Jacks first basketball game

Three baskets, a few breakaways, bounce passes and rebounds galore!  All that practicing in the driveway and watching NBA with his dad has paid off!  He was a natural!

It's going to be a great season watching number 14!

Jack gave us explicit instructions that no one was allowed to play on their phones or iPads during his game.  He wanted all eyes on him!  And they were!  With pride!

Way to go, Jack!

Back to school

It was a cold and dark morning at the bus stop this first day back to school after a two week Christmas break!

Jack was super excited to get back to school today!  He packed up his snack, loaded his folder and was literally skipping to the bus stop!  He couldn't wait to see his teacher, Mrs. Lucas!

Although right before he left for school he said, "mom, make sure Grant doesn't touch my transformers while I'm gone!!"

Sure thing buddy (with my fingers crossed!)

We are going to start planning his birthday party and strategize about what to put in his goodie bags to pass out at school this week!  He is super excited!

Lots to look forward to this first month of 2016!

Jack's first official horseback riding lesson!

As his mother, this just makes me smile!  Jack is in all his glory here!  Today was his first official horseback riding lesson!  And Pa came and surprised Jack which was an extra added bonus!  He was quick to learn, quick to follow direction and he asked lots and lots of questions!  What an amazing experience and we can't wait to go back!

Horseback riding

The time has come.  Jack is going to pursue a little dream of his.  We are pursuing horseback riding lessons.

Today we toured a stable that is literally in our back yard.  It was absolutely gorgeous and Jack was giddy with excitement.  I'm excited to see my son live out a passion of his....

Jack

So proud of my boy!!!  He is LOVING kindergarten!  He is the first one up every morning and gets his uniform on all by himself and heads downstairs to jumpstart the day!

He has made lots of friends and just yesterday he told me in the car, "Mom, you were right --- I DO have lots of play dates now that I'm in kindergartner."  Something I promised him as he watched Olivia from the sidelines last year!  He has made lots of friends and even talks about a particular girl in his class a lot!

He is so eager to read.  We have been working on site words after school and he really is a hard worker!

He is also signed up to play basketball this winter.  He is looking forward to some team sports and competition this winter!

So proud of our Jack!  What a great kid!

Off to school with a smile!!!!

Working on reading!

Still waiting for those front teeth to make their appearance!

After school date at the pumpkin farm with his classmates!

They navigated the corn maze!

His built in best friend!

Future crusader 

It's good to be Jack

What a special day for Jack!  He was treated to a very special event by his dad and his two Grandpas. ( Knowing that his brother and sister were not included on this adventure added an extra exciting component to the day!)

Not only did they attend the first home game of the Bengals season - but they also had field passes!  That meant Jack and the crew were able to go on the field during warm ups and meet the NFL game referee. 

 The look on Jacks face says it all!!!

I am so happy this little guy had such a great day with his three favorite amigos.

Jacks kindergarten school picture

Here's our little buddy!  This picture cracks me up.  I usually never purchase overpriced school pictures!  I seem to take more than enough pictures with my own camera that I don't feel the need to purchase these e-v-e-r-y year ....... 

But this year Jack is missing his two front teeth, so I went ahead and purchased the photos to capture the cuteness of his smile. 

 Ha - jokes on me.

  He didn't even smile.

Anyways, here's our buddy!  He has come along way in the last three weeks!  He is feeling very comfortable and a special belonging in his classroom.  I truly think his teachers, Mrs. Lucas and Mrs. Berning give our little Jack extra special care!  He feels safe, loved and valued in his classroom.

1st Day of 1st grade and Kindergarten

Today was a bag of mixed emotions.  The kids went to bed last night full of excitement.  We laid down and said our prayers and rehashed how great summer was!  We also prayed for a successful school year full of bravery and kindness!

The kids woke up extra early this morning all on their own.  They were so anxious to get the day rolling.  We put on our uniforms, ate a healthy breakfast, packed lunches and walked down to the bus stop.  Our neighbors all met at the bus stop early and celebrated the first day of school with donuts!  Everyone was having fun, taking pictures and laughing......

And then I noticed Jack was extra clingy.

And then the bus rolled up and he just crumbled.

Raw fear took over.  It was so tough.  I fought my tears and tried to build it up some more.  He wasn't having any of it.  We literally had to peal him off from us.  The bus driver had to help after several minutes and fear of making his bus route late.  He left in tears.  Makes me so sad.  We followed the bus to school (as promised) but we didn't want him to see us again for fear of tears creeping back up on him.  We hid in the parking lot and witnessed one of my most favorite parenting moments.  Olivia and Jack got off the bus and Olivia had her arm tight around Jack's shoulder.  It was so sweet that I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest.  Of all the pictures we captured today - this moment (which was not photographed) will be one that I will ALWAYS remember.

My take away from today....

My kids are growing up.  It is sad as they leave the nest.  But they are going into the world and I am trusting God to help guide them while I am not around.  I am also comforted that my kids have each other.  Even though they may fight all the time at home - times like this they can ALWAYS count on each other for moral support.  And that bring me comfort.

Grant is sad his brother is gone for the day....

And good news, i just picked him up and he was happy!!!

My little pirates....

These two just melt me....

Having a great time together on this last week of summer!

Soaking up the family time! 

My cowboy

Jack's love for the horse is as strong as ever!  

Here he is (on the left) on his very first pony ride.  And today we went back to the same stable in Hilton Head! 

I'm fairly certain he is on the same horse too!

 Crazy how fast time is moving!

Jack is our little cowboy at heart!

New smile

This new smile of Jack just melts me.....  

Look at this adorable toothless grin!  

The tooth fairy came for the first time last night!  Jack barged in our room at 1:30am to announce that the fairy had already come and retrieved his teeth!  Excitement was in the air!  She also left $4 for him!  He is saving his money for more Legos!

Feeling very much like a big kid!!!