38 weeks

38 weeks today.  

Oh, boy. I'm ready to meet my little girl.  I was dilated to a three at my appointment last Wednesday and was the same at my appointment this week.  So I guess she just needs to decide she wants to meet us, too.

First day of school

Wednesday was the kids' first day back at school. We were all so excited.  They love school and couldn't wait to go back and I felt the same.  I love their school. I love their teachers.  And I LOVE uniforms.  It makes school clothes shopping soooooo super easy.  And each morning getting dressed isn't such a chore.  I love it.  I wish all schools had it so when we could have it when we're in a different school.

 This is Evan's teacher - Ms. Richard.  Sara had her for 2nd grade and we absolutely loved her so we are so excited Evan gets her, too.  She was greeting each child by name that morning and I think it helped the kids be a little more at ease.  Evan was excited but still a little nervous as well. 

 This is the girl we carpool with each morning.  She's been in Evan's class since Kindergarten. It's always nice to have a friend in there with you.

 And Kamri's after school surprise for the kids - a big giant cookie.

Kid Triathlon

This year the venue changed and we did it in my brother's neighborhood and used their neighbor's pool.  That means there were hills this year - both running on biking.  The kids had a little bit of a hard time with those.  Sara and Evan pretty much wanted to quit, but they kept going anyway.

Afterward we had some fun just playing in the pool and eating lunch.

 Yep, pretty much wants to quit right about now.

 Miles got in on the action this year.

They think they're pretty tough.  They pretty much are.

This is such a fun tradition and the kids ask about it all year.

Me today.....

Well, this is me today.  36 weeks and counting.

   

I really do for the most part don't mind being pregnant, and most days even like it.  But I'm ready to be able to do certain things again.  Namely...

1) turn over in bed in less than 1 minute (a slight exaggeration - very slight)

2) bend over and pick things up without having to spread my legs to do so

3) lean over my plate at the dinner table

4) walk up and down the stairs and not feel like I'm going to die and without my legs aching afterward

5) back out of our driveway or parking spot comfortably

6) seeing my feet while standing up

7) feel a little like myself again

I'm not sure I'm quite ready for 5 kids yet, but I'm sure ready to be done being pregnant.

Backyard Pool...

Some neighbor friends gave us one of their old kiddie pools.  Even though it is way too small for the older ones, they still had a blast.  We shoudl have gotten one of these like 6 years ago.

Happy Birthday, Sara!!

She's nine-years-old!  Crazy!!!

I can't believe she is already nine.  I remember I was so scared when I was pregnant with her.  I was terrified I'd do everything wrong.  But now I have a beautiful girl who is so caring and sweet and eager to help out.  

There are days when she is my life saver.  Happy Birthday, Sara.  We love you!

 She opened our shed to get her bike out and she found a new one. 

 I was surprised, but she wanted a cake with yellow and pink roses. 

Kim and Mike's family sent her this beautiful Edible Arrangements gift.  It was fun getting this kind of delivery at the door.

Splash Park...

A park near us has a splash park at one of the playgrounds.  I decided to actually do something fun with the kids since summer is almost over so we went there - the best part is it's free.

 pretending to by Ariel