First day of school

Tuesday, Sept. 3rd was the first day of school for both boys.  It was met with a little bit of excitement and a lot of nerves.  Benjamin only had a half day, and Paul's was shortened, too, with the parents coming along.  This is Benjamin's first experience with school ALL DAY, and it seems like a really long time to him.  He has 15 students in his 1st and 2nd grade class--what a difference from 140 students in kindergarten last year!  It was so refreshing to go to chapel the first day, and to hear about how the teachers are praying for the students.  

I put it on facebook, but I have to write it here too:  Benjamin hugged me on the second or third morning of school, and said, "The hardest part of school is saying good-bye to your mom, cuz you love her so much!"

Paul goes to preschool Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoon.  He is in a 3 and early 4's class at a different school, since the preschool was full at Benjamin's school.  Just like Benjamin he'd much rather just stay at home, and he's trying to do his best.  True to form, he picked up his first cold already!

Happy Birthday, Paul!

Paul turned 4 on Wednesday.  He wanted to go mini-golfing for his birthday, so we did that in the evening.  We spent most of the day at home, Benjamin letting him choose what they played the whole day, since it was Paul's birthday.  What a great big brother!  

Paul requested an ambulance cake for his birthday.  A professional cake decorator I am not, but it was at least recognizable to Paul.

Playing with a Batman birthday present.

Another birthday present--basketball hoop

Youth Fair

First snowcones--they were a hit!  The other big hit (besides the rides, of course) were all of the tractors to climb on!

Inside a combine wheel with new friends

You have a lot of time to think while riding on one of these!

Around the house

Benjamin showing off his latest lost tooth--a total of 8 in the past year!

Beach Day

Hiking up Warren Dune--Paul beat us to the top!

Beautiful view of Lake Michigan

Calm day for swimming

There was a creek flowing into the lake close to where we set down our things.  We followed the creek, and found this clay that people were using to paint their bodies.  Someone told us they even took a clay pot that they had made home, and fired it in a kiln.

Installation

Jonathan's dad preached for the installation service.

I don't have a shot of all of the family that was in attendance, but we had quite a few people there!

Outdoor fun at our new house

Michigan has had an usually cool August.  We've only had our A/C on about three days since we've been back.  This means a lot of playing outside in beautiful, not-too-hot weather.

We did get the pool and slip-and-slide out for the few warm days.

Someone from the congregation gave us their old swing set.  The boys were showing me how high they can get by themselves.

Not to worry--the boys still have plenty of room for their golf, which is a daily activity!

This is the front and side yard, which leads to the church parking lot next door.

A view of our backyard--a cornfield--and the slip-and-slide.