Back To School!

Bruce and Linda started school this morning. They are going to a different elementary school this year. I walked them to their classes this morning. It was pretty chaotic at the school with all the parents bringing their kids and supplies and trying to find classrooms. Bruce and Linda have classrooms right by the playground. Score! :). I'm going to miss them so much in the days! 2 kids at school full day and 2 kids at home. It should be pretty quiet around the house in the days. Here's hoping for a great school year.

Bruce is in the 2nd grade. His teacher is Mrs. Garrison. I met her this morning and I have a good feeling about her. She seems really organized, kind, and I think Bruce will like her.

Bruce injured his toes earlier in the week and they were still hurting really badly this morning. I gave him some Motrin and wrapped his toes. He was limping in to school. I felt bad he had to go with an injury. Running is his favorite thing to do at recess. He probably have to wait until Monday before he can enjoy recess without pain.

Linda is in the 1st grade. Her teacher is Mrs. Briggs. The jury is still out on her teacher. Her classroom was more chaotic with crying kids and tons of parents. I wasn't able to tell what kind of teacher she will be. Cross your fingers!

This is Linda's first year that she attends school full day and eats lunch in the cafeteria. She was a little timid this morning when I had to leave. I know she'll do great though. I felt bad just leaving her in a totally unfamiliar situation and having her fend for herself. Can't wait for her to get home and tell me
that she had a happy day so I can relax.

I'm not going to lie. I cried all the way home. I thought I'd be perfectly fine. I felt bad that Bruce was going to be in pain all day. Mostly I'm nervous for Linda. I just hope she doesn't feel lost in the crowd today and that her teacher can see the wonderful person that she is.
I love these kids.

AFTER SCHOOL REPORT:
Bruce and Linda were very happy when I picked them up this afternoon. They both had great days. They even played together at recess which makes me happy. Okay, we all survived the first day of school and we're ready for the rest of the school year now. :)

Swimming Lessons

We took one session of swimming lessons over the past 2 weeks. The kids loved it and we're all sporting pretty good tans now. :) They learned a lot in just a little bit of time. We're hoping to keep Jane in lessons twice a week in the Fall. She'll love having something to look forward to each week.

Here's Linda practicing her kicking.

Jane and Linda were in the same class but in different groups. Jane is left and Linda is holding on to the pole.

Bruce swimming!

What was their favorite part of swimming lessons? JUMPING OFF THE DIVING BOARD!!

Bruce - 7yr. Stats

Bruce went to his yearly physical today. He is healthy and strong, with the exception of three of his toes that he hurt at swimming lessons. How do you hurt your toes at swimming lessons? You jump in the 3ft. with straight legs. But, the toes aren't broken and he should be back in action by the weekend.

                                           

Height: 4ft. 2.5inches   (87th percentile)

Weight: 52lbs.               (55th percentile)

BMI: 14.44kg               (17th percentile)        

Go Tigers!

Today was the opening ceremonies for Bruce's soccer league. They had all of the teams march out and had the first kick of the season. They also took their team and individual pics and had their first game. Bruce did great! It's amazing how much he's improved since he played last year in VA. He's really aggressive and LOVES to play. We had a fun day and I like being a soccer mom. :)

Bruce scored one goal in the game today.

Look at this cool dude!

Bruce and his proud dad. They love playing soccer in the backyard, in the house, everywhere!

We're looking forward to a fun season.

Sea Life Aquarium

We used the other half of our Lego Land tickets and went to the Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad yesterday.

It was a nice aquarium...a little on the small side, but we all enjoyed it.

Happy 4th Birthday to Jane!

My sweet Jane, I love that...

You skip everywhere you go, literally.
You love to cuddle. When you sit next to someone you have your side touching theirs.When someone lays down next to you you put your arm around their neck.
You can hold your own with the boys, but you can also fit right in with the girls. 
You love to play at the playground. You really enjoy being a kid.
You demand homework when the big kids are doing theirs.
You are athletic. You especially enjoy gymnastics and swimming.
You have a sugar tooth. You get that from the Nielson side of the family.
You are always saying silly things.
You are so independent.
You are so brave. When you see the pediatrician, arthritis specialist, eye specialist, you have no fear. You don't even cry when you get shots. You are very brave when they take your blood and you never fight the nurse even though it is painful.
You are confident. You are never jealous of the things your siblings get to do. You are always happy for them.
You love animals. You especially LOVE dogs. You did not inherit this from your parents. This is a love you developed all on your own.
You get so excited about things. At even the simplest things you see or you're told your blue eyes get so big and you simply say. "WOW"
You're unique. I can't even begin to explain your personality to others. You are so funny and quirky. You're great.

