The White White House: New Beginnings

Webb and Jackson spent a few days in Boston over Labor Day weekend. They toured the city and watched the Red Sox and Rangers play. They had a great time on their annual birthday trip. I wonder where they'll go next year?

While Webb and Jackson were away, Sawyer and I spent our time at Carolina Beach with cousins, Leah and Davis. I enjoyed hanging out with Leah and it was so much fun watching the boys entertain each other. Also, Davis' Uncle Morgan got to spend some time with us too. We were all glad to have him around.

We started fourth grade last week. So far so good! I keep saying, "new year, new leaves" because I think Jackson and I both have turned over new leaves this year. I think I might have found what works best for both Jackson and me. I also think that Jackson has matured in a lot of ways and he's also becoming more confident in reading. It's still early but I'm hoping and praying.

This year, we're reviewing some of the US history and historical figures that we studied in prior years. We're also doing a study on North Carolina. Last week, we visited the farmer's market and we made a map of the North Carolina regions out of cookie dough. We're also learning about hurricanes and butterfly life cycles in science. We have five caterpillars in the pupa stage! I think this might be the week that they begin hatching. Exciting!

Webb and Jackson have coached/played two games this weekend and they are off to a great start. The Padres are 2-0! I couldn't be more proud of Webb. He is so good with the kids and he seems to work well with the parents. Jackson is doing a lot of catching this fall, mostly because they need him behind the plate and he's one of the few kids that wants to be back there. He seems to be a natural at that position. He loves it!

Jackson went over to the neighbor's house last night, who also happens to be his coach from this summer. He picked up a trophy and a superlative. Can you guess what his superlative was? He got the "Guy Smiley" award. People have often commented on how much he smiles. I've noticed how his smile and words have been encouragement to his teammates in years past. We've told Jackson that those things will take him farther in life than being the best baseball player, being a good reader, etc.. I'm proud of him!

Sawyer's new trick is spinning in circles and then stopping only to fall down. He thinks that it's so funny but it makes me a bit nervous because he gets so dizzy and seems to be completely unaware of the fact that he could bump his head on the wall or a piece of furniture. There's no stopping him though. It's one of those things that will get old at some point and then it's on to more dangerous and exciting things.

Jackson's 10th birthday is this week. It's hard to believe that he'll be hitting double digits this week. He's really proud of that! Webb and I often tell him that we want to keep him little....he's growing up too fast.