School

Dropping off Kade and Tenley at school this morning was pretty hard, but they were both so excited about it that it made it a lot easier to let them go. Brad was also able to come with me. His staff likes to drop their kids off on the first day of school, so the office opened later than usual. I like that tradition and the kids and I loved having Brad with us.
Ryder was pretty mopey without Kade and Tenley. He asked for them several times. I think it will take some time for him to get used to a new routine, but we'll get there. Ryder and I kept ourselves busy at T.J. Max and Hobby Lobby. It was a good excuse to get some home decor shopping done and keep myself away from a way too quiet house.
Every Wednesday is an early release day at their new school so Ryder and I didn't have to wait too long after lunch to go and pick them up. Tenley had a big smile on her face when I saw her. She said she loves school! She made new friends and LOVES her teacher.
Kade loves his teacher as well and his gym teacher was as funny as his Dad, he said. He loved recess and was able to see friends there and at lunch.
I'm so grateful for our new school. The principle and the teachers are all very nice. We're so happy to be here!
Tenley went to bed so excited that she gets to go to school tomorrow. She keeps asking, "Is this a dream!?" She's been looking forward to this day for a while now!

Schools Eve

Kade and Tenley start school tomorrow! I'm anxious and excited for them both. We went to the school today to see their classrooms, drop off school supplies, and meet their teachers. Kade's teacher is a sweetheart! He's really excited about this school year! Tenley has Kindergarten camp this week and will know who her teacher is next week. She seems excited, but I'm so nervous about her leaving. Kindergarten is all day here and that seems like a really long time for her to be gone. I can already tell that tomorrow is going to be a long day for me!
We had a fun little schools eve party tonight as Kade called it. We ate pizza and chocolate cake that Tenley and Ryder helped me make. And then Brad gave Kade and Tenley a father's blessing for the beginning of the school year. It was so great!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Ryder's favorite book right now is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I think Brad and I combined have read it to him over 20 times this weekend. He loves to count the fruit and see the butterfly at the end. I love reading to him!

Empty Space

The kids have enjoyed our wide open living space since we don't have any furniture, but that will all change very soon! Today they ran around chasing Brad and for a minute I though I might miss the couch-less room.

Quiet Time

Brad and Kade went to play frisbee golf today to try out Kade's new discs that he got for his birthday. Kade loves to have time with just his dad and it was his favorite part of the day! I'm glad they were able to have some one on one time together.
And I loved having some fun quiet time with Tenley and Ryder. Tenley and I watched her favorite shows and read books. When Ryder woke up from his nap he stole the ipad from us to watch his own shows. He's silly like that...

Boating

I keep falling more and more in love with Montana every day and today I fell really hard. Our friends too us out boating at Holter Lake and it was so beautiful! The kids had a blast with their friends. They could have hung out in the tube all day! I can't wait to spend more beautiful Montana summer days at Holter Lake.

Playdates

I got to watch a friends kids today whose children are all about the ages of my kids. They all had a blast together today! And they live just down the street from us. Hallelujah! I love seeing my kids make good friends!

Puppy Dog Faces

We had several errands to run today and they ended at Sams Club. While we were checking out the kids saw icees and gave me the cutest, sweetest, little puppy dog faces begging for some. I had to give in because they were so good today!

Brad had a late meeting tonight so we weren't able to have dinner with him. We decided to have a little movie party and Kade made rolo treats with the rolos Grandma Woodruff sent him for his birthday yesterday. They were delicious!

My 8 year old!

We had fun celebrating Kade's birthday today! We were sad that Brad had to work, but we made the most of the day anyway. He received a lot of phone calls and birthday wishes from family and friends, we were able to watch the solar eclipse, we spent a lot of time outside riding bikes and playing with friends, we ate Kade's favorite foods (for dinner we had rolls, ham, and sweet potatoes), and we let him stay up late to watch a movie. He loved all of his presents. He is one special boy and we love him so much!

Kade

Kade's birthday is coming up on Monday so we did a bit of celebrating today. We made him cinnamon pancakes for breakfast and took him to McDonald's for dinner. When we got home Brad took him on a little bike ride around the neighborhood and then he got a letter from his best friend from Lewiston in the mail! He was pretty happy and spoiled today! We love our Kade!

While eating dinner Brad asked us all to say something that we like about Kade. Ryder said he likes that Kade plays with him and shares his cool toys. Tenley said she loves playing with Kade and loves how funny he is. Brad and I had a long list of things. We love how obedient he is, how friendly and happy he is-he makes friends so easily, how he loves adventure and is willing to try new things, how strong and determined he is to get better at things that may be hard for him, how smart he is, and what a big helper he is! We LOVE our Kade!

Giant Springs State Park

We rode our bikes to Giant Springs State Parks this morning. It was beautiful! They have a fish hatchery and a beautiful park. We definitely need to visit again soon!

Mommy Time

Today the kids and I rode our bikes to a park to play together. We were the only ones there and the sprinklers were on, but that just made it more fun! I love care free mommy time with my kids!

Breaks

Things are pretty busy around here lately as we try and get settled into our home and I try and get settled into my new role as a bookkeeper. It's hard to remember the quiet afternoons while Ryder napped and I'd play the piano. I hope those times aren't gone forever (because I miss my piano!), but I know it's important to learn, understand, and keep up with my new responsibilities. I kind of like it, too!
I didn't have too much work today, though, so when Ryder woke up and before it was time to start making dinner we went for a little bike ride together around the neighborhood. Tenley took lots of pictures in the stroller with Ryder and I tried to keep up with speedy Kade. It was fun.

Parks

We went to the neighborhood park this morning with friends. We enjoyed getting to know them better and getting to meet new friends. We're lucky to have so many friends so close by.

This afternoon a local endodontist was delivering ice-cream with an ice-cream truck to some dental offices and he invited me and the kids to come have some as well! The kids got really messy, but they loved it. And then we headed to another park with other friends to play some more. The parks here are awesome! We have a lot to choose from!