What The Park Boys Are Eating

It's been a whirlwind week.  We're trying to get back into the swing of a school schedule, homework, marching band and more.  It's up at 5:30 to wake the Teen and feed him, and get him off to band.  Then home to feed the little boys and get them off to school.  Then on to blogging, running errands, doing mounds of laundry, and watching the pets sleep all day (LUCKY thangs!).
Today is going to be a big deal and coupon day - everybody likes to get in on the Labor Day Weekend action.  So I'm gonna clean up the inbox, update the blog, then try to whip this house back into shape for a long 3 day weekend (then, of course, it will need cleaning all over again on Monday - but THAT'S another story!).
As you likely know, my boys all take a lunch every day.  If you're like me - I always enjoy seeing what other parents are packing for their kids.  It give me ideas!  Here's what the Park boys are eating today.  Notice the ADORABLE little Individual Serve Nutella?  THAT is my favorite new discovery, and we're having fun dippin' all sorts of stuff in Nutella (strawberries, pretzels, bananas, cinnamon raisin bread cubes, our fingers...).  I found a deal on 'em HERE - it's WAAAAY cheaper than Amazon (which was the only other place I found 'em).  

Here's what's for lunch:  Salami & cheddar sandwich on their favorite King's Hawaiian bread, strawberries, pretzels, grape tomatoes, heart-shaped cheese cube and Nutella dippin' sauce.  Along with a Joke Lunch Note from Pottery Barn (don't think they sell 'em anymore).

I am loving that the boys are back in school.  Not just because it gives me a break (YES - I admit it!), but because they really DO enjoy school.  It's fun for me to see them interacting with their friends and I love seeing all the work they bring home.  THIS was in Zach's folder yesterday, and I just LOVE it.  To me, this is an itty bitty peek into the secret life of a 7 year old boy.  He's mine, and I think I'll keep him!

If you can't read it, that probably has more to do with my crappy camera work than his writing skills.  It says "I like to build rock castles.  My Mom puts my pictures on the wall.  I like to draw, too.  I also like to build sand castles.  When the next day is fun I can't sleep."  

Can you say ADORABLE!?!?!?

AJ has signed up for our school's Safety Patrol - he was a little nervous for his first day on the job.  No worries, he did awesome.  He's my little over-achiever.  If there is something to sign up for, he's the first to raise his hand.  Some club to join?  Yep - he's in.  Here he is, ensuring the safety of his community, and rockin' a neon orange vest in the process!  :)

My little (OK, BIG) Sam is alive and well, and off to a great start to the year.  He's doing homework that is WAAAAY beyond my skill set, and taking classes like AP Physics and AP Psychology.  By the time he graduates high school he should have enough college credits for an Associates Degree.  He's working VERY hard, on top of being a section leader in marching band.  He's a busy, busy boy.  Why no pics of Sam?  Well, he would rather DIE than have a picture of him posted on Mommy's blog.  Seriously.  In fact, he'd prefer that everyone just believe he somehow, one day just showed up on this Earth and has no parents or little brothers.  At least not in public.  Yep, he's a typical teenager!  (But I think I'll keep him too!)

I hope you have a super-fantastic 3-day Labor Day weekend.  I'll keep you posted on the deals out there.  Here's to a little relaxation, some good grilled meals, a nice walk to the park, and some quality time with the family.  :)