Where did August go?

Well, the ENTIRE month of August got away from me. It was full of cramming in last minute summer activities and getting ready for and starting school. It is always a crazy time of year for us, but I am IN LOVE with all my little kiddies and they take up much of my time. This time of year is bittersweet for me. I LOVE that we get back into a routine and things, but definitely wish I could stay home with the little ones a bit longer. School starting is also a "time marker" of sorts for me. Because I'm a teacher, school years = another year older in my mind. Not only for me (who just had my 34th), but for my kids. I am so sad to see them get bigger, but am excited for each new stage in their lives. Come December, my baby will be 1 and I will no longer have an infant (sad).

At the beginning of August, we snuck in a last minute summer trip to the zoo with Grandma and some cousins.

Kids about to ride the carousel.

Me and all my offspring.

Aren't these two cute? I have a feeling they are going to be close. Grandma and Emmy spend every T and TH together doing "Grandma School"

We took a quick weekend campout too in August. We all got sick on our last trip, so this was our re-do. It was great. No one got sick, and the kids each had a friend to play with. It was awesome. Here is a quick snapshot of some of the group.

Then, of course, BACK TO SCHOOL.
The girls started first.
Notice anything different about my cute Kate?

Yep. Glasses!

And this little dude started one of his two preschools this day.

And these two little cuties had surgery yesterday. They got tubes in their ears. Those darned ears had been causing them so much grief. They did their surgeries together, and they looked so cute in their little hospital jammies together.
BEFORE:

RIGHT AFTER:

I was holding Owie, so no picture of him... besides he was nursing right after
(and I didn't take a picture of that!)

A couple of oreos and apple juice later, this kid was good to go. She got to be wheeled out in a chair, which she loved. The background is not someone REALLY getting an MRI, it is just a poster in the foyer. Here's hoping that they will get no more ear infections.