First Day of School

Abigail started first grade this year! This was much more monumental for me than I had expected! Last year she just went three days a week. However, this year with her being gone all day everyday...I did not expect to be so emotional! Of course - I am pregnant, but still! She of course was completely excited. The only thing she was apprehensive about was the fact that she was going to have to wake up early everyday!!! This has been (and is still) a tough adjustment, but I think we are slowly adjusting, I think. But everyday when she comes home she is just so thrilled and excited! I can tell she is energized by school. So that's great. In fact, one morning John and I were both very tired and dragging. After she left with John for school I immediately started to feel guilty. I felt like we weren't very encouraging to her and sent her off for the day discouraged. Anyway, when I picked her up at the end of the day, I apologized to her and told her how badly I had felt all day. Her response? "Oh Mom - you're fine! I don't think about you at all! Once I get to school I totally forget about you! You're fine!" I was relieved, but I did laugh and told her that I am glad she has such a good time at school, but a thought every now and then might be nice - just occasionally. :)

Day before school - we went for open house, when we could bring all her school supplies and get acclimated with her desk and room. Her quote as she puts her supplies in her desk, "I want to be really organized this year!"

These were for me. I was so emotional that day, so I treated myself. ;)

Purdue Football

We signed the kids up for Purdue Kids Club this year, which gives them some fun Purdue gear and access to various sporting events. We took the kids to the football scrimmage just a few weeks ago, and then after the scrimmage we could go on the field to meet the players. We were all a little tired and hot (and therefore in random moods); however, it was a neat experience. Jackson loved watching the scrimmage and the idea of going on the field. Abigail struggled a bit through the scrimmage, but was a champ at meeting the players on the field. She had a little "autograph book" (hot pink My Little Pony) and a sharpie, and went right up to those huge players and asked for autographs all on her own! I was so proud of her. The first autograph she got we didn't even know what she was doing. Sure enough I looked over and saw her talking to one of the players, getting his autograph! :)

Jackson was much more shy when it came to asking for autographs. He just wanted to "play football" on the field like the pros. 

The football players were all so sweet and polite to her. John and I were both impressed with how the they all treated her. So kind and respectful.

Sleepover!

Last night John and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary! I can't believe it's been 10 years! That sounds like a long time to me, but yet, it doesn't feel like it's been a long time…I truly look forward to another 10 years with that man!

John's parents kept the kids overnight; it was so nice! I slept until 9:30 this morning!!! I seriously don't know the last time I did that. By the time Grandpa and Grandma dropped the kids off this evening, the Gudeman kids were due to arrive at any moment. The first thing both kids said to me upon walking in the door was, "when are Braylyn, Morgan and Lincoln coming?" Well, nice to see you too! I missed you too!

While John and Grant had a guys' night for their fantasy football draft (serious business), Cara and the kids all stayed at our house for a sleepover.

These kids have so much fun together. It's so special they have cousins that live so close, and they can create so many special bonds and memories together. 

Raccoon Lake

A mere two days after we returned from MN we had the fun opportunity to go to Raccoon Lake and spend the day with some of my Gudeman family. Mike and Donna were gracious to bring their boat and gave the kids all a turn at the tubes. The boys did pretty well. Abigail couldn't get enough. Last summer she refused to try, and this summer she couldn't go fast enough or long enough. When she is ready to try something new, she is ready; when she is not, she is not (period).

All the kids wanted to drive the boat!

This is about 15 minutes into our trip home. Exhausted. I wanted to be sleeping too! :)

Minnesota

A week after we returned home from Myrtle Beach we packed up the van once again for a weekend in Minnesota. The kids have become the BEST little travelers! We had such a wonderful time making memories with our cousins, aunts/uncles, grandparents, etc. etc. etc.

Jackson and Courtney on the wave runners. 

Lined up waiting "patiently" for their turn on the wave runners. :)

Abigail and big cuz Erika

What a crew. The weekend was never void of action. 

While the kids NEVER tired of rides on the wave runners, the adults did. :) Cara's turn!

Erika graciously giving rides to the kiddos.

3 amigos in the kayak. They have become such cute buddies! It's so fun when the kids start to really play together and enjoy one another. 

Morgan and Abigail tubing

We faced the most beautiful sunsets every evening. The weather was simply perfect.

The family hanging out - 10 aunts and uncles, 18 grandkids (not counting spouses) and 28 great-grandkids - such a fun crew.

Something about a fire...

Yum!

And the two that made it all happen, by God's grace - Grandpa and Grandma. :)

Attempting to get a picture with all the great grandkids (minus 3).

Grandpa and Grandma with the grandkids (minus Daniel & Olivia)

The Harold Gramm family 

The Dale Gudeman family.

A rare photo of all 4 of us. :)

My two studly men

Abigail surfing into the sunset. How beautiful. Thank you God for such sweet memories.