attend three mornings a week with the Owl Class, and he was eager to explore his classroom. Before we left, I asked him what he was going to say to his teachers, and he replied, "I'm boss baby." 

At least he put it all out there in the beginning. Sometimes I cannot handle this boy's shenanigans.

There were several familiar faces in his class and an overwhelming amount of toys for our little boy. He did not want to leave despite my promise that we would visit the school playground. 

I do not think one tear will be shed next week at drop-off. He is ready for another year at OPP.