Firsts and Lasts

Despite my temper tantrums, spirited protests, and all-out rioting,

Mother Nature has ignored my demands, and summer has undeniably come to an end.
And with summer (and my tan) going out, and fall coming in, these last few weeks have been a jumble of firsts and lasts.

Thursday was the first day of Preschool.
It was also the first day of my life that I felt completely and totally unneeded.
Aubrey was a little bit timid, but so thrilled to finally not be left behind.
Brooklyn was jumping for joy. Literally.When we finally got to school, both girls were so excited about going to class that I was completely forgotten about.

Mommy?.....
Who's she?
Brooklyn had to almost physically push me out of her class.
And Aubrey had to check over her shoulder several times to see if I was still there.
She finally came over and asked me, "Mom, are you going to leave me?"
And that is when I may or may not have started to cry.

I think it's safe to say that I need another baby.


Monday was the first day of gymnastics.
It was also the first time that I really, really missed my old coaching job.
Coaching wasn't always a walk in the park, but I can guarantee you that I would have had more fun than this girl.
Doesn't she look thrilled to be there?!
I have about 8 pictures of her yawning.
And about 23 pictures of my girls having the time of their life.

Sadly, this week I think we may have witnessed the last fireworks show of the year.
Iowa throws some amazing fireworks shows for no apparent reasons.
You won't find me complaining.

And I also fear this may be the last time I let my kids feed the fish at the zoo.
The girls let the coy suck on their fingers.
It makes me throw up in my mouth a little. Oh, and Aubrey got bit by a duck. Again.


And lastly, this will be the last time I let Aubrey fake-kick me on the swing.
Either her aim has improved, or my spacial-awareness-reasoning button is out of order.
Either way, I'm not playing that game again.

I hope this fall season will include lots of firsts and lasts for our family.

Our list includes:
-First time frolicking in a pile of fallen leaves.
-First time being something other than a bee and a ladybug for Halloween.
-Last time having an "accident" for Aubrey.
(cross your fingers!!)
-First (and hopefully LAST) time being away from Luke for 3 weeks.
-First time picking apples at an orchard.
-The first fall that I spend not dreading the upcoming winter.