First day of school!

School kicked off this week for three of the 4 in the house.  Teresa actually had her orientation day last Friday, but started the regular schedule this week.

Teresa at her open house.  Checking out her locker and practicing the combination.  Middle school has lots of new routines to learn.

She was nervous to go, but had a good first day and seems to like many of her teachers.  Timothy and I picked up a little treat while she was at school to surprise her and all her buddies were waiting for her when she returned home!

Timothy started on Monday.  A rainy day which he thought would mean no first day picture!  Of course we had to get a picture--the porch was nice and dry.  He wasn't nervous at all and ready to at the top of the middle school this year.

The first day of school was good for both kids.  The got to see friends, meet teachers, and get a taste of what the upcoming year will be like.  We celebrated with "Death by Chocolate" icebox cake.  That is why Timothy appears to be "dead" by his cake.  The chocolate was too much for him!

I also started my first day as an assistant preschool teacher.  It felt good to be back in the classroom!  I enjoyed the change back to working with little ones.  One week in, and I am glad I made the move back to preschool teaching!

 

Party time

 Teresa had her birthday party this past week.  It was Avengers themed, so we had fun being different superheroes for the various games.  Thor's hammer throw was pretty fun.  Troy always adds an extra touch to the games, like when he sped the hammer back to the kids' waiting hands complete with sound effects like in the movies.  I should note that many of the great pictures during the party are thanks to my sister-in-law.  She not only remembers to take pictures, they always look great too!

Teresa posing with the hammer.

Troy returning the hammer to the hand of a worthy party guest!  (The hammer only goes to those who are worthy...gotta watch the movies!)

Searching for the Soul stone during the search for Infinity stones game.  You give a life to find the soul stone, so a group of buddies was hiding the stone.  We went through almost all of the buddies before Teresa found the stone under the cougar.  Troy came up with this idea to add more fun to searching for the stones.  We make a good team--I plan the games and he makes them extra fun with creative touches!

This was a favorite game too--Black Widow's sharp shooting.  Using a nerf gun, the kids tried to shoot down water bottles.  Everybody hit at least one.

After games, it was present time.  This bag fit in well with the party theme!

Teresa requested hot dogs and chips for lunch.  That was followed by cake--brownie cake batter ice cream cake this year--decorated with the Avengers A.

All the party guests!

The grandkids with my mom. I was thankful she could come down with Lisa and add to the fun and celebration.  I gave Fiona permission to give a grumpy about pictures face!

Birthday Celebration

 Teresa got to spend the week before her birthday with her cousin since it was Critter Camp week.  They had a lot of fun and many matching shirt days!  Fiona had Teresa open her present early, so they could get some good play time in with the new Douglas dog.

The girls spent the morning of the birthday at Critter Camp.  A good share of the afternoon was dedicated to a lemonade stand.  Even though it was rainy and not so hot, they managed to get quite a few customers.  Their persistence paid off!

Teresa had just a few gifts this year, because one was a pretty big one.  She did get a new shirt and a book on photography.  Her big gift was a loft bed, which she had to go on a scavenger hunt to find!

Family from MN arrived in the late afternoon and we all got to have a birthday dinner together from Teresa's pick of Freddy's.

Since cake would be for the party the next day, her birthday treat was Culver's ice cream.

Teresa had a fun day with family and friends.  She continues to grow into an amazing young lady with a curiosity that keeps her always learning.  She loves animals, especially dogs, reading, taking pictures and being with friends.  We are thankful for the love and joy she brings to our lives.