First Day of Middle School

Braden started school yesterday.... finally! (The end of summer sure makes me long for year-round school.) Last week, they had a sixth grade orientation to go over things and allow the kids to tour the building and practice opening lockers. And it sounds like the first day was more orientation. Nevertheless, it seems Braden was awake more than he was asleep the night before! When Jon and I went to bed at 10pm, Braden was still awake in his room. When I got up around 4am (just to go to the bathroom, not to start my day), he was on the couch. He was down there awake when Jon got up at 4:30. And he was laying there awake when I got up a little after 6am. Excited? Anxious? He said no.

This year's first day of school pictures were taken at the end of the school day. In the drama of him not sleeping, and then making sure we were ready on time to pick up Dylan, and getting the boys to school "early," I totally forgot to take his picture! And this is the first year that I didn't pick out a nice-looking outfit for the first day.
So..... I dropped the boys off in the morning and then they rode the shuttle bus to the fifth grade building after school. Sounds like he had a good day and he got more sleep last night!

Jerky!

Braden came home from Texas with a bag or two of beef jerky. (Thanks Grandma! Cause Mom doesn't buy meat from the store anymore.) The other night, he was munching on his jerky while watching TV.
Dallas LOVES jerky! Sometimes she begs quietly in front of people. Other times, she prefers to use the aerial attack method shown below.

Sitting in a relaxed manner which would lead you to believe she's just hanging out.

But then Braden decided to taunt her by turning his head and making eye contact. (Never make eye contact with Dallas unless you plan on sharing your food!)

And finally, she goes in for the kill! (I think she managed to steal from him twice.) It should also be noted that she is willing to take your fingers off if it's something she really loves.

Jon's New Hat

Jon finally used his Father's Day gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods! He settled on a hat he can wear when coaching. It's Columbia and has some sort of UV fabric. AND.... the black band around the top is mesh! He's super excited. (He wore it in the car on our way home :)

More All-Star Game Photos

1st Annual All-Star Game

Thursday night, Braden played in a little league all-star game. Here are just a few pictures of him before the game.
The night started off with a home run derby. (Braden didn't enter. He's had a rough year hitting the ball.) Below are Caleb, Braden, and Nick, in the outfield, during the derby. He chews on his glove and it REALLY grosses me out! Braden and Nick (who is 9-10 months older than Braden).

Look at those long legs!

Captains getting instructions from the umpire.

(I'll post more pictures later. It is now time for lunch. When Jon gets back from 7-on-7, we are headed to Ohio City for Braden's wiffleball games and Jon's softball games. -- Wonder how long I'll last in this heat!)

11:15 Smoothie

Braden is in the kitchen making himself a very late breakfast smoothie. I said something about it being lunchtime. His reply:

"Smoothies are like sausage and ribs! Good anytime!"

A Little Dallas

I think the warmer weather is making her act funny. I have more, but here are just a few for today.

Laying with Jon after he came home from a softball game. She looks quite comfortable!

I'm not sure how this was comfortable, but she was like this for a few minutes.

Trying to mooch some ice cream off of Jon. She waits patiently hoping you'll feel sorry for her.

And this isn't a photo of Braden reading a book. Its of the dog who found where I put the fleece blankets now that summer has arrived.

I tossed the pillows that no longer match behind the chair in case someone (Jon) needs them too. Dallas lays back there a lot now that's she's found them!

And one of her sleeping on the couch.