My Little Guitar-Playing Son!

On Thursdays, I only have one kid-- Tyson! It's such a special day for us, because very rarely does Tyson get one-on-one attention from Mommy! The other day he was playing this toy guitar and dancing all over with it. It was so cute! Maybe someday Grandpa Jim will teach him how to play a real guitar!!

A Day in Rockford

Last week my mom and I took the kids downtown Rockford to play at the park. Then we got some take-out Corner Bar hotdogs and had a little picnic lunch right at the Rockford Dam. It was a GORGEOUS day, and I just love spending time downtown. It is so beautiful, cozy, and it just feels like home to me!! I could never call another city home! We even met a fireman and he gave the boys firefighter sticker badges!!! Thanks, Grandma Jean, for the fun day!!!!

A Night on the Town with the GIRLS!

Saturday night was GIRLS NIGHT! We had a really fun time! We started out at my sister-in-law Toni's house, and later went to various bars in Grand Rapids. It's nice to get a break from the kids and go out and enjoy time with my friends! Thanks, Toni, for inviting us and for such a great night!!!

Tyson's First Day of School!

Last Tuesday, Tyson had his first day of school! Grandma Jean picked him up and took him shoe shopping before school. He was SO excited to put on his backpack and go to school just like his big brother and sister. He was such a big boy and was totally fine with being dropped off and staying there! I can't wait to see all his improvements in his speech this year!!

Party #2

I didn't get a chance to take many pictures from today's party, but here's what I got!!

Party, Party for Rylee!

Here is what our family looked like 6 years ago!

Preggo Maria and Matt!
Bryan and Tyson (this is Tyson's usual spot)
Rylee opening gifts with Aaron watching closely!
Here's Rylee with Auntie Ann and "Samantha" in their new dresses! So cute!!!
Maria's usual self-snap with Tyson!

All the kids ate together out on the screen porch!
Here she is-- the birthday girl!!!
Rylee LOVED her Hannah Montana cake!
Grandma Jean helped Tyson eat his cake!
Uncle Ernie with grouchy Travis and Happy Aaron!

This weekend we had 2 big birthday parties for Rylee's SIXTH birthday. She turned six on September 3rd, the second day of school. On Friday night, we had my side of the family over for a pizza party. Hannah Montana was the theme! She got a new scooter, some cute clothes and shoes, an American Girl dress to match her own (both made by Auntie Ann!), money, and the Hannah Montana movie. And today, Bryan's side of the family came over to celebrate! She got more shoes from Grandma Kathy, her own alarm clock, a Hannah Montana bag, and more money! It seems crazy that Rylee is 6 years old already. But she sure is turning into an amazing young lady! Happy Birthday to my precious little girl!! We love you THIIIIIIS much!!!

And the 2008-2009 School Year Begins!

Here are Aaron, Rylee, and Travis all waiting at the bus stop!
Travis is so excited for DK!!!
Rylee is a big first grader now! And she even looks just like a first grader now with her front tooth missing! It just fell out this past weekend!!
Off they go on the bus!!!
This is Tyson's reaction after the kids got on the bus. He was VERY sad that he didn't get to go on the bus too. And I don't think he realized Travis and Aaron get to ride the bus this year. It's very rough being the youngest kid!!

Today my kids had their first day of school! Rylee will be in First Grade with Mrs. Pitsch! Travis is starting DK with Miss VanderVeen. The kids were very excited for their first day of school! I can't wait for them to get home so I can hear all about it! Aaron also looked so cute and grown up in his uniform (he is going to kindergarten at OLC). And, you will be so proud of me, I had NO tears this year (but I can't say the same for Tyson)! I hope this is a great, exciting school year for my kids! I look forward to all of the new learning adventures they will experience!