Xander and Clare

Very pleased with the new car. We so rarely replace them that Xander doesn't even remember when we bought our last one (even though he was almost four years old).

Xander has an Instagram account (I know, I know -- but I keep close tabs on it and he's been very responsible). Here's a sweet post from the day before school started up again.

X made custom t-shirts for himself (the coach), Clare and Sydney (the soccer stars).

Last-day-of-summer frozen yogurt surprise.

Clare and Syd show off their soccer shirts. 

These three had such a fun summer staying out until bedtime every night, running back and forth between our yards. 

First day of school -- and the last time these two will be at the same school together until Xander is a senior and Clare is a freshman!

You wouldn't know it to look at these photos, but Xander was a bundle of nerves all morning. Clare? Cool as a cucumber. 

Starting his last year as a grade-schooler. Doesn't seem possible. 

Clare was excited to see Mac as soon as we arrived at school. He was her favorite kindergarten classmate and she'd just found out that he's in her class again this year.

Obligatory waiting-for-the-doors-to-open photo. 

As soon as X saw a friend, his nerves seemed to disappear.

Walking into his new classroom and being greeted by two Titan teammates.

Clare sat right down and got to work and barely looked up to say goodbye.

A few minutes after we left, I got this cute photo of C and K from Klayton's mom -- they're both excited to be in the same class again this year.

Michael and Xander headed down to Seattle right after school on Friday in hopes of getting into the Seattle ProAm basketball game. They waited in a crazy long line for over two hours, but didn't make the cut. Next time, kiddo. 

We had a crazy windstorm on Saturday and were without power for much of the day. Clare was prepared for nightfall (though luckily the power came back on around dinnertime; the kids' school still doesn't have power, so there may be no school tomorrow). 

A strange box appeared in our room while I was putting together Ikea night stands this morning...

Surprise!