Here are pictures finally of the free piano!

Carson is taking  a break from lessons.  With going back to public school and into the GATE program and  Kung Fu 2 nights a week and Scouts 1 night, we thought we would take a break.  I am thinking of having him start again in January.

Devon got Mr. Shipma, who I was hoping he would get.  At first he was mad, because he wasn’t in Kyle’s class.  But now he is happy to have him again.   I am thrilled, because I know that Mr. Shipma is understanding about Devon’s spelling issues.

Carson got into the GATE program and got Mrs. Stone.  Who is supposed to be wonderful.  I really am hoping it will be a challenging and fun year for him.   I got to meet her on Tuesday and I really like her.

Bryson started preschool at Miss Jessie’s house with Jack.  It was where Jack went last year and he keeps calling it Jack’s school.  He loves it so far.

I have been getting a lot of things done while everyone is at school.  The kitchen is clean every day, at least until the boys get home from school.

The boys built wood models.

Devon helped Bryson Build His.  Bryson painted it very carefully.

The boys made models with marshmallows and sticks.

We ate the destroyed cake.

All in all I would say it was a great 9th Birthday Party!

We celebrated September 3rd at night.  Rob had to be available, JICKIEABB (Just in case I was at a birth)  Luckily I was home.  We had an Engineering Party.

We built a skyscraper cake in the morning.

Sadly, it did not remain standing.  It had fallen by 3 PM.  So much for preparing ahead.  Carson didn’t seem bothered, we just talked about how poor engineering can lead to disasters!

When Jenn gets me the pictures, I will update with them, until then…

I went to the beach 3 times this summer.  This is amazing and unexpected.  I think that since my boys are growing that helps.  Having Jenn as a friend who forces me to get out and do things, that “helps” too.

Bryson kept saying, “Why do we have to go to the beach with waves?”  (He isn’t a big beach boy, just like me.)  I explained Jenn was making us go.

It ended up being great.  It was not hot, the beach was empty, there was TONS of seaweed, which the boys loved.  I thought it was gross, but they thought it was cool.  It was probably my favorite beach outing of the summer!

It will be a birthday week for Carson!  Yesterday was his actual birthday.

We started by opening his gifts.

Then we did something I said I would NEVER do!  As a parent you sure end up doing a lot of what you never thought you would!

We went to Chuck E. Cheese.  If you go before 10 am, it is actually pretty fun.  Though it drives me crazy on so many levels.  I am able to sit and read a book and the boys are happy and having fun.  We brought Kyle and Jake and much fun was had by all!

Pizza – refillable drinks.  Boys love this!

The afternoon was spent playing Lego Indiana Jones.  Bryson wanted to play and frankly had a HUGE meltdown, I put him in his room and he fell asleep.  Then the big boys went to Kyle and Jakes and B and I went to the grocery store.

Home – eat dinner, make brownies and then…..

The WORLD PREMIERE of Operation Ozone.

I think Devon grew an inch while he was gone.    Carson turns 9 in 2 days, which is absurd.  I am pretty sure Devon is still 9. 

Bryson who missed them SO much, was so excited at the airport.  They were the last off the plane and we gave them lots of hugs.  Devon even hugged back!  They were full of stories and after about 15 minutes in the car, Bryson was saying, “SHHHHHH!”  It definitely is louder with them home.  Then the next day when Devon said Bryson couldn’t play with his legos, Bryson was sad again.  He was used to having run of the house.  But overall he is happy they are home.

I am happy too.   We had a fun rest of the week.  Devon’s movie is coming along.  We are planning the world premiere of Project Ozone in the next week or so, with the families of all the boys involved invited to watch.  I think they are really done filming and Devon is busy editing now. 

The boys talked our ears off about all the great things they did.  Fishing was one of their favorite.  They also love the Museum of Science and Industry (my fave of all time) they actually went there 2 days in a row.   It was another wonderful memory making trip to visit the grandparents.

Bryson can hardly believe it.  He randomly breaks down crying every once and awhile and says he misses his brothers.  It is pretty heartbreaking. 

We are all excited for them to be home tomorrow afternoon!  I told Bryson it was tomorrow afternoon.  We would get up, eat breakfast and play, then eat lunch and play, then get the brothers. 

He said, “We can get up, eat peanut jelly and then get the brothers!” 

I think tomorrow is going to be a very long day.

The Saturday before the boys left for Chicago, we went to the Discovery Science Center and then to look at RV’s.  They LOVED looking at the RVs.  It is fun to dream!

 A favorite – the earthquake experience.

 Bryson making music on the electronic harp!

There was a robot exhibit.  Here are all my boys!  1 engineer and 3 in the making.