Quint's first day

It was a big day.

We were teary but Quint was brave:)

The great news was...

He loved it!

Daddy even made it....just awesome.

the brothers seeing Quint off

Saying goodbye

Russell and Q checking out his cubby

Our sweet teacher....

kicking the parents out....

I guess it was time:)

There is an "M"

Letter recognition is big around our house.
Russell gets very excited when he can identify letters:)

Today Russell was having hot cocoa in a mug and he noticed an "m" on the mug.  

Then he said to me....
"look there is an M like in your name"

Instantly I thought....

there is not an M in my name.....

then I realized....

Yes...

yes there is....

There is an M in Momma.

I just marinated on that....

how cool is it that my boys have given me a new name.

For a long time I was Christy....

 Taylor for a while....

and now...

Momma...

funny how life has seasons...

and for me...

even in my names.

In 10 minutes

It blew in

Crazy rain

Hail

Gusty winds

And

In 10 minutes it was over

And so were the trees

Iowa weather never ceases to amaze

Chalk creations

Found the sidewalk chalk yesterday.

The boys loved it

I love the driveway art:)

The Tooth Fairy

It was wiggling

It moved back and forth

We kept checking

Not ready yet....

Then...tonight....it was!!!

Sitting on the neighbors porch

Daddy wiggled it...

and 

drumroll....

it came out!

Q lost his first tooth!

front lower left.

Wow.

Big moment.

He looks awesome toothless:)

Summer....is over....already?

I find it strange school starts tomorrow in our town, and Q starts next Wednesday.  It seems so early. I love summer, the sun, the water, being outdoors.  Fall is the best in Iowa but I know after that comes....winter.  I am sad to see summer end.  Here are some pics from the water park where we spent many of our summer days.  It was a great splurge, especially since it was roasting most days!

Piston Cup

Found a great bike trailer on craigslist.  

 It was on my want list forever, 

and it is fantastic.  

I LOVE riding the beach cruiser with the boys, 

especially now the Q can ride with me.

This morning Q and I are riding home from the Y and he shouts over

"Race you home Mom!"

"Ok" I shout back 

(internally trying to suppress my competitive nature)

Then he ups the stakes....

"whoever wins gets the Piston Cup!"

(Cars reference)

Doesn't he realize his mother is EXTREMELY...to a fault competitive......

I start to pedal faster....

I love a good challenge...besides he was so far ahead I had no chance.

I look over at him as he puts his head down,

 intently focused on pedaling as fast as possible

He is so driven...

I am challenged by the race but more by the question running in my mind...

How do we guide his drive?

He beams as he pulls into the driveway ahead of me.

I graciously concede.

Losing the Piston Cup was rough, but

deep down I am proud of his desire to win

{Grin}