Clearwater Beach

Bryan participated in a sprint distance triathlon in Clearwater this past weekend.  We were excited to go and have some special time with the big kids after their big first week at school.  Hatton enjoyed her time with NeNe and PaPa and her Aunt Kym.  They didn't want to return her when we got back.  I am thankful they love to keep her.  Huntley and Heagan loved the beach and of course the best part to them is the hotel!  We stayed at the Hyatt on the beach and it was wonderful.  After we checked into our hotel Friday, we went down to the beach for a just a bit then let the kids jump in the pool.  Afterwards, we went to dinner then enjoyed our evening at the pier.  They had a huge playground the kids loved, lots of pier entertainment, and we walked the pier.  The next morning, Bryan went and did his tri and we stayed at the hotel and caught up on sleep.  The kids are not use to getting up as early as they have been.  Bryan did great in his race.  We spent the morning at the beach, then headed to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to meet Winter the Dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale.  After we left the aquarium, our friends Radha, Michael, and their kids met up with us for some beach/pool time and dinner.  Sunday we got up and headed home to see our Hattie Pattie!  A great weekend!

Beach Treat

Just what we needed after a big first week of school!

Joy!

Day 5

Once again, Huntley was excited.  Heagan was not excited by any means.  She didn't cry, but she was not wanting to go.  I mentioned very casually this morning while they were getting ready that if she was a big girl we would go and get a balloon after school.  She wanted me to linger a while and get lots of hugs and kisses but no tears.  When I came to pick her up, she ran up to me and the first thing she said was I didn't cry let's go get my balloon.  What a stinker.  I know she didn't cry just because she wanted that balloon.  Well you can bet we went and picked out a balloon.  Sure hope I don't have to bribe her all year!

Day 4

Huntley did great again.  Heagan was great until it was time for me to get my hug and kiss and leave.  She didn't want me to go.  She kept asking for more hugs and kisses and wouldn't let go of my hand.  After about twenty hugs and kisses I told her teacher she was just gonna have to get her.  That resulted into an all out melt down, but I left and texted her teacher about an hour later and she said she was doing fine.  I think the excitement is over and tiredness has set in!  My poor sweet girl.  I hope it doesn't last.

Day 3

Everyone is still excited and happy to go!  Thankful they are loving it.

Day 2

Today's report was 2 thumbs up from both teachers!

First Day of School

We woke up with smiles around here this morning.  Everyone is excited about school!  Last year I was pretty emotional about Huntley being the first one to go, this year I feel different.  It's hard to explain, but I feel happy for them.  I still feel anxious that Heagan's going, but it's a different kind of anxious.  My worries with Huntley were different than they are with Heagan.  When Huntley went I worried if they would be kind to him, would they help him, would he enjoy it, would anyone hurt his feelings, who would console him if he were sad and so on.  With Heagan, I worry in a different way.  I guess knowing the school and teachers has helped with that.  I know all those worries I had will be taken care of.  However, I do wonder....will her teacher understand her stubborn but hilarious personality!  Heagan has been wanting to go to school with her brother for quite some time and now she gets too.  Huntley is just ecstatic.  He had such a great year last year and he is so happy about going back. It's going to take some adjusting for me but I think it's going to be a great time for Hatton and I.

Happy cakes for breakfast 

 NeNe calling to wish them a very happy first day!

 Ready to go!!

 First day of 3 year old class

 First day of 4 year old class

 "Come on Buddy, let's go!"

 And then as I took this picture it hit me.....time is flying and I can't slow it down.  The tears came out of nowhere and there wasn't anything I could do. I wasn't prepared to be sad, but it got the best of me.  I wasn't sad they were going to school and going to be away from me, just sad it's all going so fast!!!

 They weren't sad a bit!  Heagan went right to playing with all the new toys and friends.

 Huntley was excited to see his friends from last year and check out his new room!

 Happy Day my  loves!

After I put them in the car at pick up, I was able to go back in and see how their days went.  Nene had gone with me to pick them up and she stayed in the car with them.  Mrs. Norris reported that Huntley was fantastic, but very quiet.  Exactly how he was last year.  I've been telling Mrs. Merlo that Heagan is a joy, but very different from Huntley.  She reported that I was correct and informed me that when I mentioned she may be stubborn that I was 100% correct!  She said she was great though.  Only a time or two did she cross her arms and use her favorite quote "I don't want to!"  Oh man, her and Mrs. Merlo are gonna have a fun time!  In the car, she was quick to tell me who she liked and who she didn't.  Oh my I have one opininatied girl!  Can't imagine where she gets that from!!  I must also mention that she calls her teacher Merlo instead of Mrs. Merlo, which is quite hilarious to hear her say as she is telling me something.  She didn't want to eat breakfast the next morning, and told me not to worry about it because they have snacks at Merlo's house.  She's a hoot!  He's a doll!