Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!

 

 

We hosted a few friends for pumpkin carving and cupcakes the day before Halloween. Traditions are so much more fun with friends. I'm always happy when there's chatter, squeals, and laughter filling up our home. This year, Lilly carved her own from start to finish, and the dads finished up when everyone else petered out. It was a perfect night! Henry cried when everyone left. He never like to see good times come to an end. 

 

It's That Time of Year Again

 

 

Fall is in full swing. You can't tell by how hot it still is, but us Californians love to pretend that the leaves are changing and the air is cooling! One of our favorite traditions is the fall festival at the girls' school. Acacia does a great job ensuring that the kids have a blast, with games, photo opportunities, raffles, giant slides, kettle corn, and more. This is the first year Dan has come with Henry in awhile, and they spent the entire time at the giant blow-up slide. Henry had no interest in games whatsoever! It was fun for me to watch the girls joke around with their friends. Lilly is surprisingly protective of her sister when we are out of the house. I overheard her tell Iris she loved her when they parted ways for a bit to join their own groups and my heart swelled. To be honest, I wouldn't say I was excited about a night of loud kids running around. We have been so busy, and by Friday night, I'm pretty exhausted. I even tried to talk the girls out of going (jokingly), but I'm so glad we went. They won't be little for long. Soon enough, they won't want me to stand in line with them and would rather run off with their friends. So I'm going to cherish these family moments when they reach for my hand and stay close. It's a blink.

 

Surf's Up!

 If you know me, you know I don't like the beach... the sand, the sun burns, the crowds. Ew! But being the wonderful mother I am (insert sarcasm), I started to take the kids a bit this summer. So I couldn't say no when Dan said he wanted to go on Sunday, especially since he didn't have a chance to go with them earlier and he already bought a boogie board. We drove out to Corona Del Mar, a beach I hadn't been to with the kids. And it was perfect. They were in heaven. Everyone was laughing, running about, and getting along. I could not complain. I guess we are becoming a beach family. Who would have thought?

Preschool!

 

 

 

 

Dear Hendricks,

     You could not wait for school to start. The girls went back two weeks before your first day, and you would cry and cry when they went off to school without you. When your big day finally arrived, you couldn't stop smiling. Your sisters cheered for you and gave you huge hugs. I bought you a new outfit, and we put some candy for your teacher in your otherwise empty backpack. You were not scared or nervous when I dropped you off. I cried on my walk back home alone, realizing that was the very last first day of preschool I will ever experience as a Mommy. You are my baby, my son, my last. I love you so much it sometimes hurts. I pray that you find a sweet group of friends,  are always kind, love Jesus for all of your days, and know that whatever life throws at you, you are never alone. Have fun in school, sweet boy. Your life will never be the same.

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy