Rocky Mountain National Park

The kids and I took advantage of Mimi's free 4th Grade National Park Pass for one last time and went up to Rocky Mountain National Park the week before school started.

Most of the time my family (including Ben ;) doesn't want to go on adventures like this, but everyone's always glad that we did.

We had fun playing in the Alluvial Fan and then (I) had fun driving up Old Fall River Road. (It's only open July-September, so I couldn't pass it up. It was gorgeous and slightly terrifying going up the one lane dirt road. 

My poor kids. They were scared of the drop off and were thoroughly disappointed that our "going home" trip took a detour to the top of the world. WOOPS! But we saw some amazing stuff that I'm sure they'll appreciate someday. 

I bought them some chocolate, got a coffee and THEN we drove home. ;)

Here's our videos (because my phone is wrought with everything I capture and I'm trying to purge).

(My sarcastic thought when my kids were complaining: "oh POOOR you guys. You HAD to see THIS!!! ;)" And maybe I threw in a few: "so many kids flew here or drove here on their vacation to see this and it's right in your backyard..." BLAH BLAH BLAH. I'm the best. 

I mean, seriously. That is breathtaking.

(Although I'm sure I didn't think much of it when I was younger either).

First Day of School 2019

These milestones. They sure sneak up on a person, don't they?

Here is our Second and Fifth Graders!

I posted that yesterday.

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Transitions aren't always the easiest in this house. May is usually hard and then August/September. It's comforting to remember when the emotions all hit that it's normal and expected. Uncertainty and change isn't always easy, especially when you're younger and don't always have the words to explain why and how you're feeling.

So we give lots of hugs. And grace. But it can be hard.

Bode started the day (actually the last few days) crying. Hard. About everything.

Mimi was excited. Excited about her new supplies, clothes and seeing her friends.

Then we went to the Popsicle Pop In at school last evening and when we left, they had switched. Bode was bouncing around and thrilled and Mimi couldn't sleep because she was so nervous. (See: rollercoaster).

And I just feel a little weepy. Who even knows why!?

But, this morning, we all evened out a bit. Mimi was more excited and Bode came downstairs already dressed. We took pictures. Then we all got into the car (with daddy) and made it to school.

My biggest observations of this girl right now? She looked beautiful. Not just "cute." We are growing up. I can't believe she'll be eleven in a week!

And this boy? He is such a macho man. There's really no other way to say it. He's a DUDE.

The other day while I was reading a book with the family we caught him doing push ups, then going to check his weight on the bathroom scale. There was lots of flexing involved. And I love it. Cause that's how he was made. I know he'll use his strength for good. We need great, strong men. And the way he takes himself so seriously just tickles me.

One of these guys is mocking the "muscle pose" and one is taking it very seriously.

Most of the time he'd prefer to be with dad and I'm fine with that. I'm glad he has one of the best men I know as a model for life. 

But I can't be expected to not smother him with hugs and kisses whenever I get the chance; he melts me.

One lucky Mama. Just living and trying to love it all.

Also, Mimi is almost as tall as me. 

We really love our community.

As a closet introvert (I'm really talkative and like to say hi, but it really all exhausts me), I usually have to do some breathing exercises before I jump right in.

And now I have cute, little former students to say hi to from summer school.

Oh. And Trapper Keepers are a thing. Still (?)

She is representing Harry Potter in a big way this year. #ravenclaw

I knew to take a pic from afar of this one in his natural habitat. I said bye and then went to be with Mimi.

This girl loved seeing her buds.

And we keep saying these girls are like characters in some American Girl or Young Adult sitcom. They are brave, smart, confident and each have their own "character" and personality.

Hailey made them all their Hogwarts House bracelets. 

 One reason Mimi wasn't excited about fifth grade was because she LOOO-UHHHVED her fourth grade teacher. Ms. Carmichael. She's a hero in our house. 

Mimi posted that at Staples on a poster that was a tribute to teachers. (I'm realizing how much emojis help me in my writing. I wish I could insert "crying emoji" ;)

And then she bought these socks for Ms. Carmichael over the summer and gave her this note today.

Sweet girl. 

I'm so glad that she's got people in her life and build her up like Ms. Carmichael. And Angela Caldwell and Ashlie Swanson...the list goes on. xo

Then it was time to line up.

And they were off!

Ben and I got to go have breakfast at Tangerine. Where literally the booths with littered with  parents of 7th or 8th graders on sweet little dates. (Only 6th graders went today)

(Our friend Debbie)

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First day success. I'm always so anxious to pick them up and hear how it all went!