3rd and 4th Grade-Can't Believe It!

The Kern kids are back to school! It was amazing to see the differences in the kids personality on the first day.

Karly was off the moment she left the car-okay after her mother tortured her by taking her picture first. She found a few friends, they went and talked the new principals ear off, and then they were off. I couldn't even find her to meet her teacher with her. Of course we both already know the teacher, kinda, but still, I wanted to make proper introductions. Nonetheless my social butterfly had other plans, and they weren't waiting in the parent line. Too funny!

Kyle was more calculated and cautious with his first day entry. It was a new world for him being on the other side of the school and on the big kid playground. Sure he was taller than some of the older kids, but this was their turf and he wasn't sure what to make of it. Unfortunately we couldn't find any of his buddies either, so that made it difficult as well. Kids, parents, and teachers everywhere was a little overwhelming for him I think. When I left, I could tell he was using his courage, but part of him would have loved for mom to stay a bit longer by his side.

Of course mom didn't leave the school that fast. It was off to our "coffee talk" to comfort the Kindergarten parents (they are always the sad ones) and to meet new families as well. On my way out I stopped to help with copies and by then it was nearly 11:00. Funny how you think they will go back to school and your time will multiply. Oh well! There was a perk to it, while I was making copies, Kyle's class came through the office for a tour, so I got a smile from across the room and the promise that he was doing just fine without me.

We're off to a good start I think!

Last Hurrah!

School starts tomorrow! Mommy can't wait and it's great to see the kids so excited as well! We all need some routine again and the kids need days with purpose. We are packing backpacks, setting out first day clothing and talking about friends to find and first day jitters.

Today as a last Summer fun day, we headed to the Discover Science and Space Museum. A good little outing and it gave us something fun to do. Grammy joined us and we even got a private showing with a red-tailed hawk. Raptors like that are just amazing creatures!

Here's Kyle with the Human Sun Dial.
A Fine group of aliens we make!
Astronaut Karly? you never know!
Ah, science in action, now that Kyle likes!
Karly always with a book! We were looking at roaches, walking sticks, a rabbit, turtles and even a porcupine and Karly is reading!

The blessing of one freckled faced girl!

This week marked Family Day celebrations at the Kern house. We celebrate Karly's official adoption anniversary with a huge emphasis on the whole family and the team we are. We met Daddy for lunch, saw again where he is all day--plus it gave us an outing to upset the summer bordom routine. Another treat was the opportunity to see Pop at the office and draw on his smart board! Later in the evening it was a trip to the Library, Karly's idea, "I can choose lots of books that way" thus thwarting our usual destination--the bookstore. Of course the idea of borrowing books that she'll read through in three days is much more attractive to the checkbook as well!

We are blessed to have her--she adds so much to the team! Karly and Kyle are two keepers with two different stories but one strong bond as siblings. Amazing and wonderful it is!

The Temperature's Rising!

It's been a long crazy end of summer week here. Lots of busy evenings for mom and dad, errand to run, and the kids themselves admit, they are chomping at the bit to get back to school! We've had a few days at 100+, so the Karly and Kyle had fun cooling down in the neighbors pool with their buddies. We also have a few new photographers --I let the boys use the camera and it's underwater feature. They got some cool shots of each other and had a blast!

DID YOU SEE? Phelps has a BULLY!

The kids were so excited last night to show me Herman on the DVR. He looks a lot like Gilligan, and snores like Gilligan too!

Celebrating the Rings!

Opening Ceremonies were celebrated at the Kern house with a special menu. Seeing that I'd be the only one eating Chinese food, we went with a "ring" theme instead. We had tortellini pasta, pineapple rings, bread sticks shaped in rings, licorice sticks spun to rings --thanks to a few toothpicks, life savors and more! Karly made an olympic flag to decorate our dessert and we even took the time to learn a little too! Why five rings? Where is China? What is it like to live there, etc.

After dinner we watched the ceremony. To Kyle's disappointment, there were no sports in the ceremony. Apparently I didn't explain that part very well. He wanted the action--it was too funny! When announcers start talking about artistic themes and China's culture, Kyle just sank further into his dissatisfaction with these "ceremonies". Who needs art and culture--bring on the races! Let's compete. Kent just laughed recognizing the sentiments of this eight year old boy and knowing that he would have been the same way when he was little.

The Kerns are following swimming the most thus far, like every other American. But, we're watching it all here and loving the DVR and the fast forward button --Kyle is done with the drama and culture--Kent not far behind. It's all about the games, the heart of athletes, and the battle for the win!

Rebelling the Summer Doldrums

Call it Summer fun, call it Mama sanity--the Kern kids had a blast this week thanks to our fabulous local Rec programs.

Kyle enjoyed a week on the courts. For six hours each day, he ran drills, dolled out the defense, competed in tournaments and relished in the joys of the "swoosh" factor. He's exhausted and guzzling the water, but more than happy to just be playing ball! I'm guessing he'll be sleeping quite a bit this weekend!

Karly completed her third art class for the Summer. This one was a cartooning class, and her pictures are not traced--she actually completed these using a step by step process her teacher demonstrated. Karly also created her very own comic strip and a few clay cartoon originals. All week she's been talking of alligators in tuxedos-carry suitcases and cows that fight crime. Originality for cartooning is in full supply!

Now I have to figure out what to do with the remaining 18 days before school starts! Gulp!