Firsts, Seconds & Thirds

September 8th was a huge day this year. Mara's birthday fell on the same day as her first day at her day home, Kai's first day of Grade 1 & Drew's first day of Grade 3!

So happy to be heading off with the big kids.
Her Dora backpack was Kai's gift to her.

DK - first day of school

After a big day of firsts for everyone, we had Mara's birthday party

So proud of her backpack! She wore it all day & through her party

Drew's special present for her

DK's presents were both big hits

 

Ketchup chip face talkin' to Grandpa & Grandma Nancy

I love how this could easily been any birthday photo from the 70's.
Same decor, same plates, same cake...

At least Drew thought the sparklers were cool

I love the photo of the apples I did for the party, 

but truth be told, they were crap.

Earlier, Mara had won a draw for an "exclusive VIP" meeting with Dora. She loved it, but the whole thing was very, very strange. Creepy Dora, sans Boots, was at the mall and greeted kids (silently of course, which only added to the creepiness) in a roped off section in front of a vacant store. The line was 3.5 hours long! Thankfully Mara's VIP status let us whip in and out without waiting.

Great backdrop

This is what I discovered on my camera after DK were upstairs being suspiciously quiet...

Because even the mention of underwear is hilarious to them,

they were hysterical over finding a bra and modeling it

This shaggy maggy is for you Bumpa!

Before the school year started some of Kai's friends held a party for her to wish her good luck at her new school. Amy's mum, Debbie, organized it with all of the Kindergarten girls from last year & the party included a bouncy castle, craft station, cupcakes & goodie bags! What a lucky girl.

Kiera, Kaitlyn, Amy, Kai & Holly

Last week was the first week of DK's soccer season - and our first season as the title sponsor for the league. It was very exciting for us to see all 800+ kids at the kickoff wearing our logo. Drew & Kai are both young enough to think mum & dad & the junk is still cool so they're pretty proud that we are involved this year. Seeing them playing again was exciting. Drew said, "I'd forgotten how much fun it was" after his first practice & Kai is just thrilled to be on a team that has both 'old' Rutherford friends and 'new' Hammond Bay kids.