Seven New Wheels

are parked on our curb. Bike wheels, that is.When we had our garage sale in July, Brent and I told Eli and Emma we would get them new bikes with the money we made from the sale. They both had grown out of their old bikes so it was time for brand new ones! A few days after the sale, I took E and E to Wal-Mart and let them choose the bikes they wanted. It was funny to me because Eli choose a simple, yet get the job done bike for him. Nothing fancy, affordable, and rides well was his criteria. He shopped for literally 5 seconds and his choice was made. "This is the one, mommy", he said. Now, while, we were getting some help to get Eli's bike down, Emma was studying and processing her decision. She finally narrowed it down between 2, a Princess or Hello Kitty. While Eli's decision was quick and precise, Emma had many factors for choosing. She wanted a colorful, sparkly, and one that she knew her friends would like. She even took a "test drive" around the toy section of Wal-Mart. She finally decided on the Hello Kitty bicycle which had all the bells and whistles and was twice as expensive as Eli's. I was thinking to myself, yikes, I know how Brent feels when we go shopping together now, Emma was doing the same thing I do when it comes to making a decision, taking forever! She notices details more than any little girl I know! Well, a few weeks later we finally used the rest of Edan's birthday gift cards(no, I didn't get him the EB highchair I have been wanting since before he was born, drats!) and bought him his very FIRST tricycle! Edan's tricycle is a Radio Flyer and he loves it! Eli rides a bike very well, he is like Brent in this aspect. He has very good balance and coordination. We haven't taken Emma's training wheels off yet, but she is so proud, protective, and pleased with her choice! When Edan gets on his tricycle it just makes me sad, he still seems like my tiny little baby! On the handle bars there is a little bell that he makes "ding" with his finger and it is hilarious when he makes the bell go off! He bursts out laughing hysterically! It is so sweet! I am glad that the three E's are enjoying their new rides, we go out everyday after homework and snack so they can ride in style! It makes me happy to see them so joyful and happy when they are on their bicyles!!! Just call us Tour De Hodson on Maple Valley Lane!

School Daze!

Well, I can't believe that the summer is over and school started today! Wow! We had a terrific summer and a great day yesterday with worship and the Lord's Supper last night at church. For dinner last night we threw a big blanket down in the bonus room and had a McDonald's picnic. It was so much fun for the kids, we talked about school, the drama at church, and just had some great fellowship. I gave them a detailed "plan"of how today was going to be, what they were to do when they got up, and how we wanted them to have a great school year! Even though it wasn't anything fancy, it was perfect for Eli and Emma and they love quality time like that! This morning went well, Emma was a little drowsy and sleepy, but she was still so excited. Bless her heart, she is already nervous thinking about PE class(she didn't like it at all last year). Eli got right up and hopped into the shower and was looking forward to meeting new friends and carrying his messenger backpack! Here they are before we left for school:

Brent wanted to go with us the very first day so when we arrived at school, they walked in together:

We took Emma to her classroom first. Here she is walking down the 1st grade hall.: and putting her backpack away and sitting at her desk with me and Eli Emma already knows her teacher, Mrs. Lancaster, who was Eli's first grade teacher. After dropping Emma off , our 2nd stop was at the opposite end of the building. Here he is walking down the hall trying to find his 3rd grade classroom: Eli's teacher this year is Mrs. Studer: Today was a great first day!