School Walks

On Labor Day proper, if you will, we went swimming at the pool. It was legit awful. Jackie was actually great for most of the time but after 1.5 hours, it was sheer misery. Whining over wanting food (specifically food I did NOT bring), etc... Ugh. Win some, lose some I guess. Particularly at the pool. 

Aunt B came over that afternoon to give H her bday gift and also came bearing gifts for Ben and Jack too. She called Ben's undies "panties," and we are all still recovering. In general, isn't the word "panties" the worst? 

We got to hang w Em and Miss Amy for awhile too- Em generously gave us like all her Legos. I mean- major Lego packages. The girls are in heaven and these are now Jack's new prizes for good behavior. Jack so generously offered Hilly her "old" Legos since she now has these new ones. Please! 

We also got a puzzle of the US. As we were putting it together I saw Portland and just how far away it is. I just learned that one of my best mom friends and her family (Cara, Kennedy, Penelope and the twins) are moving to Portland. I am crestfallen. I know they will have a wonderful life in Portland filled with adventures and friends - and now we even have more incentive to travel to the west coast- but I am selfish and want her to stay. When I first stayed at home, I told my mom I wasn't sure I would get along w the type of mother who stays at home (whatever that means). My mom said "No! It's fun to raise your kids together and go to the pool, etc.." And she could not have been more correct. I have made lifelong friends in this stage of my life. We shared laughs and adventure and nightmares and milestones that only a good mom-friend can possibly understand. You lend a hand and are leant a hand like crazy. I don't know if I could've done 3 kids in under 3.5 years and had such fun if I didn't have someone to constantly help chase a Hilly, lend me a diaper, watch Benny for an hour, wait w my car in the pouring rain while I ran in to pick up Jack or Hill. It has been a BLESSING. And to say good-bye to one of these girls makes me so sad. I know we will be friends for life, despite the distance. Afterall, we were in the trenches together.  I love you, Cara! 

Is this Benny or Hilly??

So I received a huge box of pics from my Gma E, including many of my brothers. Well, my kids are obsessed and now there are random pics of Brian and Michael all over the house: 

Meet the teacher for these 2: 

A Lucy and Hannah photobomb respectively. 

Hilly is quickly proving to be my little scholar. Such a serious student. 

Benny didn't want to leave, despite his nerves at first. 

Dentist for Jack at 245: 

These 2 not giving me any space, as usual. As I type Ben is climbing all over me. 

We had a play date w Cara while the big kids were in school. 

Walks home from school. We walk Ev home Mon, Wed and Friday. 

They are just so cute together.