finally...

i mean we have been together for almost six years and you are definitely to tall and big for me to carry around and you like to do everything on your own and I do like more free time. . . so it's time to go.

but...

I will miss you! You will always be the oldest and will always be my helper and the leader and my "Dane-ster"! (and it is only half a day.) SO, put on your game face and enjoy your 1st day of Kindergarten Dane!! Love ya buddy!

Our classic first day of school pose!

With his best buddy at the bus stop!

pre-school jitters?

Ava started preschool last week and had this all folded up in her back pack when she got home.



(it reads):

It's my first day of school

And I'm thinking of you.

I made this precious hand print

So you'll think of me too.

It's my first day of school,

And "The Kissing Hand"

Is what we read.

It's about a racoon who did

As his parents said.

Like the little racoon's

First day of school,

I was scared and a little shy.

But because of what you said,

I was really brave and got by.

All through the year

I'll make more things for you.

So as I change and as I learn

You can see my growth, too!

I thought it was so cute. She was never nervous or scared and had even thought to ask me if I missed her!

Here she is on her first day...
Not the best picture with the sun in her eyes and the bigger than her back pack on, so...
we tried again and she was happier in this one!

last year...

. . . i know you had just played at your favorite golf course and on your way to a surprise party where your friends and family were waiting to eat with you a yummy meal and piece of cake and watch a great video I had made of the years we've been together and then later relax in your hammock on a beautiful summer night...

but that kind of day is only for forty year olds!!

HAPPY
st
BIRTHDAY DEREK!!

Thanks for all you do! I love you and enjoy your day today...you totally deserve it!