Our first team sport

Grace went back and forth on it but finally decided she wanted to sign up for soccer. I never played soccer when I was younger, Chris did though.
We practiced a little with Grace before the first practice and she was mostly positive about it. She whined some but that isn't anything new.
Her first practice was Tuesday. And did I mention Chris volunteered to coach! We are hoping it helps Grace feel more comfortable to trying something new.
Practice was...ummm...interesting. I ended up helping Chris because as it turns out, the kids couldn't focus. I am hoping the next practice is more successful and less stressful.
One practice down!

~ Em

Kiddos first day of school

The day as finally come. I always knew it was coming. But when the time is actually here, you feel like you just blinked and you don't know how it could possibly be here. How do I have kids old enough to be going to school?! Yikes!
A lot of preparation went into being ready for the first day of school. Grace of course only could think of one thing she needed...school clothes! So Grace was taken school clothes shopping by both Grandma's and Mom and Dad. Do you think each Grandma bought her just one outfit, uh, no. Somehow Grace came back after shopping with more clothes than anyone intended to get her. She is becoming quite the skilled negotiator. And I think she is more than prepared, clothes wise, for her kindergarten year. Will also got new clothes, he knew sister was, and he has to do the same as her or that just wouldn't be fair. Thank goodness I have one child that is easier to please.
We took baths, set out our special outfit for the first day of school, and got the kids to bed right on time. When I woke up, I gave myself plenty of time to have breakfast ready, the kids dressed and a few minutes for pictures. As I am sure, the moms that have been there and done that know, my morning did not go as planned. There were tears from both kids. Grace because she changed her mind on her outfit and was upset that I wouldn't let her wear a skirt with no pants underneath. And Will because Grace sat where he wanted to sit to eat breakfast. I should have know emotions would be high. I even had a few moments myself, and them crying was only making it harder on me to hold it together. Somehow we got out of the house, with some cute pictures, on time.
Since the kids started school at the same time Chris and I had to each take one. I took Grace since I won't be able to take her everyday. And Chris took Will since my sister will normally be the one dropping off. Plus, if I took him, he is more likely to struggle with being left at school.
Both drop offs went smooth. Grace was so preoccupied with her classroom that after I told her I loved her, she told me it was time for me to go. Now if that doesn't break a moms heart.... And Will didn't seem to mind being left at school.
They also handled themselves well during school. Or so I am told by their teachers, and helpers. What a relief.
So now we enter the world of school. I am excited for everything school has to offer for the kids. Most importantly, their education, but in addition to that, the social factor, sports, and the friendships they will make no doubt. As we encounter obstacles, and exciting milestones I will keep you updated.
Life featuring Will and Grace just got a little more exciting!

~ Em

Our Saturday Market purchase

It can't come as too much of a shock that these shirts were purchased at Saturday Market, can it?
Grace had a tie dye dress that she wore until the threads were busting, it had seen better days. So that was why we ventured downtown Portland. Downtown with both kids, at a crowded place such a Saturday Market tends to give me anxiety. Also, it kicks in my momma bear instinct and has me on full alert. The kids listened to me and held my hand (tightly) the whole time. We had a good time, and stopped by a lot of neat booths. I wasn't planning on it but I ended up finding a cool birthday present for my sister too!
I don't know when we will make it back there, but I am guessing the next time Grace wears her dress out! Or Will's since we had to purchase him one too!

~ Em

End of Summer Beach Trip

Luckily, we were able to squeeze in a trip to the beach before summer ended. Somehow, summer flew by and when I was going over my checklist and everything I wanted to have us do this summer I realized we never got to the beach. Of course, when I searched online for a hotel practically everything was booked. Turns out I chose the weekend of Hood to Coast run. But I wasn't going to let them get in the way of our only open weekend left to get to the beach. I found a hotel in Lincoln City and it worked out.
We only stayed one night but with the cost of everything involved and being on the road with two kids one night was perfect. And once I booked the room I realized, we have never spent the night at the beach with the kids.
It was perfect weather when we arrived and we went straight to the beach. Well actually we made a pit stop at the kite store,and then straight to the beach. We flew kites,made sand castles, buried the kids and out toes in the sand.
How could we not stop at Mo's for chowder? Somehow we even had time to take a dip in the hotel pool. Private swimming lessons for the kids, courtesy of Chris.
Making memories as a family always puts a smile on my face!

