Requirements of becoming a man -- to a 6 year old

Last night as we were heading out the door to grab some dinner, Torin informed me of the color of his leg hair. He told me that at school that day he was looking at his leg hair and that a lot of it was more black than blonde. My comment was yep that can happen. He looked at me with such a serious, straight face and told me "Yep, I am definitely becoming a man Mom." I of course had to fight back my laughter, which I did, but giggled later with Bjorn about it. It's these kind of comments that just make parenting more enjoyable.

First week flies by....

Well we are officially done with the first week of school. I know there are many to go but this week flashed by. For the most part it was a great week with the exception of the first morning being a little dicey and then the end of the first day. Since we are so close to the school we do not get bus transportation thus Torin is a "walker". I worked from home that day so I could see him off and be there when he got home. The school dismisses at 3:40 so at 4:00 and seeing other kids pass our house I thought well maybe we need to drive and see if we can find him. Drove to school, no Torin. Ran into a couple of para's that knew Torin but said they didn't see him in the walker line. Still calm, thinking he probably went with some of the neighbor girls and went through the back fields. Drove through the back side of the neighborhood, no kids. Checked home to see if was there, no Torin. Went to the girls' house that we thought he might have walked with, girls where there but said they never saw Torin. Panick has now set in and heart is racing a wee bit faster. Drove back to school and went in. Here he is with his teacher in the school office. RELIEF!!! He had gotten into the walker's line and then the teacher pulled him out because she had him as a busser but he refused to get on the bus. My smart little man :) We finally got home, got a few more pictures and had some fresh baked cookies...whew!!! At least now he has the walking situation down pat!!!

First day of 1st Grade

Well the first day of 1st grade had a few hiccups as Torin was not happy at first. It was more over the fact that he changed his mind about wanting hot lunch versus bringing lunch from home. Oh the trials...he finally came around and it turned out to be a good first day. Vaughn of course was SO excited for 1st grade. Even though we tried explaining to him that he is in pre-school and that didn't begin until next week. He just didn't get it and was so upset when we dropped him off at Sandy's. I've never left him in tears like that. Being the youngest of my family I know what it's like to be left behind on the first day of school and my heart ached for the little man. I did call and check in on him this morning. He was doing fine as Sandy told him that he could bring homework home. I so remember wanting homework like Terry and Colleen. If I only knew what I was exactly wishing for how I might have changed that wish...

Vaughn and Daddy on the front porch....

Torin finally coming around and loving his mama! He did promise me that he will always be my bug-a-boo this morning. I did know better than to ask for a kiss when we dropped him off at school. Instead I asked for knuckles which I recieved a forehead to my hand. I'll take what I can get I guess :) Funny thing about this morning is that we got the start time of school wrong. Last year it was 9:30 and this year it was changed to 9:15. We dropped him off at 9:15, opps, nothing like showing up late on the first day of school. Better yet, the principal was the one that was at the drop off telling us this. Yep, I'm actually on the PTA and still missed this detail. My excuse was that I was pregnant...oh well...

The two monkeys on the front porch! I love these front porch firs day of school pictures!

Vaughn so excited about school. I will be sure to have pictures of him next week getting on and off the school bus for his sound buddies class and pre-school.

Sweet looks from my big boy. I can't believe that he is already in first grade. No tears were shed this morning but as I am posting this I am wondering how he is doing and hoping that he is happy and making new friends. Does this worry as a Mother ever cease?

A little crabby at first...no hot lunch...new shoes not working....Mom and Dad loosing patience...but all the same time feeling so BLESSED that these are my boys!!!

Boys Weekend

The boys went on their first annual "boys only" camping trip. Yes, this was a request made by me to have a weekend to myself before tator tot arrives but honestly I think that the boys had a better time than I did :) There was food and activities that were deemed "not mom approved" that were supposed to stay on the boys weekend trip but before I was even given a hug the stories and secrets started to ooze out. Their honesty at this age is pretty cute! Of course nothing too bad, cinnamon rolls, spiderman fruit snacks were some of the secrets along with throwing rocks into the fire and standing while the van was moving while going to get firewood in the campground. Along with wrestling, sleeping in the tent, fishing (of course) and just having boys time made it for a fabulous boy's weekend. Don't worry I had a good time too :) Here are some of the pictures that Bjorn took while camping...

Peek a boo out the tent, at the end of wrestling match #33 :)
Not a very good faker but a pretty cute picture none the less....

Sometimes fishing isn't as exciting as watching the grass grow!

Vaughn needs a little more experience with fishing. If Torin casted and reeled it in with a minnow Vaughn would cheer for him "Horin you taught a fish!" or if it had a worm on it, "Yeah, Horin you taught a worm!" He's only 3 hopefully by next year he will have the hang of it....

Reeling in a big one...actually they didn't catch any fish but he has a good pose doesn't he...

Breaking out the fruit snacks as early as possible...

The weekend did also include lacrosse, football, soccer and baseball. Heaven forbid the boys didn't bring along all of the sporting equipment that we own...

Oh the cinnamon rolls! I actually think they are gross, way too sweet for early in the morning but the boys take after the Larson family in loving these sweet treats...

State Fair Fun.....

We took the kids to the State Fair and even though I am 9 months pregnant I have to say that it was a great time. We went with Lana, Ryan and our neice Alaina and Cooper our nephew. The kids were really good the entire time. It will be interesting to see how next year goes with the addition of two babies. Lana is expecting just a couple months after me so there will be two more little Larson's to tote to the fair :) Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Who knows what Bjorn is saying to Torin here but whatever it is he sure seems amazed by it :)

Bjorn, Vaughn and Torin goinng down the big slide. I'll have to wait till next year :(

Lana and Coops having a great time!

I love how the older kids are the ones in the strollers. Gotta love it!

Petting the baby cow and loving it!

Vaughn holding the baby lamb and Torin holding the baby pig!!! Is it just me or are these cute or what?