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I’m a little late in posting, but the kids and I made a partially spontaneous (whatever that means) trip to the aquarium a few weeks ago.  I have to say, that after managing a 4-week-old, 4,7,and 9 year old through the crowded aquarium and having a GREAT time, I now feel like the super mom my friends accuse me of being!  A big thumbs-up to the kids, who were nearly perfect the whole day.  Especially to Jack who volunteered to carry the dorky diaper bag/backpack the whole day, while also helping me out with Will because I had Sam in the sling.

Hand feeding blueberries to the birds

Will loved checking out the sharks & baby crocodiles  

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The first week of school was an absolute success for Jack and Margaret.  They are both pleased with their teachers and making friends with their classmates.  Margaret loves to buy her lunch in the cafeteria, so I think that has been the highlight for her so far.  Jack is loving the recess football scene, especially playing WITH friends from other teams in the league instead of against them. 

I’m not exactly sure why I thought I’d get a lot done around the house with the big kids off at school.  The truth is, I’ve been under the weather for most of the week, so I am just as far behind as I was before on pretty much everything.  On the other hand, it is an absolute JOY, though, to have an infant who can A.) sleep through the  vacuum sweeper, and B.) fall asleep on his own in his bed with minimal crying.   Sam does like to be held a lot, but the sling my mom and aunt got me saves my life on a daily basis. 

Will is not ready, but school starts for him in just over a week.  I’m a little jealous that he’ll get to hang out 2 days a week with all my girlfriends.  The Mother’s Day Out where I have worked for the past 5 years, and where all 3 of the big kids have gone is such an awesome place.  It’s hard not to miss just being there. 

Sam is growing so fast.  Here are some photos to keep you up to speed.

Mini QB, ready for big brother’s first scrimmage of the season today:

Out by the pool, showing off some chub-chub:

Hanging out, helping mommy with the dishes:

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Margaret and Jack headed back to school today.  Margaret has been ready for about a month, and hopped up to get dressed the minute I went in to wake her this morning.  She is beyond thrilled that her best friend, Anna, is in her class for the first time since their 2’s class in preschool!  (Anna’s mom and I are pretty pumped about it, too.)  Jack was really nervous about 4th grade, since he’ll be changing classes for the first time this year.  We talked for a long time last night, and I explained everything he was supposed to do through his day, and he felt much better.  I think he will do great!

They both LOVED their back-to-school outfits. 

Can you tell they are excited?  Look at those poses — this picture really shows their individual personalities.  Maybe one of my new favorites?

Will doesn’t start school for 2 more weeks.  The big kids really wanted a photo with him, though.  Sam is waiting patiently in his carseat.

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Sam is six weeks old today, and WOW has he changed!!!  He went for his first swim in the pool yesterday and seemed to enjoy it.  He is finally taking a nice long nap in the afternoon so we have about 2 1/2 hours to do big kid stuff.  He is holding his head up for longer perods to get a good look around.  Last night Sam went 5 hours between feedings, so I had a chance to take a good shower and get some good sleep.  And his unofficial bathroom scale weight is a whopping TEN POUNDS!!!

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We are so proud of Jack and Margaret.  This weekend they made the choice to be baptized together.  We have talked and studied over the past month so they would fully understand the statement they were making regarding their faith and beliefs, and both kids really have a good grasp on the commitment they are making to live their lives for Christ. 

They decided that since Jack is older, he should go first.  They both watched closely as the other went, though.  (I am seriously upset that every photo I took of Jack came out blurry.)

While Jack was a little nervous, Margaret was more than ready!  She was pretty excited for her turn to come!

We are thrilled that Margaret and Jack were able to be baptized by the same pastor that baptized Brad and me about five years ago.  We have attended Hope Fellowship since we moved here – I was pregnant with Margaret at the time.  So Pastor John has baptized Brad, me, Jack, and Margaret, and also dedicated Margaret and Will.  He is so special to our family — a big thank you to him and our kids’ pastor, Pastor Scott, for all they have done to lead our family in our faith walk.

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