and then there were two.

this first week has required a bit of adjusting. mind you, it hasn't been on the part of the school girl...but on her siblings and myself. life just isn't the same without the v. :(

so today the littles and i decided to take a little adventure stroll through the old mill. bauer especially loved the bridge (f and i not so much).

this shot cracks me up. bauer was hunting the chupacabra in the forest...oh good heavens! you mix a nearly five year old imagination and clif's obsessions with culutral myths and i guess you get our b! ;)

he did pause, however, long enough for me to get a few sweet shots of him being kind to his baby sister.

also known as frances...or his perpetual shadow.

can you believe this beautiful old mill (a part of the national historic register) is right around the corner from our house? i couldn't help but just stroll slowly and quietly reflecting on how blessed we are to live in such a pretty little city...

and, of course, to be blessed with just a few more days of summer with my babies. :)

firsts

today had a lot of firsts...

first time this little guy has ever slept later than big sister....but, no worries, he still got up in time to have his picture made with the school girl.

oh yeah....and first day of FIRST grade. words cannot describe how surreal this all is...

first grade friends (who incidentally were also kindergarten friends...hooray!)

first year for ms. akin to teach at our school. she is so nice...we are expecting a great year!

first time mommy didn't cry at first day drop off. no worries...probably just an isolated incident.

big girl first grade lunch. incidentally also first time mommy has made eyelashes with food markers (might need to practice).

first picture taken this morning. happy girl!

first breakfast of the new school year, made just for our girl by daddy.
a few other firsts that i must note for posterity: last night as vivian was getting ready for bed i asked if i could read her a special story the night before school. she sweetly smiled and replied, "no thanks, mom. i'm in first grade...i can read myself a story." wow. first knife through the heart. ;) and after tucking her in and kissing her goodnight i asked "is there anything specific you would like to pray about? any concerns you have about your first day tomorrow?" and with all the confidence of a child she calmly said "no mom...it's gonna be great!" :) first time i realized my kid had it more together than i did....and i'm sure not the last.

what...five & seven?!?

i don't know when it happened...but somehow time has flown by and my babies are turning 5 & 7!!! today we celebrated a bit early (back to school always makes it a bit hectic) with friends. originally, we had planned an outside pool party but last minute poor weather moved us to an indoor venue. i love this pic of these sweet sisters. :)

of course our longtime best buds trip and ruby joined us to celebrate.

and the wonderful aunt kk.

a few of miss v's sweet girl friends.

the frankiestein was super duper excited about finally being able to indulge in her pink fish cupcake.

no party is complete without the edward's.

the whole crew.

blowing out those birthday candles.

the big birthday kids and their cupcakes.

i know he is mine...but you gotta admit. he is gorgeous!

best bud aaron has been in school with bauer since they were babies.
it was a great day celebrating two of god's biggest blessing in our lives. happy early birthday sweet bauer and vivian! :)