Firsts all around

Let's cover the biggest "first" first -- we officially have an elementary schooler in the house, as of last Thursday!

 Emma had a fantastic first day -- a fantastic first five days so far, actually -- and got on the bus for the first time without even looking back!  Her teacher nicknamed her class the "Kindercolts" (the school nickname is the Colts), so she had them all wear cowgirl/cowboy bandanas on the first day.  Emma loved it.

 And now we come to our soon-to-be-famous artist's first published work.  The PTA put out a calendar that they have been selling as a fundraiser at the school.  Open it up to page one, August, and look who's there, holding her drawing of the first day of school!!!

Not one to be left out, Drew had a first of his own yesterday -- his very first hair cut.  As a comparison, here is a "before" photo from Tuesday, which will also serve as a lovely photo to drag out and embarass him when he brings his first girlfriend over to the house someday.  Little brother trying out big sister's headband.

 Here he is, mid-cut, at the salon.

 It was rather uneventful, quick, and he did just fine.  The end result doesn't look like a big difference to most people, but trust me, it was much needed!  Happy to report the curls are still there.

I must add that Drew has gotten compliments from all over lately -- teachers at school, staff at the salon, random strangers -- that he is a very advanced talker for his age.  His new teacher at school says he LOVES to point to unfamiliar things and try to repeat their names, and that he is on par with the oldest kid in his class as far as verbal skills go.  You've got to learn fast when you're trying to keep up with your five year old sister!

And this isn't really a first, although it was Tim's first time going, but I had to find an excuse to put in this photo of us at a gala we attended last week, hosted by one of the hospitals I work with.  It's not often we get to dress up, so enjoy!

Family beach trip

First, a photo from July 4th.  (Only a month late!)  We had too early/exhausting of a day to make the trip all the way to Aunt Martha and Uncle Don's house for the family cookout, but we did muster up the energy to go a couple of miles down the road and hang out with Audrey's family for a little bit.  Emma and Audrey had a great time together.  It wasn't so long ago we were posting their baby pictures together on this very blog, and look how much they've grown up!

Next, a quick minute to brag about our artiste.  Emma was bored one day, to Tim suggested she draw something.  Here's what she came up with, off the top of her head.  She didn't look in any books or anything.  Smarty pants!

Now for the pics from last week's trip to the beach.  We went and stayed at Grandma and Grandpa H's condo for a few days and enjoyed some sun and sand.

Aunt Laura, who is living down there now, took a few days off to hang out with us, and the kids LOVED getting to spend time with her!

We even threw a little birthday bash for Aunt Laura and Grandma.  Megan came with Nathan and Kathryn to help us celebrate.

All in all, it was a nice little family getaway before the new school year starts -- this week!  Last Tuesday, we got to do a practice run on the school bus.  They pick up the Kindergarten parents and kids and take them to orientation, so that they get a chance to ride the bus before the first day.

Em enjoyed riding the bus wtih us...we'll see how she does when she has to get on by herself and leave Mom and Dad standing at the curb this Thursday!