Blake's First Day of School

Blake was excited to start first grade today. His teacher is Ms. Ridenour. Unlike last year, there are no other neighborhood kids in his class although he knows a lot of the kids. There are 7 classes in 1st grade and they did a really good job spreading all the kids around. I'm excited for him to make new friends and look forward to see all that he is going to learn. Go Blake, the big first grader!

Ben's First Day of School

Ben started his last year of preschool today. He will go to school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday this year. He's excited that he has one of his teachers from last year again, Mrs. Rowan. He's also excited that one of his favorite friends, Addy, is in his class although she is out of town but will be back on Monday! I can't believe that summer is officially over for Ben. Blake will start school on Monday.

Ben's Last Indoor Soccer Game

Ben had his last indoor soccer game today. He has so much fun playing. Coach Brent did a great job and they ended the season with a Cici's pizza party and they got their trophies.

Last huddle

Team pic

Brooklyn's Eleventh Month

Brooklyn's first tooth finally came in July 26th. Her second tooth followed 2 weeks later. Hooray for some teeth! Her hair is filling in and she has little curls in the back.

Brookyln continues to always be on the go and finding new things to climb everyday. After I blocked the stairs off, she decided that she would climb the outside of the stairs. Very dangerous especially with the 90 degree angle wood point. She took advantage of the tray being off her highchair and was found standing up in it. She loves climbing up on the couches and chairs. I am continually pulling her off the back of the couch. Climbing up the big chair and playing with the light switch provides her great entertainment. So far no major falls but it sure is exhausting keeping up with this little girl!

Going out to eat has become adventurous since Brooklyn has really perfected her scream. This girl LOVES to eat and continues to double fist while eating. When she runs out of food she decides that screaming is a nice way to get our attention. No matter how many times I sign more or say more, she thinks she must scream. So I spend much of our dinner regulating her food supply while making sure she has food in front of her but that she won't run out before we are all done eating. Fun times!

Happy 11 months sweet baby girl! I can't believe you are about to be 1.


The first tooth. Wow, getting this picture was next to impossible!
Using a toy to climb up on her play table

Eating snakes. Yuck!

Climbed into highchair. Scary for mom!




Head first

Blake's 7th Birthday Party

Blake wanted to have a bowling party at Main Event for his 7th birthday party. They bowled for an hour, we had pizza and cake, and finished playing in the arcade. He had a great time and all of his friends seemed to enjoy themselves as well. I can't believe that I have a 7 year old! Crazy.

The birthday boy

Little brother
Check out Liam's form
Brooklyn ready to party
Blake and Grand
Addy's fine form

Lined up and ready for some pizza and cake

Wanting to get out of the stroller

One last candle.....Blowing out 7 candles is tough work

Game time

On his actual birthday we went to dinner and he got his present from us. A karaoke machine! He was excited and wanted to try it out.

What a natural...


Blake, you truly light up our lives. You are such a sweet and loving boy. You make us laugh all the time by your very adult phrases. You are always busy "working" on the computer and continue to amaze us by how much you can do. You created your own company, BSBA (Blake Sue Ben Agency), and love to create meeting agendas, name tags, meeting minutes, etc. I'm not sure how many 7 year olds have 3 email accounts, but you love your email. The other day you somehow figured out how to create your own blog and had made several posts with pictures you had taken and downloaded from your camera. You love music and are usually found with headphones on listening to your mp3 player. You did a great job in Kindergarten and are always a good friend. You are a sweet big brother to your little brother and little sister. I could go on and on, but you are one special 7 year old boy! We love you!!

Summer Slip-N-Slide

The boys love to slip-n-slide!