On the FIRST day of First Grade

Wednesday August 29 marked the FIRST day of First Grade for Wayne.  We had a smooth and easy morning - everyone was super excited for Wayne, and he was ready to get to school and see his teacher and his friends!  We were well ahead of schedule, and had fun taking a few pictures before leaving the house.  This year was completely different than last year.  Last year I was nervous, I didn't know how much to pack in his lunch (he came home with hardly anything even eaten!) I didn't know what he should wear, and I CRIED a ton after dropping him off.  While I am still sad to see him go to school every day, I know that he is learning lots, playing with his friends, and learning how to grow up just a little bit.  And that he'll be off the bus again before I know it!!!  I miss him while he's gone, and Wyatt and Weston keep asking how long until he's home.  

With rain threatening to pour at any moment, we opted for jeans, a Quicksilver sweatshirt (with a zipper so he doesn't have to take off his glasses to get it on and off) and his new shoes from Grandma - a first annual tradition that Wayne was LOVING.  Weston managed to sneak a picture in too - I think he looks like a proud Dad!  :-)  He was so excited for Wayne to get to go to school.  When we got to school, I surprised Wayne and had Grandma meet us to give him a hug, and she had an almond joy for his lunch - a favorite!  She was able to pray for him, and I know that he loved that even though he was excited to get into the building.  He told me later he had to call Grandma and tell her that her prayers were answered - he'd had a GREAT day!  She stayed in the car with the other three kids while I brought Wayne to class.  Last year I knew a few people, but this year I knew a lot more of the moms...  we chatted a bit and I slowly made my way back out to the car... and I didn't cry!!!

It will be a different story next year when Weston goes to kindergarten, I am sure.

Wayne William - 6 1/2 years old and in First Grade

He's back!!!

1st Grade Orientation - Wayne

On Monday we found out who Wayne's teacher will be for the next two years, and who is in his class this year!  He has a few buddies from last year, and 3 of the same girls who he is also friends with, so he was one happy boy.  His teacher is super sweet AND organized, a combination we couldn't be happier with.  He is PUMPED for school, and to be a first grader!

Refusing to acknowledge that "Back to School" is coming

What do you do on a warm summer afternoon when it's almost September?  Play at the park!  We quickly snapped a few pictures of Treven (3 year) and Wayne (6 year back to school) and then it was time to play, play play.  After the playground, the kids played in the corn field for a little bit.  Never fear, we made sure we could see them at all times - every county kid knows better than to go wandering in a corn field - you never know when the chopper is coming!!!  I can't believe it's almost time for the kids to go back to school.  I am going to embrace the change rather than be sad... but my initial reaction is sadness.  These summer days have been so nice - we have settled into having 4 kids and the days are just flying by.  I do love fall, and all the changes, so I am going to soak up the next 2 days, and then it's BACK TO SCHOOL!

Gettin' Crab

While Tyler, Wayne, and Weston all went out to pick up the crab pots last Saturday, Wyatt, Addison and I stayed back at the truck for a feeding, a diaper change, a blowout and clean up, and finally (according to Wyatt) a walk on the beach as we waited for the men-folk to return with their crab.  We had lots of fun throwing rocks, and enjoying the beautiful summer day by the water while we waited for the hum of the boat.  Wyatt just cracks me up lately.  His constant question is "Am I funny Mom?"  Yes Buddy, that's why I laugh at you all the time!!!  The boys made it back with 15 crab - mmmm!

Addison Kay - 1 month old

Dear Addison Kay,

Hello my sweet baby girl.  How can it be that it's only been one month since you've arrived in this world?  And yet I can't imagine our family without you in it.  You complete us!  We are better with you.  You've helped me to get my priorities right again - putting God and my family first and leavingt my to-do list unwritten.  Your Dad  is a pile of mush when you cry, he will do whatever it takes to make you stop.  Wayne is busting at the seams, he is so proud of you.  He talks "baby talk" with you, saying "Hi baby Addison!  You're a cutie, yes you are.  You are so cute!" and you stare at him intently.  You gave me your first smile, but Wayne got your second.  Weston loves to hold you, but not for too long.  He is very interested in all the things needed to care for you - diaper changes, feedings, clothes, and the swing.  He is the first too announce when you need a diaper change, not that I need a secondary "alarm" to tell me!  Wyatt is IN LOVE with you.  Just fascinated by how small and tiny you are, and just like Dad, he can't stand it when you cry and will do anything to make you happy again - usually by coming to get me and tell me "Addison Kay is crying!" and dragging me by the hand to help you.  Having you here and knowing that you are the last of the four Silves kids we always prayed for just feels complete.  It isn't sad for me, which surprises me.  I just feel so much joy and pleasure in savoring every sweet moment with you, knowing that these days are fleeting and pretty soon you'll be running with your brothers.  For now I will soak up your sweetness, your smallness, and your newness.  You are perfect in every way. 

