Let the craziness begin.

Cas, Presley and Stratton heading out the door to start another school year. It is an early start to the day this year. We went from starting at 8:45 to 7:45...that is too early! We have had to do some serious adjusting to our summer sleep schedule.

When I asked Presley to stand alone so that I could get a picture of just her, this is what I got. She told me that she likes to pose like this because she looks really cute. I can't argue! (This will be a great picture to use someday to embarrass her!)

A more reserved picture of Presley in her 3rd grade classroom!

Jeff and Stratton at the beginning of Kindergarten. I am in denial that my youngest is now in Kindergarten. He was so excited and didn't even blink an eye at staying at his new school without me. On the other hand, my heart broke just a little bit as I walked out of that classroom.

The end is near.

Jeff works in Tualatin which is about 35 minutes away from where we live. We decided this week that since the weather has been nice, the summer is almost over and there is a fun park close to Jeff's work, we would take a picnic and meet up with him for lunch. The kids had a great time climbing on this huge rope contraption, running around and being able to see their Dad in the middle of the day!

Stratton really loves this park because it has train signs all around it. What more could a boy ask for?

This picture is actually in our back yard. The kids thought that it would be fun to get all three of them on the swing at once. Poor Presley was on the bottom and didn't enjoy staying there for very long. Just long enough to take a picture!

Once a summer we find a Tuesday that is open, grab the neighbors and head to Oaks Park. Oaks Park is a small amusement park that sits next to the Willamette River and the kids love it. (I am good for a few hours once a summer and that's it!) We spend the afternoon watching the kids ride the spinny, upside-down, make you sick rides, eat corndogs and cotton candy, watch a thousand strange people walk by and then call it a day. Pure summer fun!!

Bryce and Stratton on the Scrambler. It was nice this year because I didn't have to go on a single ride with the Stratt-man. He is big enough now that

I can send him along with the older kids and just sit back and watch them all get sick!

* Cas and Kara *

(Yes, this is was taken in August and the girls have on hoodies. Remember...we live in Oregon!)

Ahhh, Presley and Stratton waiting in line together.