A True Photo Shoot

I was naive and thought I would be able to get some good pictures of the kids last week...I definitely should have thought twice!! I think I MAYBE got one good picture...of Alex! Hope that you enjoy these!!

I would wave my hand to catch their attention and this is what I got back...you would think they have never had their picture taken!!

When asking Will to put his head up (rather than looking down...) this is what I got!

Katie, the model...Alex looking bored...Will wanting to run...Maddie picking bark off the tree...yep, those are my kids! I think they take after Matt! : )

This one is probably my favorite of the day...Will was doing something silly (of course, it wasn't silly to me at the time because of my utter frustration!), but all 3 girls looked at him and started laughing.

Whittens Visit

My sister, Debbie & her family were here to visit (from NC) the first part of the month. We were so excited to have time with them in the warm months - we usually only see them at Thanksgiving or Christmas. We were able to take advantage of some great weather and went to the zoo, John Deere Commons & the Mississippi Mist in Muscatine. Their time here was too short and definitely went too fast. I love you Deb and I miss you guys dearly!

The Train - the BEST part of the zoo!! Maddie & Will in back (with Emma sitting), Alex, Kayla Whitten & Katie in front.

Casey & Emma Whitten, Maddie, Will, Alex & Katie Hart, Kayla Whitten...Surprisingly we got this picture pretty fast - not too bad if I say so myself!!

Admiring the big "tractor" - Will Hart, Kayla Whitten, Alex & Maddie Hart, Judah Meek, Katie Hart & Emma Whitten

Mississippi Mist - I think all of the kids are in this picture minus Will & Casey.

First Day of School

I wish all mornings would go this smoothly...with much excitement & anticipation!! Katie & Alex were upstairs & dressed (with beds made) at 6:30 last Tuesday. The chart has been a big help as a motivator for the kids and a reminder of what needs to be done for me. Here are the girls as they were leaving for school...

waiting before the bell...

It will be an adjustment - esp. for Alex. She has been pretty tired and emotional this past week due to being at school all week. On a good note, I have noticed that her & Katie have been getting along pretty good!

Unpacking the Backpacks

We took the kids to school tonight for the annual "Unpack your Backpack" night. Held the night before school starts, this is an informal get together for students & teachers. Students are able to see their rooms, meet their teachers and unpack their school supplies. This eases the tension of the first day of school.

Katie holding Alex's hand as they enter the playground.

Will & Maddie - trying very hard to be patient & not get into trouble!
If you ask me in a few weeks if I am glad that school has started again...I will probably tell you yes (all too quickly). I have gotten used to having them home all summer - so for now, it is hard! There are so many reasons we decided to homeschool in the beginning and many of these reasons are why I have a heavy heart tonight about them starting school tomorrow.

Morning Check List

I finally got around to making the poster board / incentive check list. I know that mornings are going to be hard with all 4 going to school, especially since we aren't early risers. Instead of constantly harping on each kid to do this or that (or having something not done at all!), I wanted to make them responsible for getting themselves ready in the morning. Here is the finished product.

To say that the kids were excited would be an understatement. As soon as the chart was up, they all ran to finish their morning tasks so they could complete their portion of the chart. I am hopeful that this enthusiasm continues into some good habits!

Katie brushing her teeth

Alex & Maddie making their beds

That's my boy!! Look at him multi-tasking!!

Will placing his magnet on the chart after brushing his hair.