A summer in pictures

A reunion!

The cousins come to Belmont Park

First Camp of the Summer

Geocaching rules

Spencer Graduates Preschool

Last day of 1st grade!

Happy Father's Day!

Elliott's first Piano recital

Holiday Break

Elliott had 2 weeks off of school and I loved it! It was a wonderful winter vacation for me.  No lunches to be packed, no time commitments, we didnt need to get dressed and leave the house. We could play together all day.  I kept Spencer out of school too.  It was so relaxing!

One of the days we spent at Old Town park running off the sugar from an earlier birthday party. 

I love these adorable boys! 

shark tooth

Elliott lost his first tooth on Dec 1st, 2013 (bottom picture), and the second has been loose since Thanksgiving or longer!  Hanging on by a thread. 

Teeth

My biggest boy has his first loose tooth.  I wiggle it every day.  He is not impressed.

My little girl has her first tooth coming in.

Somehow this timing is symbolic, but I am simply too tired to analyze it in detail.  *sigh*

Update: Make that 2 and 2!  2 loose for Elliott and 2 coming in for Trea. 

1st day of school 2013

Im kind of a big deal.

35 pictures and this is the only one where all 3 kids look decent.

Close up.

Kindergarten Graduation

Last day of Kindergarten!

Getting his award for running the mile with the schools Running Club.

All dressed up to celebrate brothers accomplishments.  

A garden party fit for a 6 year old

Tah-Dah!  

Collaborative present opening.

Cousin love.

Happy Birthday brother!!!

And they're off!

Beautiful cousin.

The happy brother.

BFF's

Music Men

I love you, so I will splash water on you to get your attention.

Balsa builder.

Young BFF's

Why you bugging me,  I'm workin.

Very busy at work.

Bug negotiations.  

A garden party, complete with dirt cake.

Happy Birthday to you!

I wish I could eat all of this cake myself.

Milestone-Elliott

Elliott, who will turn 6 on July 1st, has hit a milestone.  Last night, for the first time I am aware of, was able to wake himself up and get out of bed to pee all on his own.  He didn't call for us either.  I heard him get out of bed, go to the toilet, pee and return to bed.

Since he was little, he has been a 'heavy wetter'.  He was tough to potty train, and had accidents with frequency.  Up until a few months ago, he wore an overnight pull up. He has always been a very hard sleeper.  The pediatrician said that some kids physically aren't ready, and to just wait it out.  I was fine with that, and so was he.

It seems that the wait is over and his body is ready to take charge.  I am glad we allowed him to take it at his pace.    

Lizard love

A few weeks ago I captured a lizard for the boys.  They thought I was the best Mom EVER.  I managed to capture the sheer look of joy on Elliott's face.

It makes a Moms heart smile. 

My knights in shining armor

This year for Halloween the boys chose matching knight outfits.  They have been wearing them around the house all month, and for most of that time their swords have been in time out... they made a cameo appearance for this picture! 

Spencer, when asked what his costume would be, would tell everyone he was going to be Elmo.  We don't have an Elmo costume, and he declined the offer to try one on at Target. 

I am happy and shocked that they both decided to don the actual costumes we purchased for the occasion.  We went to a few neighborhood houses for candy, Spencer trick or treated around the block at preschool earlier that day, and Elliott's school had a costume parade.  The highlight for the kids however, like their Daddy, was handing out candy. 

They are already counting down the days until next Halloween. 

Field Trip

I accompanied Elliott and his classroom on their first school field trip to the pumpkin patch.  This was taken on the school bus on the way there.  Can you see the joy and happiness on his face?

My Kindergartner-Elliott

Elliott started kinder 3 weeks ago.  He was pretty nervous about it, and felt certain he wouldn't like it.  We attended an orientation that left me feeling more nervous than I was before the orientation, instead of less.  It was poorly organized, the information wasn't comforting, and the teachers seemed cold and slightly mean.

I stayed dry eyed the first day, and I think that helped Elliott remain brave and strong.  He decided after the first day, that he still didn't like it.  The next day was the same.  I was starting to worry, as Elliott had always loved learning.  I was even considering the idea of home schooling...maybe this forced structure wasn't for us after all.  

The third day we participated in run club.  The school hosts a running club that begins when the campus opens and goes until it is time to line up for classes.  The premise is simple--you have a card with your name on it, you run a lap, you receive a stamp on your card.  When you acquire 26 stamps, or approx. 5 miles, you get a plastic shoe charm on a string.  

On the 3rd day, he decided he loved school.  We have participated in run club every morning since.  He shows off his shoe charm to anyone who will pay attention.  Parents and siblings are encouraged to participate as well.  So, on the days I have Spencer, I walk with him.  He even has his own card!

Thankfully, I wont be homeschool this year.  

Kidding Around-5th Birthday

Dino Love

Spencer loves the Cozy Coupe

Pizza, Juice and Cake?

Yes, Please!

The closest thing we got to a family picture.  At least the Dino and I are smiling.

King of the party.

Attempt 50,001 of a group picture

50,002...and done!

Elliott turns 4

Happy Birthday Sweet boy!