1st Bus Ride

With Gracie starting Kindergarten it also means the first Bus ride for both Gracie and Zach.

Pre-schooler can ride the bus if a older sibling is on the bus, so with that I sent both my babies on the bus on the first day of school.

Gracie and Zach are sooo excited. They could hardly wait.

Me on the other hand was a bit anxious.... both my babes going on the bus ALONE! 

No Mommy or Daddy to hold their hand.

So here it comes, that big yellow bus. The first time ever to drive in our driveway.

 Such good kids -  they pose for a picture.

Then their they go, back out of the driveway.

And yes I went tooo... Jared and I followed the bus in my car. I told the bus driver I was going to follow him on the route. He gave me a funny look, but I said "yep, I am a little anxious". And Jared and I followed. 

A few tears welled up in my eyes, but being able to follow I think helped. I did pretty good.

The kids are on bus #7. They go to the public elementary school and then need to get on Bus #9.

This exchange made me a little nervous too, but luckily we have a couple of other kids we know on our route so they were able to guide Gracie and Zach along.

So here it is, Bus #9. Ready to go to St. John's.

Then Jared and I went to the local grocery store to get groceries. Good thing I got my Jared... just think if what a crazy mess I would have been if I wouldn't have him. Both my older babies off to school... I can't believe how fast time goes. Feels like Marty and I just got married!!! Time sure does fly.

KINDERGARTEN!

School started August 20th for us. Gracie is now a kindergartner and my Zachy is a Preschooler.

This pictures are from the Registration night. 

Gracie by her locker.

Zachy by his locker. He will be attending pre-school Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. 

Gracie and Zach by their rooms.

They look so happy to start!!!

Marty and I have decided to have them attend St. John's Lutheran School in Redwood Falls. I feel fortunate we have a Christian school available in our area.  What a great environment for my kids to be able to learn in.  We just love the teachers and the staff. 

Jared can walk! 11 1/2 mo.

My little guy started walking!!  He started a week or two ago and is getting better every day!

Soon he will be running.  

He is growing up sooo fast.

2012 Sohre Pool Party

The Annual Sohre Pool Party at the Malecek house was held again this year.

It wasn't the warmest of weekends, but that doesn't stop this kids.

Hanging out in the pool.

Zach taking a 'warm up' break.

Jared being naughty. He thought it was fun to throw his toys in the water.

Then he thinks he will sneak up the stairs when no one is looking....

Not a chance buddy... we got our eyes on you!

Marty making the big waves with the kids.

Paige, Maddy, Jesse, and Gracie.

Fashion model Miss Maesee.

With the colder weather, it did allow for a campfire.

Fashion model Miss Margoe.

Sister Time!

Grandpa and his troops on the hunt to find a good spot to put up the tent.

Carter, Spenser, and Grandpa slept out in the tent all night!

Not sure what is going on here with Ted and Jason.

Everyone was at the pool party, the Hodgkins, Dalys, Cornish's, Mom and Dad, and even Darrin and Mandy via Skype.

Ahh, another weekend of good memories.

Puzzels

It was a puzzle-putting-together day. Gracie is getting very good at this and Jared joined in on the fun.

Cute Photos

My sweet kiddos.

Jared is already learning the Malecek way: playing cards.

Best buds already! Hope it stays that way.

"SOHRE 5" T-shirts! 

All made by my sister Shelly

Minneopa State Park

On a trip back to my Mom and Dad's for a weekend in August we decided to stop at Minneopa State Park just outside of Mankato for a picinic. This is the park Marty and I got married at 9 years ago. It is sad to say we have only been there a handful (or less) times since that wonderful in September 2003.

It was a beautiful morning so a walk in the beautiful park it was, 3 kids, dog and all.

The kids thought it was great and enjoyed the hiking.

Mom and Dad thought it was great too and enjoyed the reminiscing and hiking.

Kids are funny though, because when we mentioned we were going to a park they immediately thing swing sets and playgrounds. When we get done with the hiking they ask "Where is the playground? No playground!!??"

This here is the very spot it all started. The spot Marty and I said "I Do".

3 kids and 2 dogs later I think we had done pretty good.

I told Gracie her and Jared were suppose to be Mommy and Daddy at the wedding. I think she is holding Jared's hand. 

This was all kinda a spur of the moment idea so for lunch we had picked up some lunchables. 

The kids thought it was great.