“The difference between school & life? In school you are taught a lesson and then given a test. In life you are given a test that teaches you a lesson.” – unknown


This week, we did a lot of end-of-summer projects to get ready for the rainy weather. Cooper helped.



We stained the steps. Cooper helped.


Our friend Eric said that he had some style advice for Miss O so she’d be memorable for the first day of 4th grade (left). Fortunately, she choose to listen to her aunt Lindsey instead!


Starting Kindergarten. Miss O did online Kindergarten so this feels like the first time I’ve really experienced this rite of passage. I’m not sure I can even encapsulate all my feelings about this. Except to say that there’s so much hope and potential that comes with this milestone!


The last (likely) lemonade stand of the summer. At least that’s the plan…
Love them all—especially this week’s sign. Cooper is a big help! Happy kindergartening!
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Cooper — always willing to jump in. 🙂 ❤
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❤️ beauties all
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Thank you, Beth!
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Gorgeous kids and great quote. And I’d add to the quote, the big question is do you learn the lessons?
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Oh, good point. As you’ve quote before – “I like to make new mistakes.” 🙂
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Great pics- especially Coopers contribution to the stair staining and Miss O’s rejected fashion 😁
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Thanks, Todd. We thought we had Cooper squared away but lo and behold, we turned around and he was walking up the freshly stained steps…
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😂
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Aw, Cooper. You had to get in on the fun, didn’t you? Your kids look so happy helping you stain the steps!
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Cooper HAS to be in the middle of everything. He just doesn’t think we have any fun without him. 🙂 Thanks, Belinda!
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Happy school year to the kiddos…and to mom! Good luck to Coop as he readies his new construction company for opening. I hope he can field his own appts. and invoicing.
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Ugh, the invoicing. I can just imagine with his golden retriever personality that he’s going to give it all away for free… 🙂 Love it, Deb!
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I love how helpful your kids are and how you get them to be so responsible at such a young age! Cooper too!
Congrats on getting through the first week of school for Miss O and good luck with Mr D on Monday!
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Thanks, Ab! It always seems like there is so much more to teach. That must be why we get 18 years with them… 🙂 Hope T enjoyed his first week!
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It was a good first week! Hope it’s a sign of good things to come.
And hope the same for yours too!
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I love the opening quote. Great pics. Starting kindergarten really is a milestone. Here’s to a great year ahead, for everyone!!
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It really is a milestone! Thanks for the good wishes, Jane!
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I love Cooper’s footprints! Although it has been years (I won’t say how many although my daughter is now a grandmother with grandkids going off to kindergarten) I still treasure the memories of her first day at school. Sadly, they grow up way too fast!
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They grow up way too fast, Barb! Love that those are still treasured memories for you!
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A lovely week Wynne filled with plenty of emotions. Those first kindergarten days are ones you’ll always remember. And Mr. D. will too.
Love Cooper’s helping hand (paws) all over the place.
And look at Miss O, already making wise decisions. 😆
Great week! Have a fun weekend too!
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Oh, you are so right about these treasured memories. As for Cooper, we don’t have to remember him since he’s leaving his paw prints everywhere. 🙂 Hope you have a nice transition back as well, my dear friend! ❤
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Thanks my friend! 💕
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I agree fully with Ab’s comment about how helpful your kids are. I hope they have a great school year!
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They’re helpful — but it’s a lot of work to help them be helpful! I’m sure you’ll be doing the same before too long!! Thank you, Erin!
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Oh yeah, I can understand that!
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What a milestone, Kindergarten! He looks happy and ready. Love the Miss O outfits.
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Thanks, Rebecca! Happy and ready – I think so! Hope Eagle has a great year too!
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Thanks, Wynne. They had a great first week!
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What a week! So many smiles…a good year ahead for all. Now you need to teach Cooper how to hold a brush to fix his paw print designs…or lean into it. Add more! 😜
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Now THAT would be a trick!! 🙂 ❤ ❤
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🤪🥰🤪
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The most beautiful of this week is Cooper and his help with the stairs 😂
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Isn’t he a marvel? 🙂
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Also because he looks always innocent 😇
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I love your opening quote! And enjoyed the photos.
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I’m impressed by you getting home projects done. It’s nice that your kids (and Cooper) helped. Great sign. 🙂
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You are such a good mom. Having your kids help with some of the chores around the house makes them feel good about themselves while teaching responsibility.
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Looks like they’re learning how to care for a house at your home — and now school is in session. I hope Miss O and Mr. D have joyful school years!
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I love everything about the fall, going back to school, big pots of minestrone, and cooler temperatures! What a fabulous week. Hugs, C
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Beautiful
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Yes, such a beautiful milestone.!! You has some awesome help!
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Online kindergarten? I can’t even imagine how that worked. Did all the kids nap together on camera?
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Cooper is such a good helper. 😂 At least he looks good in the hard hat. I’m not sure about the billboard quote—I haven’t seen one yet. But, of course, we’re not going to tell the idiot.
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The paw prints are the cutest! good job keeping those kiddos busy.
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