The first day of school

Justin and Kyle returned to school today. They left the house as a 4th grader and 1st grader this morning. This is the first year that they started school on the same day. Last year, Kyle started on Justin's first full day since he was only there for half the day. In our district they have the kids go for about an hour and a half on the first day. Just enough time to see their classrooms, find their desks, and put all their supplies away. I like the first day because it's the only day that I get to go in the school with them. Fortunately schools have very strict rules about adults entering the building these days. It's sad that it has to be that way, but nice to know they do what they can to keep our children safe.

Both the boys had a good first day, however, we began the day with the sad news of my grandma's passing during the night. She turned 85 back in February and had been living in her nursing home for the last five years. That's when she experienced three strokes. She had come a long way since then, but continued to have problems with her platelets and hemoglobin. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Justin's new look

Justin became a glasses wearer today. We decided recently that he is nearsighted, like his dad. I got him in to see the eye doctor before school started. He was glad to hear the doctor say that he was getting glasses. He wanted to be able to see things that are far away more clearly. I can't blame him for that. He'll be wearing them all the time except for reading and homework. The doctor wants to check him again in six months to make sure things are going well with his prescription. This 4th grader will be starting off the school year with a more studious look.

Trip to the zoo

When I woke up this morning, I turned on the news and heard the weather forecast. Sunny and 80 degrees! What a perfect day to go to the zoo! So off we went...
It was a beautiful day and we got to see a ton of animals. Unfortunately, there were also a ton of people there. We didn't waste our money on Stingray Bay this year, but Kyle was satisfied by the other sea animals and Justin got to see his hippo. We had a nice lunch outside without geese and seagulls. I believe it was two years ago that large birds were stalking us at lunch and Justin actually climbed OVER the table with our lunch on it to escape them. A memory I will never forget or be able to talk without laughing!

What's new

Well, here we are in August. Summer break is coming to an end. I hate for my boys to return to school, however, I'm looking forward to not having their little friends hanging around our house as much. For being boys, there sure is a lot of drama.
This week we have to go the school for registration. Then the first day of school is August 25th. Justin will be a 4th grader and Kyle will be a 1st grader, meaning they'll both be at school all day. That will take some getting used to! Jason took the boys to register for their bowling league yesterday. They start this coming Saturday. Kyle will be bowling without bumpers. I'm sure he'll improve quickly. Next week Justin has an appointment with the eye doctor. I'm pretty sure he'll be returning to school with glasses!
Jason is finally running again. He was quite the track star in high school but hadn't run since then. I actually wanted to start too, so we went out together after I found a beginner's plan. After going out two times, I injured my knee somehow. It became swollen and stayed that way for a week. It's much better now, but I think I'll stick to walking and bicycling. I was really afraid I had a torn ligament, which would NOT be cool. Jason is hooked on running already and looks forward to going. Justin ran with him the last couple times. We've all been going to a nearby path that goes around Renwick Lake. Tonight I took some pictures. The weather has been so pleasant lately making it very enjoyable. We don't stay together the whole time, but it's nice to go as a family.