The Night Before School Starts

Tomorrow is the first day of school. Lauren starts 1st grade, and Evan starts Transitional Kindergarten. On this night before school starts, I'm feeling that familiar feeling of excited nerves, and I'm not even going to school! I've re-arranged the backpacks at least 3 times (or was it 5?). I made muffins for breakfast, and the table is seriously set already. I've all but poured the milk. It's 9:41 PM, and I have to get up so early tomorrow, I'm debating just biting the bullet and getting ready now. 

We had Supply Drop-Off at school today, and it was nice to see Lauren and Evan so happy and comfortable at Sacred Heart, not nervous and shy like last year. It was also bittersweet, because we saw all the new preschoolers and kindergarteners, and it feels like just yesterday that was us. 

When I put Lauren to bed tonight, I had this flash of crazy sadness that she is growing up so fast. I was listening to her banter on and on about this and that, who she saw today, where her cubby is, etc. I asked her if she could make this year go slower. She thought about it for a minute, and said that she would try, but she didn't know how. I then told her that it feels like just yesterday that she was born. She thought this was hilarious. She looked at me all matter-of-fact and said, "Mom, yesterday was the day you took Evan's training wheels off, and we jumped on Colin's trampoline and you were putting Scarlet to bed and didn't get to watch us. Remember? That was yesterday. I wasn't born yesterday." And then she laughed some more. 

Evan seemed really grown up today too. He saw Mrs. Saxton from last year, and once he spotted her, he broke into a full sprint and launched himself into her lap for a big hug. It would've made my day, and I'm pretty sure it did hers. He seemed so grown up saying hi to all his old classmates, so nonchalant and cool as a cucumber. Putting Evan to bed tonight was also pretty sweet. He got out of the tub, put his jammies on, brushed his teeth, and climbed under the covers, before I even had Scarlet's hair brushed. Now, this is NOT the norm for Evan, mind you, but it certainly was a nice touch for the night before school. A few minutes later, he smelled the muffins baking, and snuck out of bed to sample the batter. I couldn't be mad. Obviously, they could've gotten away with a lot tonight given how I was feeling. 

I'll add a few pics of our school-goers, and then I might go re-check the clothes I set out for tomorrow...again (just to make absolutely sure I didn't forget anything) :)

Kindergarten Physical

 As mentioned before, I took Evan in for his kindergarten physical in early July. I know I'm a little biased, but he looked so darn cute doing all his tests. I had a smallish lump in my throat. ;)

 The very inperfect vision test showed his vision was 20/40.

A few days later, I found myself alone with Evan for the afternoon. My plan had to unpack a few boxes while he napped. He convinced me to skip naps and unpacking, and go do something fun. So we did. 

We played 18 holes of miniature golf, and he thought he was pretty hot stuff getting to do something that neither Lauren nor Scarlet got to do. 

He requested ice cream after, and since I was in such a nice mood, we split a chocolate shake at McDonald's. I just loved my afternoon with him. Technically, he's not in kindergarten yet, so I'll wait until next year to overreact and get all sad that he's growing up.

Adventureland

Adventureland is always a favorite, and this year was no exception. After last year's enormous weekend crowd, we planned our annual trip for a random Tuesday. The only downfall was missing a few family members to work schedules. :( It was also one of the hottest days of the summer, but it didn't bother us too much. We let Scarlet spend the day in the air conditioning at daycare, and that turned out to be a good decision. So, Lauren & Evan, Laurie & Carly, and my Mom & I headed to the park for the day. 

 We spent the first half of the day on the amusement park side, and then headed to the waterpark to cool off. We met up with the Tassemeyer family there, and the kids had a blast together. 

A fun day, wish we could've stayed longer!

Erin + Brandon

 I will start this post off with my favorite picture of Erin on her wedding day. 

She.Was.Stunning.

 Erin & Brandon were married in Okoboji August 1, 2015. It was the most wonderful weekend.

We headed up a few days early to help with last-minute wedding preparations.

 Preview of the bride's bouquet

 Bridesmaids bouquets - which where beautiful white and blue roses with white hydrangeas, but because I'm such a bad photographer, they look yellow in this photo. 

One evening, we were sitting out on the deck after the kids went to bed, and with a Grandpa and Grandma willing to babysit, we decided to head to Captain's Getaway for some live music....an hour turned into a very late night, and probably too much fun. 

 

Chad drove up Thursday night, and joined us later that night. 

  Next summer we will be celebrating Kaitlyn & Scott's wedding!

Since my Mom and Erin were SO organized with their wedding planning, we actually had quite a bit of free time! We headed to Crescent Beach to meet up with the Ellingson's, and enjoy some time in the sun. Scarlet absolutely LOVED the sand. She got so dirty, and I doubt her suit will ever come clean, but it was worth it. She made fast friends with Eve, who is 2 1/2 already!

 

Next up was the rehearsal dinner.

2 of our flower girls, all dressed for the rehearsal dinner!

Another flower girl looking especially cute for the occasion

 

 The rehearsal itself was much like most rehearsals = chaos! The priest at St. Joseph's has a really thick accent, so we had to listen especially carefully. Somehow, during the actual wedding, we pulled it off.

Signing the marriage certificate

 Bride & Groom

 Scott & Kaitlyn - next summer's Bride & Groom :) 

Brandon's parents hosted a delicious meal at Arrowhead, and we headed home to get a good night's sleep before the big day. We found out later that most of us had a few extra nerves that night and laid awake for hours.

Early Saturday morning, we headed to the church to meet the hair stylist, and start getting ready. 

 The dresses were all hung up and ready to go!

 I had the honor of helping the bride into her dress. I may have had a small lump in my throat at this point.

Next up, was getting the kids ready to go. We had FOUR flower girls, and TWO ring bearers. And THREE of them were mine. Believe me when I say the amount of planning that went into having everyone dressed, fed, napped, and ready by photos at 11:30 was excessive. My family made fun of the timeline I drew up, but guess what, we used it, and it worked!  

Carly looked so cute in her dress and curls!

All 4 girlies - Carly, Scarlet, Lauren, & Brianna (Brandon's niece)

 Evan won the award for most cooperative during pictures, so he got his own picture with the bride!

 Scarlet was actually fairly cooperative as well. She even walked down the aisle, well, most of the way.

 Stacy (Brandon's brother's wife) and Beth

Lauren & Briana became fast friends. They are about the same age, and they had a lot of fun together. 

 Love this photo so much it deserves to be posted twice.

Taking a groupie, and love how it turned out, only wish Stacy was in it!

 A few of the groomsmen - there were 5 total. A fun wedding party.

I can't believe it's been 10 years since I married this guy!

These 2 just celebrated their 6th anniversary!

 Chad & Cody, the brother-in-laws, and also the ushers in the wedding.

After the wedding, we hopped on the party bus to take some photos at my parent's cabin, and also at Arnold's Park. Let the party begin!

 Our awesome neighbors at the lake brought a drone with a GoPro. They offered to take some photo and video of us at the cabin from the drone. They sent us this the next day, and I just love how it turned out!

I didn't take any photos at the reception. Hopefully, someone will send me some, because it was awesome. It was held at the Boji Bay Pavilion. The old Fun House attractions were refurbished and you can actually take a ride down the old wooden slide. Or 50 rides down it if you're Lauren. Kids and adults both took turns getting their thrills all night long on this sucker, which actually is a thrill. As in, your butt leaves the slide. Put yourself in a dress and heels, and it was pretty hilarious. 

We ended the night dancing and celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. 

Congratulations Brandon & Erin! We are so happy for you both!