Well child check ups

I thought that I was being the multi-tasker of the year by scheduling Ella and Grant's well child check-ups at the same time. One trip to the doctor, 2 kids, good idea right? Well it sounds great, however when you add "10 shots" along with lots of tears, I quickly second guessed my decision! But overall we survived. Ella had her one year immunizations along with the flu shot, and Grant was a very big boy and got the mass quantity of shots that he needed to go to pre-school.
Ella had a clean bill of health, which of course we were thrilled about. She weighed in at 26.5 pds and 30.5 inches. Dr. Dykema said that she had a little extra poundage for her age, but will slim down as soon as she starts running around.
Grant weighed in at 41.25pds and 42.25 inches tall. He got a great report too!

Here are a few pictures from our eventful day! Grant thought that he should check Ella out to make sure the doctor didn't miss anything! Cheerios and doctor toys, does it get any better than that?

School is in session!

Well after 2 weeks, I am finally able to have a minute to post first day of school pictures! Some may think that having a portion of the children in school might prove for a quieter day around here, but it is actually quiet the opposite! Between the insane carpooling schedule, packing lunches, filling out forms, and homework there has been little time left to sit!

This year proves to be a pretty major transition year for all the kids. Jakob is in 6th grade, which is the progression from elementary school to middle school. He was very excited about this change! He is now able to play junior high sports, be on a power plus team at school, and switch classes. With this he is being challenged more with responsibility and organization. So far, we are very impressed :0)

Logan and Brayden had a huge transition this year as they have switched schools, and also were introduced to an entirely new learning style. The boys are at Waukazoo Elementary School in the Montessori program. Brayden is in a 1-3rd classroom, and Logan is in the 3rd-5th class. We are very excited about the Montessori approach to learning, and feel this will be a great growth year for both the boys. Although the change has not been without some struggles, we are hopeful that in the end the year with prove to have been a positive one.

And lastly, our little Grant started his first ever school experience today. We weren't sure if we were going to put him in a preschool class, or just have him be home with mom this year, but after a couple weeks of having his brothers gone we realized he would benefit from some structured time with other kids his age. He is in a 4 year old pre-school program at Tot-time, which meets Monday and Wednesday mornings for 2 hours. He had an awesome first day, but came home pretty tired out! It is so fun to see him have an experience that is all his own!

Oh, I guess I can't forget that daddy (Nate) has gone back to school as well, in a couple ways. One, he started the fall semester teaching Management at Davenport University as he has been doing for the past year. And secondly, he has joined the Institute of Managerial Accountants, and is beginning the process of studying to sit for the Certified Managerial Accountant exam. Crazy some might say........of course it is, but our family is not very well known for being boring!

Upcoming events in the Sandstedt Family.........Ella starts walking(hopefully), Brayden loses his first tooth(hopefully),apple picking, more soccer games,and engedi moves to a new home....stay tuned!!!