The Hopkins Family: The Month that Got Away...August Part 1

Holy Smokes...someone forgot to tell me August has been over for like 2 weeks now. It definitely feels like the month that got away. Lots of fun stuff to recap on-first days of school, annual State Fair, birthday parties and trips to the zoo.

Our little girl officially started Kindergarten this year. It's been a big transition over the last six weeks, but I think she is finally hitting her stride. I went this last week to volunteer and it was fun to see their daily routine and to ask her about all the little activities. I got to go out to recess with her and enjoy lunch. I met some of her friends, too. She actually looked at me during recess and said, "Mom, I think I'm going to go play with my friends." I obviously encouraged her to do so, but felt abandoned in the middle of the playground. :) Her teacher, Mrs. Gardner, is absolutely wonderful. It's actually the teacher Ali did her summer assessment with and the one Ali wanted. She's very enthusiastic and Ali needs that positive energy. She's doing great and it feels very odd to have an official kiddo in school. I feel like a complete rookie and am trying to keep up with newsletters, PTO meetings, pick up protocol, lunch programs, nightly homework, and all the other "new" things that have come with officially starting school. I can't wait until 3:45 to get here so I can pick her up. It's nice to have some time to get things done, especially as we try to wrap up the construction of our new house, but I really do miss her during the day. However, I'm super proud of her. I just hope and pray I can help her be a strong, smart and bold young lady as she enters this stage in her life.

I had a couple weeks of hanging out with Brock before he started preschool. He is going to Mt. Pleasant's preschool, which is where Ali has gone the last three years. So contrary to the newness of Ali's school, we are old pros at MPCC. Brock is a Zebra this year and his teachers are really great. Ms. Norma and Ms Jen always tell me how laid back Brock is at school and that he just goes with the flow. If they knew all the women he had to deal with at home (Ali and his two cousins Paige and Maddi), they would probably understand how he's so laid back. He has zero control with those three so he's learned to adapt pretty well. He loves going to school and you can tell he feels like a big boy.

The first weeks of August definitely were transitional as we got into a routine with school, but we couldn't miss out the State Fair. I've really enjoyed this tradition of taking the kiddos. My parents joined us for a fun (hot) night out for the festivities.

We love petting the baby calves. It was fun this year because Brock was a little older and we let him join in. However, Brock really doesn't grasp the idea of being "gentle" and I'm surprised this calf didn't give Brock a piece of his mind.

Cool Dude!

Corn Dog, Brock?...Yes, please!

Brock and Dad checking out some equipment

I looked across the area of tractors and Ali started honking the horn on this tractor and waving! It was so loud but I had to laugh..she looks so happy!

Can you guess who picked our spots for this picture?

This is pretty much the story of Brock's life...getting smothered by his sister and there is nothing he can do about it!

Ali loves her Gigi!

The kid section has this little obstacle course and Ali loved it. This was her reaction as she came down the slide!

We love the slides!

I think this may have been the only time Nick smiled all night...he's not a fan of the State Fair. Remember folks, he's not from Indiana and lacks the Hoosier pride!