First Day of School 2013

Jordan 

Junior year

Jackson

8th Grade

Larson

4th Grade

Logan

Kindergarten

These 2 are the only ones in the same school.

Larson taking the same role for Logan that Jackson did for him.

The best big brother.

No group shots as they leave at 3 different times and come home at 3 different times.

Can not believe the class of 2026 is starting school.

Logan and his big personality

They love the bus, I love the bus, everyone loves the bus!

 Excited to get to his classroom.

  Mrs. Greear had some cool things waiting for them.

He gave me a big hug and I walked out the door.

I thought this was going to be one of those moments where you see the parents riding the carts down the aisles of the Staples store so glad that school is back in session and I dont have any more kids at home.  

I can promise you those were not the surprising emotions that I felt.  I was so taken back and did not know what to do with myself.  I could have gone out to lunch with friends or shopping BUT I found myself cleaning my house.  Then when I was sitting in a very clean house I realized it was very quiet and I didnt like that.  For 16 years I had children at home.

I dont want anymore children, dont get me wrong but I certainly am in a transition period of my life where I have a lot more time and Im figuring out what to do next.

I even called Tom and told him that I felt like my identity was gone.  His response was "Dont worry, that identity will walk back in the door at 3:00 and we wont stop until our heads hit the pillow." I thought that was a pretty good response.

This is certainly different for me now but I will figure it out.

3:00 was here before I knew it and then I had 2 people talking at me very loudly and fast all at the same time.  

 One of my favorite things in life is to watch my kids together.  Its not always good but for the most part it is.  I love to see them love each other and have each others back.

Jordan was already very busy before school started.  She had to leave before everyone else was up for practice.  I came into the kitchen to find these cards she made for the boys.  The words inside were great for both of them.

Just one of those moments that makes me smile.

CAUTION! New Driver on the Road

After an entire of year of self teaching Jordan how to drive with a learners permit, this day could not come soon enough...   

Im not sure if this is Jordan's best day of her life or mine!

Let's just say a happy day for us all.  Jordan's driving certainly made my load lighter.

She loves her car.  I love her car.  I love that she drives a car.  She loves that its not a minivan anymore. I love that my taxi service just got a lot more openings on the driving schedule.

Larson could not wait for Jordan to get home from her test so he could give her the official license he made for her.

Larson signed: Good Job!

Logan just signed his name.

Jackson signed:  drive me to get some ice cream!

PS. I dont think we have to worry about Larson making fake ID's

VHS VS RHS Sunrise Showdown

Each year we have a practice meet to get the season started.

Just Vandegrift and Rouse.

They have a giant yellow trophy for the winner.

 Start line and their off

 Lets just say, glad this was a practice meet for Jordan.

 half of the team.  Only had my big lense with me.

And the trophy goes home with VHS!!!

Sea World with the Boys

Last weekend before school starts.

Yes, I got up the energy to take the boys to Sea World.

Jordan had school obligations with XC and Choir so she had to stay behind.

Love these boys so much!

 Aquatica waterpark is so amazing!

I was really tired and not so much up for doing this day but from the second that we got there, I was soooo glad that I did it.  The boys and I had a great day together.  They thanked me many times throughout the day.

It was so worth the little bit of effort.

P.S.  Jordan and I took a girls day the next day after her XC and Choir Lock in.  We hit PF Changs and did some shopping.  A perfect weekend before the dreaded "S" word starts.

Frog Races

 Oh Larson!

Logan, Larson, and I spent some time at Dr. Freezes Summer fling.  The hit of the night was Dr. Waters Frog races.  It was great!  Frogs everywhere and each one had a name.  I could not tear Larson away from the frogs.

Port Aransas

On the way to Port A.

Kids excited but we have to get back in the car AGAIN!

Larsons dream that its only 5 miles away.

Car on the ferry over to Port A.

Chris found this house for us.

Super Cute

Welcome to the Blue Crab

Girls got a great beach room.

Beach time!

So glad that Jordan was able to bring a friend on this trip.  Its hard for a 16 year old to always hang with her brothers.

Jordan & Sierra

The water was pretty clear.

Pick ups and Pop Ups, thats how Texans hang at the beach.

 I love all the beach shops.  Reminds me of growing up at Myrtle Beach.

 The only kind of tattoo she's ever allowed!

 Paddle ball, one of our favorite beach sports.

Logan is getting pretty good.  Tom and I are still the champs.

 Logan now wants a parrot. 

Adults got to sneak off to dinner.

 Logan seriously looks like Brett Michaels here (and thats not necessarily a good thing)

Uncle Chris' $2 IGA hat.

 We have been having such a fun week in Port A!

 Loved that we got to spend our last week before school in Port A with Uncle Chris, Joie, and kids.