Back to School Wednesday

Ella and Aidan were so excited to head out to school this morning! They are still grasping the fact that they have different teachers than last year - although they know that Mrs. Laura and Mrs. Mindy are their new teacher's names, they kept asking to go see Mrs. Phyllis and Mrs. Kellie - perhaps we will make a stop by their old classroom on the way out this afternoon.

Drop off was wonderful and tear free! Ella and Aidan both marched right in, put their bags in their cubbies, and got right down to the business of playing with both new and old friends.  Ella went right to the play doh with her new friend Carson and Aidan went right to the trucks with his new friend Graeme.

Looks like we are off to great new year!

End of Summer

Labor Day weekend marks the entry into my favorite time of the year. Personally, I cannot wait for the cooler weather, beautiful leaves, and all things FALL!

Ella and Aidan start school tomorrow and summer has officially come to an end. While we enjoyed our days off, they are both excited about the new school year. We met both their teachers and the other children in their class last week (they are in the same class as Owen, Adams and Henry again!), and will be embarking on a new development this year - the carpool lane!

As we enjoy the last of the late sunsets, late bedtimes and early sunrises, here is a little look back at the summertime fun we have had over the last three months: 

Labor Day

A walk around the neighborhood (the kiddos walked the entire mile - that is a first!), riding tricycles in the driveway, and dancing in the back of Mike's truck....

....followed by one last trip to the pool....

....skinned knees (that made three falls for poor Aidan today)....

....a few more pictures....

....playing with our neighbor, Ian....

....and an evening cookout with family.

It does not get much better than this past weekend. We so rarely have two days in a row with Mike around, and we soaked in every last minute, even skipping naps both days!

It is family time like this that really puts things in perspective.  We are beyond blessed, and so grateful for all of the wonderful moments and memories of this past weekend.

The "Festibal"

Morning fun in the park....

....followed by the Matthews Alive "Festibal" (as told by Ella and Aidan) with the James Family. Although she loved every minute, Ella refused to ride anything other than the carousel. Aidan; however, made up for it by riding just about everything that his height made him eligible to ride!

The girls:

The boys:

The day was filled with perfect weather, perfect friends and capped off by a fun swim at the pool. 

Life is good!