Panera Dates

Sam and I are awesome meal companions. We both like spicy things, we both love to dip things, and we both love cheese! We have a meal at Panera - broccoli cheese soup (yes, even in the summer), a baguette and a fruit cup. This has become our little weekly "thing" since Cara's back in school. She doesn't usually ignore me for the iPad. 

Ten Things I Like About Kindergarten

I have a Kindergartener. I almost can't believe it. I vividly remember when Cara was an infant talking about Kindergarten and how I'd probably, not so seriously, go back to work and thinking it'll be forever before we don't have to pay for daycare. Well, it didn't take forever. I say, feeling very nostalgic, that it went by really fast and I'm left with a lot of emotions. I realized tonight, as I lay watching the Falcons lose, that I should document MY favorite things about Kindergarten. 

1. Packing a lunch is kind of exciting. Or maybe it's that I found a new affection for mini snack containers and freezer packs. 

2. Kindergarten is more serious than Pre K. Through out the year this may also be on the dislike list. 

3. Midgets with book bags make me smile. 

4. There's a car line for pick up and drop off. Coming from Pre K inside pick ups, this is a treat! And they tell you, you CAN'T get out of the car. No problem! You go ahead and do all the work while I enjoy my AC. 

5. There's no more nap time. I like this mostly for the fact that I've had a completely different child at night who actually goes to sleep. But another benefit is they get extra curricular activities instead. 

6. There are extra curricular activities! Cara will get to take Art, PE and music, 2 of which I enjoy very much. 

7. I get a daily behavior report. This may also move to the dislike list. 

8. They have a class room economic system. Yes, they are teaching my child how to earn and manage money. I think it's best I stay out of that one. 

9. Not gonna lie, I'm excited about making a lasting impression with cute outfits. And don't get me wrong, I'm trying to impress the teacher. 

10. I joined PTSA. Actually I signed myself and Chris up. I also have a car magnet and a school t shirt. I need a hobby. 

Falcons Training Camp in Pictures

The Final Weeks of Summer

In less than a week, Cara will start Kindergarten. At some point after that, if I gain the courage, I will start Sam in part time preschool. This means summer is ending. Well, not the season per se, but the sleeping in, the random day time movies, and the excessive pool visits are all coming to an end. We rescheduled our cancelled boat time and I think the new date worked out better than the original July 5th holiday one. The lake was empty and the water was cool plus the Klejka's were able to join. It was perfect! I have to say, my parents are pretty awesome. I'm endlessly grateful for their efforts to have family time. 

This past week I've tried to entertain the girls with fun, end of summer activities. We've visited Monkey Joes. We saw Despicable Me 3. We went to the Cherokee aquatic center, which might I add was amazing! And we plan on visiting the Klejka babies, going to the lake for a wedding and fingers crossed, attending the Falcons training camp. We also attempted back to school shopping, twice now, but it's been Christmas Eve in Target all week! I would rather give the school like $30 and let them order in bulk. Maybe I'll suggest this idea ;)

Enjoy my few, terribly unsteady pictures. 

Ahhhmaaaazing.