Four shots for Maddie :(

Today we went to the doctors because she needed her checkup - and to get some shots so she could continue to go to preschool. She needed four! FOUR!! And these went in her arms not her legs, two in each side. The first one she was looking at me and then suddenly made a face like, "Hey! What in the heck was that? It hurt!!" Then a 2nd one in the same spot.

Big frown on the face, some tears starting, her face got really red and we were waiting for her to start screaming. Then we switched arms for the other two. She still wasn't sure what was going on and why she was being hurt when she got the 3rd shot. Again a big "What are you DOING?" face when the 4th came. Then she wanted Mommy, not Daddy since Daddy was the one who let that lady poke her. haha

Still, she never screamed or anything major, just a few little tears and a big unhappy face - which quickly went away when we left to go get some toys for being such a good little girl. She really was amazing how she didn't cry or anything, that was sooooo cool of her!

Doctor said she's doing great, no problems, nice and healthy. WOOHOO!! ...and that Riley is due for his one year checkup. :)

Sunset

The other day I looked out our window upstairs and saw a really nice sunset. I quickly grabbed my camera and took these photos (click the photo to see the full set at Flickr).

Finished Deck (well, almost)

Today we FINALLY finished staining the deck. We needed to get between the boards on about half of it - we did the top completely earlier this year - and decided it would be a good idea to redo the entire deck.

Ya, right, good idea. We're still wondering which one of us came up with that idea and why the other agreed to it.

Took us about 4 hours. Riley and Maddie wanted to help but it just wasn't working out. So they started playing and just Marci and I did it. Then they wanted stuff and finally wanted Marci. So I finished it by myself.

Sore, tired, long day, but it looks great! Now we're ready for winter with it. Next up, the fence. :(

1st Days and Oregon State Fair

Yesterday was a day of firsts; both Riley and Maddie had their first day of school!

For Riley it was his first day at Kindergarten (click on the photo for more pictures). He's going to the afternoon sessions, so 12:30pm - 3:05pm. I took off early from work so both of us could walk him up there. He was nervous and a little scared, but he went without any problems. His teacher had everyone draw a first day picture and put their name on it. We waited for a bit then told him we had to go. He said he was ok, though looked almost like he was a little sad. Outside we watched through the window for a bit to make sure he was ok. He pretty much was his usual quite self, taking it all in, figuring things out. Then got up, got a book and sat down on a pillow to read it. He really didn't seem to have any problems.

For both of us it was quite emotional. Marci let's it show more than I do, she had tears in her eyes. For me, I kept wanting to say, "Our little boy is growing up," but each time I tried I could feel the emotion welling up in me, choking off the words.

When it was time to go get him, we walked up really fast, anxious to see him and make sure he was ok. I don't know why we worried, he was GREAT! He said he really likes his teacher and had a great time. He already knew the names of some of his classmates and said they were nice. He didn't cry, wasn't worried or upset, nothing, just did AWESOME!

Today for his 2nd day I called him before he left. I told him I was sorry, but I wouldn't be able to walk him to school or pick him up, that yesterday was special but now I have to work. I asked if he was looking forward to school and he said he was adding, "I want to go EVERY DAY!" That's so cool! Man, I still can't believe he's already starting school.

Maddie also started Preschool today with Mrs. T. Both of us were a little worried that she'd have troubles when Grammie left, but not too much, Grammie was more worried. She had been to Mrs. T's many times to pick up Riley so it wasn't a totally new place. Grammie said at first she held on really tight and didn't want to do anything. All of the other kids said they'd look after her and make sure she was ok. Mrs. T has a big jump-jump in her backyard and Maddie just loves it. So Grammie took her over to it, let her get in, and while she was distracted with the jump-jump and the other kids, Grammie left. She was there from about 9am to 11am.

When Grammie picked her up Mrs. T said there were no problems at all, that Maddie didn't cry or fuss or anything. She said when the other kids were sitting down to color, Maddie wanted to just play in the other room by herself, which was ok. Maddie had a great time! Last night when I asked her if she wanted to go again today, she said YES!

So both kids had their first big days without any troubles. WHEW! It was a long emotional day and by the end we were all drained, everyone slept well.


The Oregon State Fair
On Monday Sept. 3rd we went to the state fair with some friends. It was a great time! The day started out on the hot side. We couldn't believe how hot it was and were all worried about getting sunburned. Saw lots of animals including a horse that was HUGE! Goats, Llama's, and baby pigs, Maddie loved them all. Marci and Maddie enjoyed the petting zoo while Riley and I enjoyed the lizards, giant turtles, crocodiles, and various other exotic animals.

Then we went to play some games and ride some rides. The kids won a TON of stuffed animals, they really enjoyed doing that. Then Maddie and Marci went on the Merry-Go-Round while Riley climbed in some big thing. Maddie sat on a horse all by herself and loved it. Riley climbed all the way to the top and came down a huge slide. He loved it too. Maddie and Marci also went on a little swing that spun around in a circle. When it stopped Maddie said, "More!"

It was a long day, we were all hot and tired. The biggest surprise was Maddie didn't fall asleep on the way home! When it was bedtime, we all crashed really quickly. A good fun day at the fair. :)