My family finally seems on the mend. Ben and I had strep and then just as Ben was getting better, he and Braden came down with the stomach flu that one of the daycare kids brought us. Thought we were in the clear and then Lauren and one of the babies I watch caught it. The baby passed it on to her parents who are both down today. The Mom actually had to go to the hospital to get rehydrated since she is pregnant. This bug is crazy! I have cleaned the surfaces off my house yet it just kept spreading. We went through two cans of Lysol, 2 containers of Clorox wipes, plus my regular cleaners! I have never had anything like it.

I currently have one child that goes to Kindergarten with my two, an 18 month old, 11 month old, Drew (half day), and twins that are only here for 15 minutes to wait for the bus with Drew. After Christmas break the 11 month old will be a big sister so will also have the newborn. I really hope we don't get that bug back again!!!!!!!!! I love that I only watch teacher's children but teachers are exposed to all these germs over and over! I think I should have a decontamination room added to my house that they have to go through everyday before they come in...

Lauren's Happenings

Lauren has been BEGGING to be put in gymnastics since she came to us. Everytime she saw something to do with gymnastics it is all we would hear about for days. We finally agreed and put her in gymnastics. After ONE lesson she has decided she is done. WHAT??????? I have made her finish this month since it is paid for. Thought she might change her mind, but hasn't. Next month she will start dance and see how that goes. Dance is less expensive so can't say I am sorry (-:
Here is a picture of her on her first day. She cracks me up.

Bj Happenings

Bj has started soccer again this year. Braden didn't want to play because he was afraid he would get 'muddy'. Lauren didn't play soccer because after a year of her asking we finally agreed to put her in gymnastics - more about that on the next post. Poor Drew is still not old enough but will be in the Spring.
Anyway, Bj is having a great time. Not the most competitive child, but still enjoying it. He has decided this year that he wants to be goalie -- NOT MY BABY!!!!!!!! He does his best and I try to keep my mouth shut. Any position would be fine with me, just not that one! Hoping it will wear off. He only plays goalie for a quarter or two per game. The coach is pretty good about rotating the kids around.
Last school year and the begining of this one, Bj had trouble getting his work done at school. He was the student of the week a couple weeks ago. One of the things he got to do was bring something to school to 'teach' the children about. He wanted to take his Grandma's Go Chair! So... we got a little behavior chart and he had to earn it by getting his school work done. He did (barely) and had a GREAT time. Grandpa and Grandma and Go Chair went to the class and then had lunch with Bj. Still talks about it. Since then he has rarely brought any school work home. Guess it is true that Grandparents can fix anything!

First Day of School

Here are some first day of school pics. I always take the kids shopping for a back to school outfit plus another shirt or two (if they are cheap enough!). Bj and Braden decided to pick matching StarWars shirts. I was suprised when they even came down in matching shorts!
These pictures are actually my second round. My first pictures got lost during the downloading. I am still very sick over that. Thankfully I did that right after Bj go on the bus so was able to take more before the others went to Kindergarten and when they all got home. Sad, sad day...
Drew's preschool didn't start until after Labor Day so he had to stay home with me. I do love this picture of him waving to the Kindergarten bus!

Renovations

This is what we did to our house this summer. My Dad helped with the floors. Some of the kids were better helpers then others. Someday when the next owner of this house pulls the tiles up there will be a colorful floor to great them! Didn't know that children could be so entertained by coloring on the floor!

Shedding Wheels

Here is a new trick that Lauren and Braden learned during our stay at Grandpa and Grandma's.

Cousins

Here is our newest cousin, Scarlett, big sister Lilli and my kiddos.

Summer Fun

I have so much to catch up on! Summer went flying by. In July we stayed at my parent's house for 2 weeks while Ben took the Bar Exam (will get the results back in October). We had a great time and went to Conners Praire a couple times. That is a great place to take the kids. A lot of 'hands on' things for them to do, hot air balloon ride, and plenty of walking to wear them out. Also went to the zoo, parks/creeks, cousin's houses, and swimming. I can't remember if we ended up making it to the Children's Museum or not. Had lots of fun things to fit in! Not sure Mom and Dad's house will ever be the same...