Back to School...AKA My Life is Now Crazy

I have been a major procrastinator about updating our blog! We had a great trip to California, but once we got back home the idea of sorting through so many pictures in order to post an update seemed sort of overwhelming...and then school started up and it's been one activity after the next lately! So, I'm picking back up starting now :) Here's what the Hamilton's have been up to:

 Jack started kindergarten and it feels like he's grown up overnight! He attends full day kindergarten and is riding the bus to and from school each day. I sure miss him while he's gone, but I am thrilled to see how much he his enjoying his new environment. We love his school and his teacher!

 Someone else started school too! Miles is attending preschool Tuesday and Thursday mornings. He had a hard time separating from Mommy for the first 2 weeks, but now he jumps out of the car with excitement when it's time for drop-off. He loves to come home and tell us all about the special things he is learning and doing.

 We celebrated Jack's 6th birthday at the end of August. His actual birthday fell on a school day so we celebrated with a chocolate donut and candle before catching the bus, rice krispie treats for his class, and cake and family presents that evening. 

 Soccer season is also here! Jack is having a lot of fun and it's been neat to see how much he's learned since last season. He is a strong player and fun to watch. I am the team mom this season, which mostly means I'm in charge of the all-important snack schedule :)

 My mom and dad came out for a visit the last week of September and we kept them busy with projects for Jack's birthday party! Here's Grandma and Miles filling the pinata.

 We decided to wait and have Jack's party at the end of Septmber for a couple of reasons: 1) we wanted to give him a few weeks to get to know his kinder friends and 2) he really wanted a baseball party so we needed the weather to cool down a bit!

 The boys were excited to wear their Giants shirts to Jack's party (thanks to Aunty Lise and Aunty Julie!)

 We had a house full of kindergarten boys for Jack's baseball bash. 5 and 6 year old boys are very fun! Here they are decorating brown bags with baseball stickers (we used these for our pinata loot).

 We served Jack's favorite baseball food- hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, and licorice- I threw in some grapes and juice boxes too :)

 The baseball pinata was so much fun. The kids LOVED it!

 Silly faces

 Scooping up pinata candy

 Jack's baseball cake (thank you Costco- I love you!)

 Miles had no trouble keeping up with all of the big kids

 A very happy birthday boy

 We wrapped up with a backyard baseball game...

and turns on the zip line (I think the dads loved this just as much as the boys!)