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

I'll love you forever,
Pray for you always,
Forever my baby you'll be.

Love,
Mom

Camping - Backyard style

With the best of intentions to LEAVE the backyard...  we didn't. After a full day of crabbing and Birch Bay - pizza and a tent and a trip to Edaleen Dairy for ice cream was the Grand Finale of August 17th.  The Silves boys were plenty happy with that - except they were disappointed that Madelyn wasn't with us (don't tell Madelyn - but the original plan was to camp with her in her backyard!)  I realized it's been a month since I took the kids' picture all together - too long, for sure!  Tyler slept out with the boys, and the girls slept inside.  Tyler said they all did really well, and though they were up by 6, they let me sleep in until 7.  I promise - next time we will LEAVE THE BACKYARD. 

A day at The Bay

Down by the bay, down by the bay...

Sorry, I couldn't refrain!  That song just comes to mind.  On Friday, with temps expected to hit the upper 90's and then some, it was a perfect day to head to Birch Bay.  Where there is always a breeze and it's 10 degrees cooler!  The kids were thrilled to go.  Tyler, Wayne, and Weston all took off first thing to do some crabbing, so Wyatt and Addison and I were left to pick up the house and pack the car for our 9:45 departure.  I could not believe how full our car was!  Inner tubes, chairs, an ice chest, a tote full of sand toys, towels, a stroller, and a diaper bag, and a basket full of food!  Oh yes, and a family of SIX - PACKED I tell you!  It was all worth it when we arrived.  Poor Wayne tripped and scraped his shins right off the bat....  he cried, but I didn't blame him.  He had blood running from his knees to his ankles, and by the next day the scrapes were nicely framed by black and blue bruising too.  He is one tough cookie though!  Within 5 minutes he was in the SALT water, and I never heard him complain once that it stung.  

 

 

Funny to see these pictures and the differences in the boys.  Ages 6, 4, and 3.

 Lately when someone asks Wyatt what his name is, he says, "Wyatt, but my Daddy calls me Junior."

 Speaking of Daddy... I think this was the ONLY time all day he sat down - otherwise he was out in the water or on the beach with the kiddos!

 Lookin' good Kallen! (you too Breanne!)

 Taylin - enjoying the surf and the sun with her Mom.

 Addison slept most of the time we were out there (until 3pm!) I either held her, or she was in the stroller/carseat.  She was HOT and it definitely didn't help her heat rash, but it didn't seem to get any worse either.  At one point we walked all the way out to the water's edge (the tide was all the way out) and then she had to eat... definitely the strangest place I ever fed one of our kids!

 As the tide started to come in, Tyler took all the "bigs" out to float in with it.  By far, this was the HIGHLIGHT of the day.  The spent forever floating and relaxing, looking for fish and crab and just soaking up the sunshine as they floated on the waves.

 Madelyn was sad she didn't have an innertube, but I had brought one from the Grandma stash we had at home... but no pump.  Good 'ol Uncle Tyler huffed and puffed and blew it up while they were walking out to the water, and she was LOVING it!

 The Bigs

And as if that wasn't enough fun, about the last hour we were there, we looked over, and thought.... "That has to be Aunt Barb!" and "That looks like Wendy's boys!"  Sure enough.  Where else but Whatcom County can you go to the beach on a hot day, a beach that is MILES long, and just so happen to have your aunt and cousins park right next to you, and set up camp with you?  NO WHERE!  I love where we live. We had fun catching up, and they got to meet Addison for the first time. 

Birch Bay, we love you - see you next year!