Pepper's Final Summer Gymnastics Class

Pepper's special activity for the summer was taking gymnastics again. She loves learning all the skills and has no fear in trying something new. If she can stay focused, I think she could really go far. 

Here's a video of Pepper showing off her favorite skills:

Hanging out with the other girls and wearing her new medal.

Her class.

Labor Day Wedding Weekend

On Friday afternoon the 29th, Cody came home early from work for the final time that summer and we quickly packed up the van and picked up Morgan and Pepper a little early from school. We were headed to Kentucky to help celebrate the upcoming wedding of Karissa and her fiance, William. We made it just in time for the evening reception/open house, despite some traffic and children delays. Truly was very tire and very fussy and I had to hold her, tightly swaddled the whole time so I did not manage to get any picture. The church gym looked fantasstic and was draped very beautifully. The cake was also amazing.

Karissa and William opening their gifts.

On Saturday we headed over to their club pool to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. As long as the sun stayed out from behind the clouds, it was a beautiful day and the water wasn't too cold.

1st Day of School 2014-15

The first day of school finally arrived on Thursday, August 28th. Morgan and Pepper were very excited to start the school year and meet their old and new friends. I was excited for a little more peace and quiet around the house!

Morgan starting 2nd grade in Mrs. Jensen's class.

We love L.L. Bean and monogramming!

The kids ready to head into school with some extra school supplies.
Right before she left, I kissed Pepper's cheek. She must have decided I was somehow disgusting and started to gag. I'm sure her nerves had something to do with it as well. Anyway, I quickly started trying to talk her back from that ledge and gave her a quick sip of my water and one of Hazel's crackers. She was able to calm down and head off to school with no more issues. Thank goodness!!!

Preparing for Kindergarten

The Friday evening before school started, I took Pepper out for a little shopping and a special treat. I wanted to spend a little one on one time with her before the school year began and life got even crazier. 

Of course we had to take a selfie of our girl's night out.

This girl makes me crazy but she is tons of fun and I am so grateful to be her mother!
She is going to rock kindergarten!

On Monday afternoon, August 25th, Pepper had her kindergarten orientation. She was very excited to see her classroom and meet her new teacher, Mr. Clifford. It was also fun to see the brand new school building. Oh, and yes, her teacher was confused by her name and thought Davis was Pepper's last name. She set him straight.

Classic Pepper face showing off her new locker.

As per tradition, Pepper received a new L.L. Bean backpack courtesy of Gramma and Papa Goodier. She was a little jazzed to open up her new bag.

I think she saw this pose on a TV show and kept doing it. 

She also got the matching lunchbox.
She's a very lucky girl!

And this is the posture I got when I told her to stop doing the other pose. Lovely!

Some other big girl in her big girl panties wants to go to school.
She will have to wait a couple weeks but as long as potty training continues to go well, she will be all set.

In preparation for her big first day of school I did Pepper's nails with some new Jamberry nail sticker things. It was a bit of a process but they turned out very cute and she loved them.

Too bad Pepper is a picker and has zero patience. She had them all picked off by that night. Oh, well!

As a final celebration of summer, Wednesday night the 27th, we took the kids to Copley Community Park and let them play and have pizza before it was time to go to gymnastics. Cody got off a little early so he could join us.

We are very ready for school to start but it will be a little sad to say good-bye to the lazy summer schedule...just a little.

Stan Hywet Playground

One morning, Melissa Cox (Evan and Connor's mom) and I took the kids to Stan Hywet Hall's new children's play garden and splash pad. The kids had a great time playing and exploring. 

Best buddies.

Hazel exploring the play castle.

This marble drop contraption was the highlight for Hazel. Not so much dropping the marbles down but hoarding all the marbles and screaming "mine!" while running away from other children.

Snack time.

Note Hazel in the background with her arms folded. She was not completely sold on this whole splash pad thing. I finally had to drag her in and get her wet. She is not my most adventurous child!

Morgan and Evan walking with arms around each other.

Exploring the Smucker's sponsored butterfly garden.

I think I will miss her little buck teeth when she stops using her "kinkys."

Sisters with matching footwear.

I hope they are great friends someday!