First Grade - Day 1

New year, new grade, new school.

 

Apparently, this boy spent all summer break sitting in manure because he has grown like a weed!  Busting out of his clothes and shoes, shedding the rest of that baby face, and ever quickly becoming a big kid. 

 

We are so very proud of him.  I've always refered to Harrison as my sweet-souled boy and even at the ripe old age of 6, it still rings true. 

 

He loves life, loves to laugh, and loves Jesus. 

 

I couldn't help but watch his Daddy get misty-eyed during bedtime prayers the night before his first day of First Grade.  Seems like the older we get, the faster the days fly by. 

 

At the time I'm writing this, we're a few weeks into the new school year and quickly settled back into our groove.  My children (and their Mama) thrive off of routine and boy are we (well, mainly I) glad to have it back!

 

 

 

Bags are packed!  Backpack was a birthday gift courtest of Pottery Barn Kids, lunchbox is Children's Place, and teacher gift is a DIY from Pinterest.

 

 

Picked out his own "first day" outfit and looks mighty handsome to me!

 

Batter Up! Harrison is SIX!

That 6-pound 12-ounce June baby boy of our just turned SIX!  He assures me that six is "grown up...it's first grade, Mama." 

 

Don't remind me. 

 

He had his heart set on a baseball themed birthday party, so I set out "pinning" all things baseball that I could.  And then Strep throat set in. 

 

For me. 

 

Mama got sick. 

 

Needless to say, the party was still fun, but a lot of those great pins got tossed to the wayside.  Bottom line -- Harrison didn't mind at all.  It was his day, his party. 

 

Can't have a June birthday without some water fun to beat the heat...the water slide was a huge hit!

 

Fisher and Harrison crash landing

 

Perhaps the biggest kid of all

 

 

Only Dad would put a $50 bill in a huge empty Frosted Flakes display box!

 

This critter was wore slap out (much like his mother) at the end of the day

Play Ball!

As hard as I try, it's still difficult for me to imagine that Harrison is old enough to participate in team sports.  He is growing up and making that transition to "big kid."  It's frightening and exhilarating all at the same time. 

With some encouragement from Daddy, Harrison decided that he wanted to try baseball this year.  We went for sign-ups, paid our fee, and waited for a practice schedule.  Patiently waited.  "Did you know anything about my baseball, Mom?" became a daily question.  Until finally we got a phone call welcoming Harrison to the Dodgers and when they would start practice.  

We're now halfway through the season, and their team has done really well with only 2 losses.  Fitting practices and games into our already busy schedule has been interesting, but seeing the shear joy and pride on Harrison's face is completely worth rearranging things.  Oh yeah, and I've learned that I might be a little competitive...maybe a little.

Ridiculously handsome in that uniform

3rd base and ready

Hustle boy!

Baseball ready to run for home

Field Trippin' at the Fair

The county fair is sorta a big deal in these parts.  Harrison's class took a field trip to tour the fair and, naturally, Mama tagged along.

The kids got to see a magic show, tour the exhibits, and see the animals. 

Welcome Baby Kai

The boys welcomed a new cousin back in October, little Kai aka "bay bay" as per Briggy.  We let Harrison skip out from school and made the drive to St. Augustine to meet him. 

They are smitten.  :)

Just Some Good Ole Boys

"...never meanin' no harm..."

Who knew a few quick shots in the front yard before church could turn out so cute??

Kindergarten -- Here's comes Harrison!

**This is the first of many catch-up posts and at this point, we're halfway through the school year.  Still bittersweet to see these pictures and the milestones my boy has crossed.**

Check out this big kid on his first day of Kindergarten!  He was up with the sun first thing in the morning, dressed, breakfast, and on pins and needles to go.  We paced ourselves to allow for a rush of cars at the school for his first day.  I wanted to park and walk him in (and snag a few pictures) and watch him react.

Even with my careful planning, Harrison was the first in his class that morning.  He met his teacher again and handed her her gift along with a hug.  She showed him where to put his things and he settled at his table to work on a morning paper.  He got right to work, so I kissed him and scooted out.  As I pulled away from the school, I choked back tears -- not because I was sad, but happy tears to see him growing and excited for this next stage in his life. 

And as part of a new tradition, the "Back to School Fairy" left a surprise on the front steps.  A snazzy Lightning McQueen thermos and Tow Mater Pez candy.

Bags and lunch are pack...and a little gift for teacher

He picked out his own outfit -- Daddy was proud!

In front of his new school

 Welcome to Kindergarten!

Because of staggered start dates, it was a few days before Harrison got to go back and finish up his first week of kindergarten.  He was a champ riding the bus home and we were excited to hear about his adventures!

And just for kicks, here's a quick glimpse of Harrison's first day of preschool a year ago...

Harrison Turns F.I.V.E.!

***yes, this is a catch-up post.***

We celebrated Harrison's 5th birthday on June 21 with a hunting-themed family birthday party at our house.  It was small and simple and so fun.  B and Grandad rented an enormous waterslide for the backyard as their gift to Harrison and was by far the hit of the party.  Heck, it was the hit of the entire day...even J and I played on it with the boys!

"Happy Birthday to You..."

Keeping true to tradition, a picture of our whole family.  Except that this one leaves a lot to be desired.  Daddy is shirtless and the laundry room door is wide open.  Nevertheless, this is my life and I love it.

What's a birthday without a coordinating shirt!

Gifts!

Waterslide Fun

The Cake -- Crafted by Mama



Memory Monday

Taking a quick glance back one year ago...

We were right in the thick of summer.  Hot, muggy mornings outside and nice, long afternoon naps (for the boys, not for me) in the A/C!

This time last year, we were finishing up Vacation Bible School at church...Harrison's first VBS experience actually.  He had the most fun that week and I had the privilege of leading his class. 

My other little pipsqueak -- this time a year ago -- was on the verge of feeding himself.  It's no surprise both my boys are good eaters and love the eat.  (Have you seen their Mama...enough said)! 

Look Who's a Big Swimmer!

What better way to officially kick off summer break but with a few weeks of swimming lessons!  Harrison had the most fun and I was shocked at the how quickly he took to swimming...with no reliance on water wings/swimmies.  It was fun to watch the kids day by day get more confidence and by the end of the two weeks, Harrison had learned so much.  He had gone from being a fraidy cat who wouldn't take off his water wings to a fearless kid jumping off the diving board and swimming (underwater) the length of the pool.  He had learned -- obviously -- swimming basics, but had also learned how to tread water and the "bat strope" (backstroke). 

And on the last day, his class was even awarded certificates for such good work.  It worked perfectly that we left for our vacation to Sanibel the following day after swimming lessons were over, so Harrison had a full week to polish those swimming skills.  (And Mama didn't have to worry about him so much!)

Best Buds Logan and Harrison

Ready, Set, Go!

So proud!

Memory Monday

Seeing as tomorrow my first-born will turn 5, it's a fitting Memory Monday to look back at his 4th birthday.  It never ceases to amaze me what a difference a year makes.  These critters do not even look the same as today!

Harrison age 4

Brigdon age 6 months

June 2010

"Look Ma!"

Check out this Cracker-Jack riding with NO training wheels!??! 

Wordless Wednesday