Andy is on his way

We said our good-byes last night. The kids were into the movie (we had a goodbye party) and that distraction helped immensely. Although, tears were shed anyway. I think, for me, the hardest part is over. The last few hours were a roller coaster of emotion and all of them raw. I've heard from many who have been down this road before. They say that saying goodbye is actually harder than being apart. The kids will struggle in the next few days and weeks when the reality starts to settle in. Madi cried a little last night at bedtime and wrote in her journal before bed. She amazes me! Andy still faces many days of unknowns. I'm sure once he is all the way to his final destination he'll be fine, but it's the string of transistions along the way that will be difficult. I will let everyone know when he is all the way there. But, our communication between now and then will be spotty at best. So, I may not know anything myself for awhile.

I can't imagine going away for four months. Aside from two rather small boxes...this is all he took! And, he worried he might have too much stuff!

Wednesday

Look how twirly Madi's dress is!


The guys in my life in their Disney shirts!
I think Drew looks like he is ready to punch someone!

Jack started Talking Friends

Before school


In his classroom

Jack started school yesterday. The name of his speech program is Talking Friends. He told me he was nervous right when we walked in the room. Fortunately, he knew a little girl in the class. The class consists of 3 boys and 2 girls, a teacher and an aide. When I picked him up he said, "Everybody liked my Spiderman shirt!" I was so glad he had such a great first day. Although, I overheard him telling Madi that it was fun, but they don't have any paints there. After I picked him up we went right to the BX and got him a school backpack. He picked one with a motorcycle on it. He is so proud of being in school, of having a school backpack and of how he can put it on all by himself. He can't wait until tomorrow...when he gets to go back to school. He has asked me at least 10 times today why today is not Thursday.

Monday...recap of the past few days

We went scooter riding and Jeep driving Saturday. Andy really wanted to do that once more before heading out. Check out that hill Madilyn is zooming down!! She fell at one point...jumped up and said, "I'm okay!". Andy and I looked at each other in stunned silence...what, no drama!?


Jack REALLY likes Madilyn's new scooter. He thinks of any reason he can to ride it. My heart hurts for him. It's so hard not being the oldest sometimes.


The kids and I went to church on Sunday with a friend. They enjoyed it and I did, too. Doesn't Drew look suddenly older in this picture? He is getting up on his knees and rocking back and forth. We've even seen him scoot his knee once of twice. I wouldn't call it crawling yet...but there is progress. And, still....no teeth! But, we're moving on to table food. He is thrilled with all the new flavors!


Sunday, Madilyn became a Brownie. She had a special ceremony where she "Bridged up" from Daisy Scouts. We're so proud of her and excited for her! I am going to be pretty involved this year as the Treasurer. Get ready for nut sales this fall and cookie sales this spring.


Madilyn's first three days of school have been wonderful. She is making friends and likes her teacher. She even asked to have someone over to play today after school. We'll work that out for sometime next week. Being in school all day is exhausting though. She is really, really tired when I pick her up. She had a mild meltdown this afternoon. I had her lay down in her bed to read books...where she promptly fell asleep. After her hour-long nap she had her wits about her again.

Jack starts Talking Friends tomorrow. That is the name for his Speech program. He is excited. Madilyn was telling him everything that he might get to do and how much fun he was going to have. What a great big sister. Drew and I plan to hang out at Starbuck's for those 90 mins. I've promised to hold him for every single minute we're there! He loves to be held and doesn't get to be held nearly enough. The "curse" of being the third child!

And...Andy comes home late tomorrow night. YEAH! Here is a pic of him in his Desert Camos .

Jack Wrote His Name!

Madilyn's First Day of First Grade

The day started off with some nerves (encouraging the silly face picture was the only way I got any cooperation in picture taking this morning), but by the time we arrived at school Madilyn was excited and ready to go. Andy met her for lunch. After going through the lunch line to get pizza, she told him with confidence, "I can do this by myself"...which we knew...but she needed to learn and feel confident about.

Andy picked her up at dimissal and took her and Jack toy shopping. She was tired after her first full day of school, but toy shopping has a way of waking up a 5 yr old! She had a great day and her teacher said very nice things about her at pick-up time. We're so glad she is having such a positive start again this year.

I love these pics of Drew