JB Heads to Kindergarten!

I cannot believe that this day is finally here!  JB is starting big school.  He's off to Kindergarten!!!

In reality JB thought he would start last year, when he turned five. We spent most of October explaining that he had one more year, much to his disappointment.  However, when the day came this year, he felt a bit apprehensive and nervous about actually going to school. "But it's so big, Mom!"  (In reality, he's in a very small school with only 8 kids in his class!)

Some pictures from the first day - of this BIG KID!!!!

JB picked his outfit, after I coaxed him into a "nicer" shirt. He selected an Under Armor polo (his favorite brand right now...when did he learn brands!?) and his mismatched shoes. That's his signature thing.  :)

Both James and I took him to school (leaving crying siblings at home), and I only kissed him about 45 times before James gently led me away from the classroom.

I know that JB is going to do GREAT. He's so smart, so mature, so kind and loving. He's just the best kid. We can't wait to see what this year - the first of "big school" - will hold for him. 

And if you're feeling weepy and sentimental like me, here's a few memories of when JB started his past years of preschool:

• First day of Montessori
• First day of PreK 2
• First day of PreK 3
• First day of PreK 4

Spending Time with the People We Love!

We have seen so many friends and family the past couple of weeks.  It's just been one thing after another (in a good way, not in a bad way, of course!) and non-stop fun and excitement. We're going to keep this travel-and-activity train going a couple of more weeks before JB starts school (and Mama starts back to work).  The Sassers don't sit...

Let's see, first JB spent a great couple of days up in Atlanta while I had a doctor's appointment and met with some friends. Gia and Aunt Wyllene took him and Addison to Hippo Hop and to the pool.  He loved the 1:1 time with his Gia.

When I dropped him off after a quick WaHoo breakfast and said "I'll miss you!" he rolled his eyes and said "MOM, it's only one night!" Goober...

I had a wonderful dinner with old Peachtree Hills girlfriends, and a breakfast with another dear friend.  Zero pictures. :(

When we left Gia we headed straight to the airport to get Grammy and cousin Tori, who flew over from Texas.  They spent almost a week with us, playing, cooking, eating, playing some more.  Tori, JB and I went to see Toy Story 4 (so good); Grammy painted toenails and fingernails with Maryn; we went to the pool; we had fun at our new county waterpark; and played so many rounds of charades (the kids' new favorite game).

We stayed in Atlanta for the weekend after driving them back to the airport, taking advantage of the city by eating good food, enjoying a little shopping, and seeing more friends and family.  On Saturday night we went to dinner at American Cut with one of James' MBA school friends (his "$50,000 friend", as he likes to call him), then partook in rooftop drinks over The Shops Buckhead.  Very happening place these days, much more so than when we lived at the condo!

Sunday we met up with our Sasser family for a breakfast and morning/afternoon swim.  Cousin Katelyn joined us for both, and the kids loved seeing both their older and younger cousins.

I could snuggle this sweetie for hours!

That evening we visited one of James' oldest friends and his family, who we haven't seen in a while. From the moment the kids entered the house it was non-stop PLAYTIME with their two girls.  Even Wesley got in on the fun, and we had a blast!

And, of course, I had to recreate a photo.  :)  We took one of the last photos as a family of 3 in August 2015, right before Miss M joined the party.  So, here we are - now a big ole part of FIVE - just four years later.

2015

2019

Sometimes I could just pinch myself.  :)

WHEW.  And, like I said, we've still got 2 weeks to go until school starts.  We're taking advantage with a lake weekend, one more trip to Atlanta, and maybe one more movie. The kiddos better not ever say "we're bored".  WE'RE NOT.

SSI 2019 - Part 3, Beach Pictures!

Nothing says "vacation" like dragging your crying kids down to the beach in their nice beachwear for family photos.  It took a lot of negotiating, bribing, and yelling after dinner one night...but we got some cute pictures!!

First, some with Daddy:

Then with Gia:

A few with Ms. Therlon (though by this time there was just so much silliness going on!):

And then some sibling shots:

And then the kiddos decided they just wanted to run and play - quite understandably. :)

We love this beach and the time spent on it with our precious family!  What a wonderful SSI vacation.

(Click here for Part 1 and Part 2 pics)