We got this down!

First Day of school, that is...

Bailey is now in the 4th grade an Emma in 1st.  We of course have loved Emma's teachers for the last 5 years:)  Bailey is in the class with the two new teachers at MMCA.  Lucky, lucky for us, one of them is the daughter of his teacher from the last two years and the other is a mom of one of the kids who was in his class as well.  So we were SO excited to induct these two lovely ladies into the Oram extended teacher family.  The teachers at this school have been nothing but the best to our family!

 I usually take the picture in front of the door at home, however, I forgot until everyone was buckled into the car, so I got them back out and put them by the tree.

I was trying to get them to just stand there, but they ended up looking like little soldiers. 

 Bailey, hands in pockets, waiting in his new class line.  He was a bit nervous.

 Emma and her best friend, Isabelle. Isabelle called Emma on the phone the night before to plan their matching hair for the first day of school.

Emma was in social mode quickly. 

They both loved the first day, and Bailey was relieved that he loved his class (as well as the fact his best friend is in it with him--and maybe the girl he secretly thinks is cute-sorry Bailey!)

Monkey in a tree

Benefits of cleaning out the garage: finding a rope!

Benefits of having a creative dad: Idea for a rope swing!

Benefits of a dad with no fear: Installation is easy!

Ben also found an old piece of car seat and made a seat for the rope swing.  The kids love it and spend hours out front swinging.

Bears at the Zoo

 We went with Bailey's Bear Den to the Folsom Zoo today. Nathan was excited, can you tell?

 He kept running back and forth and the Tiger would follow him.

 The Bears as "The Bears"  :)

 

Afterward we did lunch and played on the new playground.  We were supposed to ride the train, but it was broken!  The kids were disappointed so we might have to make another trip back there soon.  

Summertime, and the living is easy

 I haven't taken too many pictures this summer of our normal routine.  Summer ends Wednesday and we are back to school...Not really wanting to give up on summer yet.

 Most afternoons, since it has not been very hot and our entire front yard is shaded, we all go outside and play.

 The kids love to just hang out, color with sidewalk chalk, ride bikes, and Addison sometimes gives all that up to sit on my lap.

 I took a picture of her when she was getting sassy:) She didn't like that at first, but the tantrum stopped.

 Bailey reading his Fablehaven book (he's on #2!)

 "House" by Bailey

 This is Addison's favorite bike.

 They all usually fight over who gets to hold the sidewalk chalk bucket.  Addison usually wins, which cracks me up

 Kate, being Kate

 It only took the summer for Nathan to learn how to peddle. He's even more of a maniac on his bike now.

 Just another example of Addion's favorite spot, at my knee

 Emma worked hard to decorate Daddy's flower area.

 Nathan and Kate giving "Hugbuddies"--A Grandpa Dave phrase 

 Kate thinking she could attempt "The Hill" She backed out and came back on the grass two seconds later

 Bailey would not let me get his picture, so I had to sneak them

 She loves to play!

 Nathan's "I want some miwk" face. This face always gets me

 Take my picture, Mom!

 He still likes to be silly, even at 9 years old!

 We had Bailey weigh himself the other day--80 pounds!  Wow! I think he must be made out of stone.

 The little twinners, girlies, aka Kate and Addy

 Kate thought she could roll with the big kids

 Emma working hard on her decoration project

 Nathan and Addy giving "Hugbuddies"

 Me and my chair.  I love to sit out there with them.  If they start to get crazy in the afternoon, we alwyas head right outside and everyone feels better. 

People pass by and give us nice smiles in our neighborhood every afternoon. We look like a little daycare!

Next Wednesday our summer ends and we head back to school.  The kids haven't even started REALLY fighting yet, but I guess I should quit while I am ahead.  A part of me is already counting down for next summer!

Confidence Cup

Emma has been taking a Jazz/Hip Hop class at Tricks for the past month and a half.  Can I emphasize enough that she LOVES it?!  The video would not upload (but is on FB!) to the blog, but here are some pictures...

 They have a cute little stage that the girls get to stand on to accept their trophies.

 Emma won "Most Energetic"

 Emma always makes friends.

 Right before her performance

She loves this trophy and now has started carrying a purse just so she can carry it around with her.