Back to reality...

We are back from one of our best vacations to date! We had so much fun at the beach, the weather was PERFECT and we all had a great time. The kids LOVE spending time with their Emme and Papa (that's what grandparents are for right? One would think anyway...)

We've spent this week preparing for our much anticipated return to school. Carter is completely thrilled to be starting kindergarten, and the girls are excited for their "extended" preschool. The 3 big kids go from 8 - 1:30 5 days a week, can I get a WOO HOO???? Seriously, they do love their school, and we do too. Carter is proof that they develop maturity, confidence, in addition to all the skills that they are taught there. Carter is a reader, and I can't wait for the girls to join the club this year! Cooper is ready to attack the "toddler" program with a vengeance! She has become such a little trouble maker. Left to her own devices, Cooper can certainly stir up some trouble (think flour on the floor, marker on the shelf, a bath in the sink with her clothes on...you follow me right?) So, in addition to her very extensive vocabulary, she has a curiosity that gets her cute little self in trouble, A LOT! So, the couple of hours she's gone, will be a nice break for me!!!

Finley is FANTASTIC!!! She started sleeping through the night regularly about a week ago. She really is still a very patient baby that loves all the chaos around her. The kids still think she is the best, and all fight over who can push her in the stroller, kiss her, and hold her. It's quite nice. It must be a girl thing, because all 4 of our girls were pretty great babies, and Carter was a NIGHTMARE!!! So, after 5 kids I can honestly say that girl infants are easier than boys. Talk to me when they are all teenagers, surely it will a far different story, oh well, one day at a time.

All 4 of the big kids went to the dentist today for their 6 month check-up. It was Cooper's first time and she was SOOOOO excited. Who would have thought taking 4 kids (I actually had 5 with me) to the dentist would be easier than taking just 1? I think with kids, they truly believe that there's safety in numbers (one of the unique benefits to have 5 kids pretty close in age!)

All in all, it's been a great summer!!! When I asked Carter what he was going to tell his teacher that he did over the summer he said, "Had a baby, went to Emme's beach, played outside..." just as if it was all equally important and equally exciting. Oh well, at least he's happy about all of it!!!