What are you going to miss most about summer???

This was the topic of mine and Hunter's conversation yesterday on the way home. He had asked me why the pool was closing down? I told him because summer was coming to an end. Hunter said "that's too bad because I really, really love to swim in the pool." I asked him what else he was going to miss about summer?

Hunter: Ummm let me think....
Mommy suggests: How about riding your new bike?
Hunter: I always wear my helmet!
Mommy: But are you going to miss riding your bike when it gets cold?
Hunter: You made me a new scarf.
Mommy: Yes I did. I am going to miss roasting marshmallows over the fire pit.
Hunter: Do you remember the HUGE marshmallow I put in the fire?
Mommy: I do... I am also going to miss wearing flip flops.
Hunter: Tan Tan's dog ate my Spiderman flip flop... That dog is naughty!
Mommy: So are you going to miss anything about summer?
Hunter: Mommy can I listen to Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas CD?
Mommy: Yes sweetie....

Evidently he's not too broken up about the end of summer... And honestly I am ready for fall. But the one thing I am going to miss most about summer

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The fantastic tan lines.........

So long summer!!!!!!

Fall Fun

It's my favorite time of the year!

Fall... Ahhhhh, leaves changing, crisp breezes blowing, holidays, and all of the Delicious smells...
I get lost in the romance of this time of year, and Hunter just gets excited because Halloween is on it's way.

I know that is seems early, but since I only have Hunter every other weekend, I decided that I wasn't going to rush everything this year,. Hunter loves to decorate so we are doing a little at a time. This year we started with our gingerbread haunted house, getting the table decor out, and one of my favorites... decorating the porch.

Stay tuned for all the fall fun Hunter and I have!

Happy fall y'all!!!






Getting ready to make icing



Hunter using the mixer all by himself




Mmmmm... Licking beaters





I wonder what the orange one will taste like.... Hum, the same as purple?




Both colors get my messy face of approval.




Gluing the ghost on with icing.






Muahhh... My master piece.


Taa daa...

Halloween Table

Fall/Halloween porch.

~ Congratulations Miss Launa ~

On September 11th Miss Launa invited all of the current Little Learners along with all of the former Little Learners to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Little Learners Academy.

Miss Launa began with a dream of opening her own Pre School 10 years ago. With only that dream, a few close supporters , a whole lot of determination, and an intense love for teaching children, she navigated all of the tremendous obstacles that tried to get in her way, and made her dream a reality. And I am sure glad that she did. I know I gush about this school a lot but words can't describe the love she and the teachers at LLA have for these kids.

Congratulations Launa, and thank you for dreaming so well....



Miss Launa

The Little Learners Teachers

Hunter keeping the crowd entertained while we waited to hear from the Mayor.

Hunter and his classmates waiting to sing the LLA song.

Past and present Little Learners

My first day of Kindergarten was a piece of cake!

Okay, I will first answer the most popular question I have been getting... I did really well ;) Not a single tear shed, by me of course. Hunter had no other emotion but excitement to contend with. I think that because he is going to the same school he went to last year, made it a lot easier. However, it is sad to think that this is really it, this is really happening. He is a big boy and our lives, once again, are forever changed.

Now I will take you through this amazing day, moment by exciting moment.

Hunter picked out his first day of school outfit the night before. Above is what he chose all by himself! Not too shabby.

Our traditional pancake breakfast. He was so excited he said he only needed one pancake, no bacon, or toast. He ate two :)

Getting ready to make the pancakes. Hunter loves to make pancakes, he's such a good "cooker".

He's dressed and ready to go.

Walking to the car with his backpack on. He's ready!

"Mommy, I'll get the door for you". We get inside with just a few seconds to spare. I hold the door open for a sweet little girl and her mommy, and when I turn around, Hunter and his entire class was gone? All of the Mom's from last year were left standing there speechless. We didn't quite know what to do. Did our little people really just shoot up to their class room without saying goodbye, or shedding a tear, or anything that would make us feel as though they still needed us? Well, I wasn't having any of it! I marched up those stairs and snapped a few more pictures. A few of the other mom's were relieved that I did and they followed. We watched our little ones until they waved and told us "Mom, you can go". So we did :)

Hunter looking for his backpack hook and cubby.

Hunter was the very first "Line Leader". Hunter leading his class down the stairs.

Sweet Mrs. Drake gave the students a treat at the end of the day. A hostess cupcake that said My first day of Kindergarten was a piece of cake. I am so impressed with Mrs. drake so far. It's going to be a great year!

On our way to the car after an exciting first day of school.

We stopped a McDonald's for lunch after school, and I won "Best Mom of the day" award because I ordered a kids meal too, so Hunter gets two toys.

It's homework time. Hunter had to show me his homework folders. He will have an assignment every night,including reading time. He is , for now, excited to do homework and I have been reading to Hunter EVERY night since before he was born, so that won't be a difficult task.

His first assignment was to tell in one sentence, what he experienced or felt his first day of kindergarten, and draw a picture of that experience.

His said... My first day of kindergarten "I got to meet all of my new classmates".

Although Hunter had an amazing first day of school, Mommy had to ruin the whole day by telling him it was time to take a bath and go to bed... This is what he had to say... " I thought this was suppose to be the funnest day of my life! Now it's ruined because you are making me go to bed". Awww man, just when I thought I had mother of the year locked down :(

This was today (2nd day of school) I just had to snap this he looked so handsome... Oh, and Hunter is totally over me ruining his whole life yesterday. He loves me more than the whole universe today :) Men are so fickle...

Back to School Night for my Kindergartener

Monday night was Back to School Night for Hunter. Yes folks, my baby is starting Kindergarten. Where has the last five and a half years gone? Well all emotion aside we both are excited for this next journey.

First of all I have to say that this school, Little Learners Academy, is one of those schools you dream of finding. It is literally looking at life through "Rose Colored Glasses". To these teachers, it isn't just a job, these little people are family members for as long as they stay. The teachers here are thrilled that your child is there, and saddened when it is your child's time to leave. Ten years ago Miss Launa had a dream to start her own learning center, and I am so glad she made her dream come true. I am forever grateful for these lovely ladies, and the fantastic first learning experience they gave my son.

"Watch and witness the world change through the beautiful miracle of a CHILDS enthusiasm to learn" -Launa (Owner/Director of Little Learners Academy)
Doesn't she have beautiful insight? She says it, believes it, and shows it every day. Hunter is so lucky.

Now from what we know, to who we will meet...

The newest addition to Hunter's school just happens to be his Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Drake. Our first encounter with Mrs. Drake came one evening with a special phone call to Hunter. Mrs. Drake talked to him for a few minutes to introduce herself and to get him excited for the new school year. What an experience for him. Next we were able to meet Mrs. Drake and see the brand new Kindergarten class room at Back to School Night.
Mrs. Drake had a lot of fun ways for the children to explore their new class room i.e. labeling one item in the class room (Hunter labeled the tree), coloring, cutting, and gluing a gingerbread man. Playing games, and Hunter's favorite, reading a book in "The Book Nook".
After we were done with all of the fun activities, Mrs. Drake had a little pep talk with Hunter about what to expect when he begins school, and gave him his very own "Homework Tool Box" filled with crayons, pencils, erasers, etc. and of course saved the best for last, she gave him smartee's because that is what he is! i don't think Hunter cared much about the meaning behind the candy, I'm pretty sure he stopped listening once he got the candy. I however, appreciated it very much! Thank you Mrs. Drake!

Hunter and Mrs. Drake

Hooray for The Book Nook

Hunter playing with the Tangrams