Visiting the KY State Fair

Last week we went to the fair with Grandmom and Grandpa and had a blast. We love our fair tradition, complete with junk food, animals, and lots of rides. It was a great afternoon and I don't think I will ever forget all the gigantic smiles on the boys' faces!

Recently...

While Caleb doesn't have the night terrors like he had when he was younger, he still gets up almost every night to walk and talk in his sleep, usually an hour or so after falling asleep. Apparently he crashed on the sofa this evening.

Last week we took an evening river cruise up to Cunninghams for dinner. 

Apparently there was an event that night at Captain's Quarters because there were people everywhere. The boys loved taking it all in.

I lost my (self-appointed) title as the Checkers Master for our family. Yep. I should have let someone else teach him. ;)

Three Quarters and 60 seconds of pure happiness

The First Day of School

**FIRST GRADE**

(The following poses were 100% Caleb's idea. He wanted it to look like he was thinking really hard, since that's what he will have to do in first grade!)

**PRESCHOOL 3s**

Both Caleb and Luke were happy and all smiles Wednesday morning. Luke opted to be dropped off first  and happily walked into his room,

hung up his backpack,

and started playing liked it was something he had done 100 times before! We are so thankful that he loves school and feels so comfortable there (although, a wave or "goodbye" would have been nice- ha!).

I could tell that Caleb was anxious as we rounded the corner towards the first grade hallway. His walk slowed and he had a very anxious look on his face. 

Thankfully, he has a super sweet and kind teacher that welcomed him, and lots of familiar faces in his class, so he was smiling when I left.

I actually volunteered to come and help with first grade lunch since so many of the students were eating there for the first time. Caleb had originally planned to take his lunch, but after hearing the menu decided to buy that day. (Hot dog, pineapple, and Fritos!) I was thrilled to see that he (and his little friends) were all happy and enjoying their first day, even though I could tell they were a little overwhelmed. 

Luke was super happy when I picked him up after his half day...until he learned that Caleb wasn't coming home at that point. Ha! But, he was proud of his work and said he had "so much fun!"

When I picked up Caleb he was happy, but I could tell he was a little off. It was apparent that a full day of first grade was stressful for this sweet boy. When we found a sweet note from his teacher in his folder, we decided to celebrate with an ice cream treat!

Another tear-free first day for both boys. Sure hoping this tradition continues, as it makes it much easier on Creed & I!

Our New Boat

A little over a week ago, Creed sold his bass boat. Recently, it became apparent to all of us that we needed more of a "family" boat, so we said goodbye to the Stratos after nine years. We were all sad to see it go- Luke even cried when he saw the empty garage! 

Creed and his first baby ;)

There were lots of fish caught from that boat!

AND...

last Thursday we picked up our new pontoon boat!

That afternoon we took it out to Taylorsville Lake to break in the motor. The boys were thrilled!

We love our family boat!

Dinner on the lake

On Sunday, we decided to spend the day at Nolin Lake. (Another KY lake to cross off the summer bucket list!) The weather was beautiful, and after the slightly rocky start (um, we left our life jackets at home and had to buy new ones at the marina), we had an awesome day.

Luke's Big Transition

Over the weekend we transitioned Luke's crib/toddler bed into his full size, big boy bed. He was, and still is, so excited! So thankful to have such a great sleeper!

Recently...

We have been enjoying life, trying to soak up these last few days of summer. The boys are at such fun ages right now and I know this will be a summer that I always look back on and remember fondly. 

Why does it seem to always go by so quickly???

Big news around here...Caleb started riding his bike without training wheels a few weeks ago and since then  has been obsessed with riding it. We are so proud of him and knew he could do it!

(Love little brother looking on!)

It seems as though Luke takes lots of baths these days...sometimes two a day. I found him fixing his own hair "like Daddy" the other day. :)

The Dursts had a lemonade and cookie stand last week so we had to go and visit. Somehow I missed getting a picture of Madalyn holding her sign...probably because she had so many customers! ;)

Luke with Hayden

Since Hayden couldn't play outside, Caleb was sweet and came inside to play super heroes with Hayden. I think they both had fun!

Oh, these two...

Luke and Kathryn spent a while in the sandbox, making a huge, sandy mess!

We spent the day at the park last week with friends, and while Caleb was busy riding his bike around the track, Luke was busy getting dirty and playing with rocks.