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Sunday was another beautiful day spent outside chatting with neighbors and playing dress up with friends. Spiderman and solder guy took a break from their superhero stuff to show me their muscles.

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We had a full day of adventuring with the kids. Annie Manny, the idea girl came up with our destinations.

First stop was some lunch to go. As we walked up to deli, Caleb called out....

"Elephant's Deliciousness! They sell elephant ears and candy here right?"

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Tonight we did pizza art. Which is fun, because when you are done creating - you get to eat it.

Luke's was shaped into a smiling cartoon head.

Caleb took great care to make his pizza technically correct starting with the crust, down to measuring the correct amount of cheese. I asked him how he knew what the correct amount of cheese was. And he said, "I just know."

Cate's pizza evolved from gently pat pat patting the dough, to pounding it into the plate because it wasn't shaping the way she wanted it to shape. She really got into that part of the preparation

Can you see the paper spider tucked into the flower vase? Luke created about ten of them and hid them all over the house. In hopes of scaring an unsuspecting bystander. He even took the time to count out all of the legs that were drawn in.

If you see one Jason - act scared!

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This would go under the heading of "apples I have eaten"

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Part of the rules for the kindergarten bus is the parents have to be at the stop waiting for the kids when they are dropped off. I love it.

Wednesday, I took my lunch to meet him at his stop. He hops off the bus like he has been doing it forever, then runs over to give me a hug. (secretly I am so thrilled he still wants to hug me in public) After asking him about his day, we begin walking home.

I looked down at his pants and noticed he had them on backwards with the zipper in the back. So I start laughing and ask Luke if he noticed anything funny about his jeans. He replied,
"I was so excited to get to school today that I put my jeans on backward. Then when I got to school, I couldn't change them the right way around. Thank goodness I am home!"

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Spicy tacos, a parking garage made for matchbox cars, ruby rabbits, bouncing floor, crazy dancers, ticket stub fans, Paolo, Anya, FUN.

Went to a Paolo Nutini concert Monday at the Crystal Ballroom. The music was great! And the whole experience reminded me how it is important to get out there and do things that you don't normally do once and awhile!

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I know three kids that were not interested in getting their picture taken. Their mama made them stand in front of a striking blue building because she admires the bright color every time they drive by.

The Harvey blue building will soon be red. I am going to have to find a new building to admire.

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We made prototypes of Mario bros Halloween costumes this afternoon. And when I say we, I mean Luke. He is going to be Luigi. Can you see it? Green hat, yellow "L" initial?

Luke is excited for October 31st. And the excitement is wearing off on the rest of us. And by us I mean Cate. She can hardly wait. Which is funny, because I don't think she remembers last year. The power of a big brother is strong.

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Walked to the bus this morning, only to find out it was running over five minutes early. Luckily Jason came home from work in just enough time to take the kids to school. Caleb was sweating it... but they all made it to their classrooms on time.

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This picture a day needs more than one picture to tell the story.

Today was the first day of school for Luke. He was a little nervous. I was A LOT nervous.


Tried to get all three of them for a picture - it just wasn't in the cards this morning.


Luke had his Star Wars backpack from when he was four. He was ready to go - I didn't have to help him at all!
We dropped Cate off at her school, then walked Luke to his classroom. Caleb was very helpful and guided him to the right room.

Can you find Luke's art from his orientation yesterday? He drew happy people all over his bear.

This is right before we said good bye to him. He picked out his name tag. And had his favorite stuffed elephant with him. Mrs. Weber told the kids they could bring their stuffed animals the first day - and that was it.

I picked him up @ 10:40. He was so happy. I could tell instantly it was a really good day for him. It was a huge relief for me that he CAN'T WAIT to go tomorrow. I asked him what his favorite part of the day was. He said without even thinking about it - recess.

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Today was Kinder orientation for Luke. I am glad it was today. It helps him ease into his new role as a kindergartner. Tomorrow will be the first real day of school for him.

I told him it will be an exciting new adventure. He just smiled.

Mom, Dad, if you are reading - I will call you tomorrow and let you know how it all turns out.

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First day of the fourth grade.

He was excited! I had butterflies.

We had his backpack and one big bag full of school supplies that were needed for the first of the school year. I drove him to school so he wouldn't have to drag it all on the bus. When we got to the school parking lot I took my seat belt off and asked him if he wanted me to walk with him to his class.

"no mom, I have it under control."

So I watched him hop out of the truck and walk up to the building without me. *sniff*

The report after school was a good one. He likes his teacher, everyone is taller, and he thinks it will be a good year.

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Tonight we ate pork chops and applesauce. It felt like we peeled and chopped up a million apples. Homemade applesauce is worth it. Especially when eaten w/ pork chops. Thanks Paul and Deb for having us over!

Tomorrow is the first day of school for Caleb. Luke's starts on Thursday.

His bag is packed, clothes are laid out, lunch is made.

I can't wait to hear about his day tomorrow.

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This home grown jar of spice was found in Jason's grandma's pantry. Thanks Diana for thinking I would enjoy this, I do!

Dad - What do you know about Ben A. Bickmeier?

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Taking a little break in our day while daddy napped. Cate was very excited to tell daddy later that we all had a turn in his chair.

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Finished all of our school shopping today. I am so glad we were able to find everything on the list. The count down has begun. Next week we will have two Rust boys going to school.

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Normally when I am stressed about something, or feel rushed and pressed by schedules I go out of my way to find one good thing that I can be happy about. Today I saw clouds. It was a beautiful day, some of my favorite music was playing, and I felt genuine gratitude for those last few minutes I drove to work.

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Last night... this is what all three sweeties looked like at dinner. I sat at the head of the table. Jason was at work. I guess I am feeling sentimental today because they all look so much older to me.

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A lazy Sunday of laying in the grass, watching the air show, grilled burgers, and some tortoise watching.

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We went rafting this weekend on the Deschutes river Saturday! It was so much fun, and we couldn't have done it w/o Annie Manny watching the kiddos. Thanks Manny!