I love you Jane. You are my special angel.

Bruce & Jane's Birthday Party!!

Bruce and Jane have birthdays close together so we had a joint birthday party this year. Both kids were up for it...as long as we had a bouncy/slide. :) We had a luau theme and the kids had a GREAT day. Our first big family birthday party since coming back to California. I must say that the bouncy was worth every penny. The kids(all 16 of them) played on it for hours and loved every second of it. It may sound funny, but I'm so happy to have a big backyard where the kids can play and we can easily have parties and family over.

Jane was very clear that she wanted a "white cake" and Bruce wanted a cake made of cookies.

Jane turns 4 on Monday.

Bruce turned 7 this past Thursday.

Bocce Ball

Legoland!! (1st time for the kids and I)

Bruce has been wanting to go to Legoland for a long time. Since we live only around 10miles from Legoland, it's been torture for him not to go. I told him last night that I'd leave a present on his bed for him when he woke up. When he woke up he found this note that said for his present we were taking him to Legoland...TODAY! We had a great time and I had one happy 7yr. old.

Here are a few pictures.

Dear Bruce, Happy 7th Birthday!

Dear Bruce,
Not too long after your dad and I were married we were driving down the road in Oceanside and out of nowhere the thought came to my mind that it was time for us to start our family and have a child. It really caught me off gaurd. I was not the girl that grew up picking out baby names or thinking of what I'd do when I was a mom. I really never even thought I'd get married and having a child didn't cross my mind until that very second in the truck. I hesitantly asked your dad, "So, do you think we should try to have a baby?" I was hoping that he'd say I was silly because we hadn't been married long. He thought about it a second then agreed he thought it was time as well. We looked at each other like, whoa this is crazy! Right then I was filled with excitement and for the first time the possibility of becoming a mother was a reality to me.


Six months later I found out I was pregnant with a pregnancy test. I am not a patient person and I had taken a test each of those prior six months that were negative. When I saw that positive sign I was filled with disbelief and happiness all at the same time. I called your dad at work and told him. He was shocked and happy as well. We could not believe we had a baby on the way.


On August 12th, 2003 I had a c-section and my big baby boy was born. You were breech and 9lbs. 3oz. Since I had you by c-section I didn't get to see you immediately when you were born. I heard your high pitched cry and it literally took my breath away. A true miracle. This little spirit sent to your dad and I to watch over, protect, and help guide back to our Heavenly Father. I was overwhelmed and for the first time I felt the love a mother has for a child.


Bruce, you have grown to be such a good person. You love math, charts, maps, building Lego's, playing soccer, learning, riding your bike, boogie boarding, chess, & games. You are so kind. The other night I gave each of you guys a piece of my candy bar. After handing out pieces to everyone I wasn't left with anything. Everyone ran away eating their piece but you gave your piece back to me so that I could have some too. You are a good example to your friends. You are so confident and I hope you never let anyone take that away from you. You are very coordinated and athletic and you are great at everything you do because you listen and work hard.


I love that you call me "Mama". I love that you still love hugs and kisses from me. I love that you are so funny. I love that you take good care of your sisters. I love that you answer questions at church and that you love your Heavenly Father.  I love that you help me with directions when we drive places. :) I love how much you look up to your dad. I love that you're my only son. I love that you are mine forever. I love that you love me.

Happy Birthday my friend Bruce. I love you forever.

Bonfire

The night before Suzanne's wedding we had a bonfire at the beach. It was a great time with s'mores and good company.

Here I am. Claire is running to me. Linda is behind me in the water.

Bruce(left) boogie boarded with his cousins for hours!

Brodey, Bruce, Sayre

Some of the gang.

The engaged couple.

It was a fun night and a chance to relax before the wedding madness began.