Do you smell something?

During the summer we love to grill. So this Labor Day it was the perfect way to "end" the season with dinner on the grill. Tim does a great job getting the meat just right and Jazmin is always there waiting to lick the grease pan when he's done.

How's your shot?

This afternoon Tim spent some time in our backyard preparing for the upcoming hunting season which starts October 1. Between now and then I'm sure that we will see him practicing quite a bit. Each fall I say many silent prayers for all of the deer in the wild. Animals beware...my husband will be approaching!

Is that Tim over there?

We spent the day at Tim's old skiing hole known as his grandpa's cottage. It has been such a long time since he's been there to just hang out and ski that other family members and neighbors wondered if they were actually seeing him correctly. The weather was absolutely goregous and the day turned out to be a success when both girls attempted to ski for the first time. To start, one of Tim's cousins grabbed a rope attached to skis that were tied together and ran through the water pulling the rope behind him. That was as far as Elizabeth got, but Leah was bold enough to try it behind an aluminum fishing boat. Tim stood behind her to steady the skis while his cousin drove the boat and held on to the ski rope. Leah stood up immediately and soon after let go of one hand to wave to the crowd onshore. Of course one time around the small loop wasn't enough so she went for another. Way to go girls!

Did you find a match?

Taking advantage of the nice weather, Leah and her 1st grade neighborhood friend played a modern version of Go Fish on our driveway. Instead of asking for matches the two decided to play it like a memory game. It was a relaxing activity to end a very busy week of daycare for the girls and professional development for me!

Who is your first grade teacher?

It was Leah's turn tonight to meet her teacher during the annual "Meet the Teacher" night at Great Lakes. This open house style event allows the students to go into their classrooms and see their teacher prior to the start of school. The past few years the evening has included a barbeque (hot dogs...yuck) behind the school along with live entertainment (provided by 3 teachers). Leah enjoyed seeing her classroom and officially meeting her teacher. I also had fun meeting my students and their families. It was a well attended event and the weather was absolutely beautiful.

Are you ready for preschool?

Elizabeth had a chance to meet her preschool teacher tonight at Jenison Christian School. She was excited about going and had a fun time looking around the classroom, going down the slide, and playing with the sand. When it was her turn to meet the teacher she was a bit shy and tried to hide behind my back. Hopefully she'll be braver when school starts!

What is left on your "To Do" list?

My type A personality drives me to create "To Do" lists. I used to make them everyday so that I could map out my daily activities. There were times that I would even add something to my list that wasn't originally on it and then cross it off to make me feel like I accomplished more that I had planned. After having children I don't make the time to create lists like I used to. However, for school I find it a necessity to make and maintain several lists. Tonight after dinner the whole family went to my classroom to finish some of my tasks. Tim fixed the back of my mailboxes and bookshelves and then hung some posters. Leah sharpened lots of pencils while Elizabeth helped me punch out die cuts and label some tubs. I still have quite a few things left on my list, but I appreciate their help tremendously!