~ Em

Oregon City Night Out

The kids had so much fun! This was our third year going! And we will be going again next year. So many people from Oregon City and business' show up to participate in all of the festivities. Grace won the kids raffle! Her prize was a book bag full of school supplies. Will didn't exactly win but when our adult raffle number was called we let him go up and collect the prize. We didn't want him to feel left out. "He" won a gift certificate for 18 holes of golf! Oregon City Night Out is always an event we enjoy going to.

~ Em

The kids even celebrated our anniversary

July 24th was our 7 year wedding anniversary. My sister helped the kids make us a present. They made us a family memory box. They filled it with pictures they drew of what they love doing together as a family. And I love mom and dad notes in Grace's writing. It was completely unexpected and so heartfelt. We had a lot to celebrate on our anniversary, and everyday we are given together in the future.

~ Em

How well do Will and Grace know me?

I found this little questionarre on Pinterest and found it is interesting. I love asking the kids questions and seeing what their responses are. You never know how random or completely accurate they will be. I was asking both of them but Will just started copying everything Grace said and then he got bored with it and couldn't keep focused. Mostly the answers are from Grace, and literally her first response is what I wrote. I have to put my response to Grace's response down because some of them just require an explanation.

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
G-I love you, stop sticking your tongue out
Me- Those are both accurate for each child
2. What makes Mommy happy?
G- Being good for mommy, being good for Dad
Me- yes, I must tell them that
3. What makes mommy sad?
G-Being sick and you can't hang out with us, crying
Me- of course being sick makes me sad, but more when the kids don't want to be around me.
4. What does mommy do to make you laugh?
G-Making silly faces
Me- I'm surprised they didn't say tickle them, that is usually how I get them to laugh.
5. What was mom like when she was a kid?
G-You were like me.
Me- I was like Grace is some ways, but from what I have been told I was a lot like Will too.
6. How old is mommy?
G-24, 7
Me- Well Grace did pretty good, and Will, well wow 7 isn't quite old enough to be your mommy.
7. How tall is mom?
G-As big as the fridge
Me- thanks a lot kids! That's not really how you get on moms good side!
8. What's moms favorite thing to do?
G-Hang out with Will and me, and dad and our family.
Me- this is my favorite thing to do, as long as everyone is getting long and not yelling Mom, Mom, Mom every two seconds.
9. What does mom do when you aren't around?
G-You watch tv, go to see your friends
Me- pretty accurate. How does she know that?
10. If mom is going to be famous, what is she going to be famous for?
G- A fashion show
Me- wow! Do I have one sweet girl or what?!
11. What is Mom really good at?
G-Saying thank you
Me- I do want them to know everyone uses their manners, even parents.
12. What is mom not really good at?
G-Nope, that's not a good question, i am not answering that.
Me- and my girl too sweet to her momma!
13. What does mom do for a job?
G-Uh, you work at a bank?
Me- I can not believe this was her response. I don't know where she got that idea.
14. What's moms favorite food?
G-Salad
Me- I do like me some salad.
15. If mom was a cartoon character who would she be?
G-Ruby, from Max and Ruby
Me- I really do not like Ruby, not sure why she chose her.
16. What makes you proud of mommy?
G- Im proud of you for reading books
Me- I kinda wish it was for something else, but she has started reading a little so its good she is learning.
17. What do you and mommy do together?
G-Go to Claire's
Me- yeah I need to curb her shopping addiction.
18. How are you and mommy the same?
G-We both have brown hair
Me- glad she knows what it means to be the same.
19. How are you and mommy different?
G-We don't have the same color eyes
Me- thank you for stating the obvious.
20. How do you know mommy loves you?
G-Because I'm so beautiful
Me- So much for being modest. And, my love for her goes a little deeper than that.
21. Where's mommy's favorite place to go?
G-Library
Me- why she said this, I am still scratching my head.

Ask your kids these questions. And I want to see the responses.

~ Em