School Has Begun

Well it actually "began" two weeks ago.  But the first two weeks where both four day weeks so I think we can say that this past week has been the first "real" week of school.

A little drama and a miracle to start off with.  Most of you reading this know that we live in Hayward but our boys go to school in Castro Valley (CV) at Castro Valley Elementary School (CVE). Well for some reason CV is experiencing a surge in enrollment this year, especially in the 3rd grade - Paul's grade so, Paul did not get into CV for the first week of school.  God is truly amazing because after speaking to the lady in the district office who does the transfers I was pretty much resigned to the fact that Paul was going to have to go to school in Hayward this year.  She straight up said, "It's not looking good" (That Paul would get into any school in Castro Valley).  Then low and behold I get a call from the principal at CVE telling us that they are opening up a new 2nd/3rd grade combo class!  So, Philip and Paul are both at CVE where they have been since kindergarten.  Truly a miracle.  God is SO GOOD!

Here are some pix from the first day of school

                   Big 4th Grader - I can't believe it!

          And my big 3rd Grader - can't believe this either!

And last but certainly not least, my little devil - Sammy.  And believe you me I can believe this one as we are together 24/7!  ; )  Just kidding - Love you Sambo!

Mothering

I came across this page in a parenting magazine and I was convicted and reminded that these moments with my little guys are precious, few, and short.  Personally, I especially need to be mindful of this at times when I am tired and my patience is wearing thin.   I think this is geared more towards toddlers but for me I feel like it's a good reminder for parenting/mothering across the board.  I have put this on my dresser mirror where I will see it daily and be reminded of the precious gifts that God has entrusted to me - my angel babies, Philip, Paul, and Samuel.

Oregon or Bust

We made a last minute trip to Oregon.  Dave's Grandma Mary passed away on August 2nd.  She was such a unique, special, creative, inspirational and wise lady.  She will be dearly missed.  There was no memorial service for her, per her wishes, but we did end up getting together with some family  and reminisced and laughed about Grandma and all the memories we had of her.  That was really nice.  We got to spend time with Dave's Auntie Marie and Uncle Blake.  Uncle Blake took Philip and Paul crabbing and they had a ball!!  We also had the pleasure of meeting our nephew Andrew for the first time.  What an adorable little guy he is!!  And our dear little nieces Annalisa and Alyssa what a joy to see them as well, such dolls.  All the kids had fun running around and playing at Grandma's house.  And of course we were so happy to see Anna and Doug we miss those two so much!!  Good to see and catch up with them.

We made one final stop on the way out at the Dinosaur museum and that I think was the highlight of the trip for Sammy - he can't stop talking about those dinosaurs! 

Getting Uncle Blake hooked on video games

Watering with Auntie M

Cousins

Gonzalez & Matangelos

The boys and the T-Rex

 

There's no place like home.................

THEY'RE HOME!!  Philip & Paul arrived home today.  So nice to have them home safe and sound.  They had a great time at Grandma & Grandpa Evansons.  Sammy really missed his big brothers and sure was happy to see them.

Sammy, watching and waiting for his brothers..............

                 Here comes their plane

Happy reunion!! 

Going to get the luggage.

Which one is ours?????  Hope this doesn't fall.

Sammy's home "alone" but having fun too!

The "Bro-Bros" are away but Sammy's having his share of fun this summer too.  He got to experience his first concert.  We took him with us to see Sammy Hagar & the Scorpions!  What a fun show.  We made a t-shirt for him with glow-in-the-dark paint.  Dave drew a scorpion on the front - it looked great!  He misses his brothers but I think he's having fun being an "only child" for a few weeks! ; )

Pre-show, hangin' out in Arthur's truck

Gettin' ready to "Rock-On!"

Clatskanie, Oregon

Philip & Paul are at Grandma and Grandpa Evansons.  They are having a blast.  Here are some pictures to prove it. 

Leaving on a jet plane

So our older boys went on a plane by themselves for the first time.  I don't know who was more nervous - me or them!  Everything went very smoothly.  We got to the airport on time, everyone from the airline was super friendly and nice.  They even let me go onto the plane to meet the flight attendant (Sarah) and take a picture of her and the boys.  

All and all it was a very good experience.  The boys are at my parents right now getting spoiled rotten as we speak (or as you may be reading this : )

Here are some more pictures from the airport:

Sammy and his "bro-bros"

Flight Departing Gate A11

And of course, Sammy had to find something to climb on : )