YOU GOTTA LOVE DA KIDDOS!

On a recent venture to McDonalds, our 4 year old, Naia, graciously asked to give the prayer before going in. We were a little taken back by the fact that the 4 year old had to halt us with her little lungs from the back, back seat and remind all of us the important duty of prayer. Eddie and I looked at each other with an "uh oh, our child is reminding us of what we should be reminding them!" look and happily said, "Sure, go ahead, Naia!"

So she proceeded with a very proud tone and began her prayer...She thanked Heavenly Father for the day and the somewhat repetitious things four year olds have the capacity to remember to tell and ask Heavenly Father. She asked for all her family to be good, and then for mommy, daddy and Kainoa and Jaedyn to be safe and not die...which is so sweet to say...but then...(which I think was the funniest yet sweetest thing to say) she went on to say, "and please bless mommy so that she can be a princess!" OH I LOVE THIS GIRL! How kind and dear that my child wishes that I could be a princess! I expected her to ask is SHE could be a princess, but yet she asked if her mommy could be one. Oh bless her little heart! How children touch your heart in unexpected ways! You gotta love the kids!

** PRINCESS **

Back to School

It's back to school for us. And boy is it BUSY! We're back into the swing of things and the older they get, the harder it is. Kainoa has now entered 3rd grade. Mrs. Zott is his teacher. He is enjoying it a lot. Although, being the child of Eddie Maldonado, he sure has taken after him in his schoolroom manners-he messes around a lot. Yup, just like his daddy, I say. I should know, because I did attend class with Mr. Maldonado. They are smart boys, but like to mess around a little too much at times. Kainoa has a lot on his plate this 3rd grade year. Lot's of homework this year and it sure isn't easy. But I'm sure it'll be a great year for him!

Jaedyn is now entering 1st grade. Having been in all day Kinder, he is used to the longevity of the school day. His teacher is Ms. Herrera(Kainoa/Lilli's 1st grade teacher too). He likes school and I'm glad. Although, he too, takes after the men in the family. They all like to mess around and unfortunately it gets them in trouble, especially at school. But he is doing well with his work.
Kainoa and Lilli on the first day of school

Big brother with little sis
Little big brother with little sis

This is Naia

(sorry for the sideways pic)

And this is her first year of school. She goes to ALL day ECE. She was so excited. This picture was taken when she came home from her first day. A little rough lookin' and it was a little rough for her also. She is defintely my child. Very shy and likes to cry A LOT. She's had a hard time saying goodbye in the mornings, but it's gradually getting better. I can visit her during the day now without her crying when it's time for me to go. So the going is slow, but if you ask her she says she likes it.

So things are very, very busy in our household. Mommy is back to work. Daddy is working 2 jobs and is in charge of the children (getting to school etc.) during the day. Kids are in school and homework piles during the week. Soccer for all three kids is underway. And all the things inbetween make life a bit hectic. But it's all worth it in the long run.