Preschool's out for summer!

This was Lily's last week of Preschool before summer vacation! She has had a great year at Sycamore Hills Baptist Preschool and has made some new friends. Her teacher, Ms. Barbara, has such a loving and patient personality and really enjoys teaching the kids.
Since Lily will be moving to PreK next year, she did not have a "graduation" ceremony, but Ms. Barbara held an Open House for the parents to come and see what the kids have learned over the year. It was so fun to watch Lily sing the songs she has learned, recite her ABC's, shapes, and colors. We enjoyed cookies and punch downstairs afterward and watched a slideshow of pictures taken throughout the year.
I didn't think I would get emotional since I know she will be returning next year, but when Ms. Barbara spoke of her love for the kids and got choked up about all of the fun they have had learning this year, I shed a few tears.
While we were leaving, Ms. Barbara said to me "Lily will do great in school. She just loves it!"
Great job, Lily! We know you will really enjoy PreK and we look forward to your next school year!

in front of her classroom

hugs from Ms. Barbara

last day of Preschool!
(she chose this outfit for the occasion ;-)

ready for her Preschool Open House

getting prepared to show the parents what they have learned

with Ms. Barbara and Ella after the program

Roaring River- Spring 2011

Last weekend, we enjoyed our annual spring trip to Roaring River State Park! Not only did we enjoy camping fun, but we also celebrated Aunt Sarah's 30th birthday!
The weekend started off with some rain and thunderstorms (not fun!) but ended up with sunny and warm weather! Regardless of the weather, we had a great time.
This was also Jackson's first camping trip. He did very well! Sleeping in the tent trailer did not go as smoothly as I'd hoped, but he enjoyed sharing the bed with Mommy for the weekend :-)

Enjoy some pictures of our trip:

setting up camp

hanging out with Grandma, Pug, and Maggie

the rain did not slow these kids down...they were out and on their bikes in no time!

Grandpa in his rain gear (or the "Big Banana" as Grandma called him! :)

the Birthday Girl has arrived! loved the short/boot getup on Daddy :-)

Happy happy birthday to Aunt Sarah!!

Lily and Maryanna waiting to eat some foiled dinners!

Daddy and Uncle Chris manning the foiled dinners

the Stewart's joined us too!

brothers...and best buds

all the kiddos on the top bunk in Grandma & Grandpa's camper

Jackson...enjoying some nice outdoor air

with all of the rain, the creek filled up pretty quickly
we couldn't keep the kids out of it!
needless to say...we had a LOT of wet clothes coming home with us

and...the trout! the kids got up every morning to "fish the buzzer" with their daddies and Grandpa.
What awesome memories!

Preschool field trip to the park

Last Wednesday, Lily had a field trip with her preschool to a local park in Blue Springs. There was a great playground area- specifically designed for her age group, and a huge pond in the center of the park with ducks and geese. We packed a lunch and headed out for a great time playing with her friends.
It was a cloudy day, but thankfully the rain waited until we were packing up to leave. Phew!

Enjoy some pictures of her fun day:

with friend, Andrew (in the vest) following the ducks

having lunch with friend, Gabrielle

Jackson had a great time, too!

with Andrew attempting to pet the ducks

always picture-ready with that beautiful smile!

on the go!

Jackson- 7 month update

Jackson is now mobile! Within the past month he started doing an army crawl/scoot in which he looks like a worm moving across the room. It's so funny to watch...and he is very determined to get where he needs to go!

up on all fours!

He is sitting up very well, unsupported.

(imitating Grandpa Losie at the piano)

Jackson started on his fruits and vegetables last month. He has not yet tried anything he doesn't like. Unlike his big sister, he is not picky at all! In fact, I'm having a hard time keeping him full! He is a great eater and has a healthy appetite. Up to this point, he has had both rice cereal and oatmeal, bananas, applesauce, pears, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and green beans.

he has also been eating puffs, cheerios, and small banana chunks for finger foods

sweet potatoes...yum!

He loves being outside.

hanging out with Daddy and Lily

"Chillaxing" as his shirt says...
out shopping with Mommy and Grandma Losie

Grandma Losie's Spring visit

Grandma Losie came out for a long weekend to celebrate Jackson's dedication and visit with us! We had a fun weekend of shopping and hanging out. We love when Grandma comes to visit!

AWANA awards ceremony

Lily completed her first year as a "Cubbie" at AWANA! We are so proud of her accomplishments this year. She memorized 27 Bible verses throughout the year!! She had such a great time learning about God and spending time with her friends.

Here are some pictures of her ceremony last night. She was excited all day yesterday, telling me "I can't WAIT to be on stage!" She sure didn't have a problem finding me and the camera!

Last day of AWANA- posing in front of the flowers she gave me for Mother's Day

With teachers: Ms. Kim, Mr. Josh, and Ms. Rebecca

Grandma, Grandpa, and Jackson were there too!

On stage with the other Cubbies (BFF Madison is in blue bow on right)

All of the Cubbies

Name in lights

Accepting her award

So proud!!