Summertime

Let me just quickly say, that we are in full-blown school mode here in the Rickey house. Between a new work schedule for mom, football season coaching starting for dad, a new Kindergarten and preschool for the kids, we're a little busy. BUT, we are all well and enjoying the fullness of life! Family time has been kicked up a few notches, so the blogging has gone down a few notches.

That said, here's a photo recap of part of our summertime fun. Disneyland! Five days of pure kid-like joy. And, in case you can't tell from the photos below, our favorite ride was Pirates of the Caribbean. Arrrrgh! Enjoy.

Are We There Yet?

Arrrrgh, Matey

I'm Driving My Own Car!

Riding the Pirate Ship

Yo Ho, Yo Ho ...

... A Pirate's Life for the Cousins

Just a Small Snack

Mickey + Baseball = So Cool

Toy Soliders

Goofy!

A Family The Rides Pirate Ships Together ...

Tom Sawyer's Island

And That Was Just One Day! Phew.

First Day of School!

It’s hard for us to believe, but Jacob started kindergarten today. Josh started at the new preschool as well and they both looked handsome in their uniforms with their new backpacks. We feel so blessed because both kids are making the transition so well. As an added bonus, Josh's preschool room is right across the hallway from Jacob's kindergarten classroom!

When we drove up to school this morning, Jacob commented, “wow – there sure are a lot of people here!” In all the visits we had made to the school this summer, there had never been quite the hustle and bustle that was witnessed this morning. As the kids walked past the principal, Josh said “Go Ducks!” - commenting on the Oregon luggage tags we had adhered to their backpacks - so they’ve already got the sports reputation going. We’ll have to make sure they learn to cheer for their own school mascot, the Coyotes, as well :)

They were all smiles and ready to learn when we left. Only a few near tears were shed by mommy driving away from the school. The great news is they were in amazing spirits when we picked them up in the afternoon. So, it looks like we'll keep doing this school thing for a while! We ended our day with a family tradition: going out to dinner on the first day of school. The kids choice? Peter Piper Pizza!!

Enjoy the pics that we took as part of the “parent paparazzi” – the kids were the stars today!