Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Aaron turns 8 . . . and school starts!










We've been hoppin' here in our corner of the world! August is chock full o' birthdays in our family -- both of Peter's parents, me, and Aaron all celebrate birthdays. The birthday cake photo in Peter's previous post was taken at a combined family celebration for Grandpa, Aaron and me.

Sunday was Aaron's official birthday. It's hard to believe he is eight years old. When he was an infant, so many people told us to cherish every minute because it would go by quickly -- and they were right.

He has grown into such a mature, kind, thoughtful, funny boy. He has always been one of those kids who is wise beyond his years, and we can't wait to see what the next eight years hold in store for him . . . besides his newly-minted driver's license -- yipes! Aaron, we love you so very much, and are so grateful that God placed you in our family.

In addition to our party with the grandparents, Aaron also went to an indoor amusement park with Dad, Nathan, and his Uncle Mark. Later that weekend, my sister drove into town for the afternoon -- which included a fun present: ladder ball, a game Aaron loves!

Today was our first official day back to school! For the first time in two years, I do not have a kindergartener: Aaron entered second grade, and Nathan started first grade. They were very excited, and ready to leave 10 minutes early! This mama, however, was a little teary-eyed. I was more aware than ever that another year has gone by . . . and I was so very proud of my two little men as they set off on a new year of adventures.

Anya Rashi really enjoyed our morning together, but asked for her brothers after her nap. After having them home for three months, I think she thought it was just too quiet here without them. She is so smart -- I was folding laundry today, and she took pieces of clothing from the basket and told me who they belonged to. (I'm not always sure Peter knows whose clothes are whose!) In other adventures, she climbed up the slide on our backyard play set. Clearly, this girl has athletics in her future.

She has also been having fun after bedtime removing various parts of her pajamas. Last night it was her socks and shirt, and previously it was her pants. Next stop, diaper?! Horrors! I can't wait for footie pajama weather -- although, I think I'll have to be one of those sneaky mamas who puts 'em on backwards so Anya Rashi can't take them off!

8 comments:

Amy said...

I have to keep in mind to cherish all the time I will have with my new baby because everyone always tells me they grow up too fast. You have a beautiful family!

Julie & Patrick said...

Wow! Back to school all ready. Didn't summer just start? They look so excited to go.

Tell me why they make clothing closures...zippers, snaps, velcro so interesting? Backward clothing what a great idea!

Anya Rashi still has that look of mischief in her eyes!!

Julie R

Amy said...

I have thought the same thing Nancy! I am half way through the book so hopefully they will have some suggestions on how to get to know people of your child's heritage without making them feel "used.". I think expressing your own desire to learn about their heritage may also make someone more comfortable also.

Pam said...

Nancy,
Your family is just beautiful! I so missed the chance to meet you guys!
Like Anya Rashi and the clothing, Micah can identify who is coming by their car.Daddy's black car, Momma's green car, etc. He also knows where we are headed depending on which way I turn out of our house. It's scary. If he doesn't like where we are going, he yells, "I go THAT way." Meaning, I should go the other way. ;o) Fun times!!

The Labontes said...

Max misses Maddie when she's at school, and gets very excited when the bus comes down the road. It's so cute to see how important they are to each other.
Kristy

Cindy said...

Don't you love the activities of a busy little girl??? LOVE the idea of backward PJ's.

School is wonderful, huh? Emy is really enjoying it so I hope your little guys do too.

Great pictures--thanks for sharing.

Eric and Cheryl said...

Thank you for your sweet words on our blog. Yes, I have to agree that it is so hard to see her face for almost a year now and not have her home with us. Tonight we get to meet the lady who runs the orphanage Ava is at, we can't wait...thats as close as we've been to her. She is in the states for her fist visit and I am really excited, Im hopeful that maybe she has some pictures. If not I will be really sad! You have such a sweet family. I have followed your journey for several months and love hearing about your kids.

Fenwick 5 said...

Cute pictures,my son Bailey will also be turning 8 this Dec. and Adyn just started 3 year old preschool,where has the time gone?