Mark's Birthday Party - 2011

Will talk for food

Everyone knows teenagers aren't  huge on talking to their parents, especially boys.  So I've found that if I have a pantry full of junk food, Jake will bring his friends over and I get to visit with them.  I try not to ask many questions, but listen a little bit, then leave before they are sick of seeing me.  We snapped a few pictures of them having an afternoon snack of chips, oreos, and gatorade.  Funny, I invited them all to stay for dinner saying I had plenty for everyone.  They each declined, saying their mom had something planned.  I'm not sure what happened, but they left, then came back within 15 minutes and joined us for dinner.  

Back to School bash 2011

The boys attended a youth group back to school bash complete with food, a wonderful speaker, and a disgusting mud pit they loved.  We heard from friends to bring old towels, blankets, and trash bags to pick them  up.  When Darryl arrived to get them he texted me "how am I supposed to find them?"  It was THE event of the weekend and tons of kids attended.  I could not believe what they looked like when they got out of the car.  Jake's shirt was WHITE when he left.  Seriously.  We threw their shirts away because there was no way I would ever get that mess out.  Darryl hosed them off in the driveway and we sent them straight to the shower!!

First Day of School, 2011

August 10, 2011

New year, New day

It's the first day of school!  We start very early here, so it's still VERY hot!  Jake started high school, Brian started Middle school, Beth in 4th and Mark in 1st.  So we now have 4 kids in 3 schools.  The older two ride the bus to and from school, catching it at 6:35 am.  The younger two ride with me to school and take the bus home.  

Jake barely tolerating pictures, really not excited about riding bus with little brother.  

Brian as usual is so happy.

Brian and best friend Cameron ready for the bus.

Walking to the bus stop at 6:30 am.

Our elementary babies

MJ had to get in on the excitement

Here's something fun, a friend emailed me this picture that was in our local newspaper showing freshman on their first day.  Of course they picked the most handsome freshman:)