My girls.

I can remember when I found out that Elizabeth was a girl.  Honestly, I was a little bit sad she was a girl, at first.  I really wanted a 3rd child and I was afraid that Daryk wouldn't spring for the 3rd if we had 'one of each' already.  Thankfully, he surprised me and let me have that last baby that I really wanted...

I remember being so excited to have a tiny version of me.  She is a lot like me.  And I was thrilled when we learned Spencer was a girl as well.  And I cannot imagine life without either.  I enjoy watching them bond and chat and sing and yell and laugh at each other.  I get so much laughter from each of them each day.  To watch them together is precious.

I know the road ahead is filled with massive piles of not fun sibling interactions.  Fights over clothes, and shoes, and cosmetics, and everything in between those things too.  Fights over friends and boys and toys and food.... but moments like this.... when they can both still fit and sit willingly into a cart at Sams while sharing ice cream is sorta awesome.  I get so excited for them to be the very best of friends because that is who my sisters are.  I pray daily for God to keep them close and guard their relationship.  I pray for joy and a sense of teamwork over all 3 of them daily.

I love this personality.  She brightens up ANY day.

And she's still snuggly and amazing.

Sassy embodied in a photo.

New hairdo with clothes that do not match.

That's my girl.

WES: year two.

Y'all.

I'm so grateful for those mommas who take '1st day of school pics' before school on the actual first day of school.  I get so many good ideas from them!  I'll be honest with you;  I take mine after school and usually just before bath time.  I can barely get myself up, dressed, out the door, etc. on time for school.  You can honestly forget adding photo time into that equation.  

So, here we go.

First grade with Mrs. Bragg and he's in LOVE with it.  His class is full of some of his very best buddies and some of the best kids I know.  I cannot wait to watch him grow and learn in the next 180 days.  I loved school and I love being a student.  I feel like he will be my studious child and for that, I'm grateful.

This girl started kindergarten with Mrs. Watkins.  She is thrilled with the aspect of social time every day.  She wants to wear a dress and a matching hairbow every day too!  She came home sweaty and so tired, but she loves every minute of it.  Her learning will be different and more challenging for all of us.  She tries hard and works every day at her homework with a gleeful attitude.

Daryk and I started our 11th year together as educators at the same school together this fall.  I know some people think it is crazy to work alongside your spouse, but I do enjoy working with him.  I like spending time with him and seeing his relationships with students.  He has a different crop of students than I do, and I so appreciate their interactions.  

Here's to a new year and some amazing kids, both at home and at school!

One of the D Days