School days, school days...

In one week, Isaac will be starting 2nd grade. In the Bell household, back pack choice is of utmost importance at the beginning of the school year. The boys painstakingly labor over which backpack to choose - one that's cool, "not baby-ish," just the right size...whew - it's a chore! He finally chose a Scooby Doo backpack this year. He has grown up so much this summer. He still is a kid, that's for sure! But, it is so fun to see little glimpses of him striving toward maturity and responsibility. He definitely fulfills the role of big brother as he is very protective of Jonah and Abby. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he said, "a race car driver, astronaut, firefighter, daddy with 4 children, a church worker and a missionary."

Jonah is going to be in 1st grade this year. He is very excited. He reads very well - actually he could read all of Isaac's 1st grade curriculum last year. I hope he isn't bored. He chose a backpack with "fire" on it like a hot rod would have. I know he is going to have a great year in school! When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Jonah said he wanted to be "a plumber, firefighter, a daddy with 599 children and 599 dogs, a superhero and a policeman." He is my animal lover! I have never seen a kid so into bugs and critters.

Abby s 2.5 years old and is the life of the party. She is definitely strong willed - James Dobson could write a book about my children! But, she is also very tender and girly. She loves to have her hair fixed, wear dresses, play with babies and her doll house. She loves pink and purple. She still sucks her thumb. She wakes up every morning saying, "I want a snack, mommy." She would snack all day if I let her. She loves to eat strawberries, too. When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, she said, "the mommy."

School starts on August 18th. Since we are a family that thrives on structure, we actually look forward to routine. Everything goes a little smoother when it is fairy predictable. The only thing we have left to get for school is school shoes. We did some shopping yesterday, but the boys couldn't find a pair they really liked. So, daddy is going to take them today to look in Lexington. You see, the boys have their very first Boy Scouting outting tonight - and how exciting it is for them. They get to attend a Legends baseball game and then CAMP ON THE BASEBALL FIELD AFTER THE GAME WITH THE BOY SCOUTS. I don' know who's more excited - the boys OR THEIR DADDY! (It must be a guy thing.)

Needless to say, with the men in our life gone today and tomorrow, the girls are going shopping!

For those of you who follow my blog regularly, I have finally bought the fabric to re-upholster my dining room chairs. Will start the project soon and post pictures when done.