Jackson's Preschool Program

On May 15th, Jackson completed his first year of Preschool!  His teacher put together a fun program for the parents to watch and listen to all the kids have learned this year.

Daddy and I were both there to observe as Jackson recited his ABC's, shapes, numbers, and sang a few songs.

He was doing great until towards the end of the program, Jackson decided he "didn't want to" (his words) sing the "Going on a Bear Hunt" song.  Even after much prompting from his teacher, he just sat there stone-faced while the other kids did all the motions with huge grins.  Oh Jackson!  Apparently that was out of character for him as his teacher said that was one of his favorite songs that he usually sang with great gusto!  Oh well.  It gave us great video footage for the future :)

We love you, Jackson!  We are so proud of all you have learned this year in Preschool!

Mother's Day 2014

This past weekend was just fabulous...start to finish! It began with a dear friend of mine donating some starter vegetable plants to me so we could start our first real garden!  Daddy tilled a spot for me in the backyard and we got to work planting lots of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, green beans, watermelon, and even pumpkin plants! Excited to see what produces from our efforts!

 This year, we were scheduled to serve at church on Mother's Day so Daddy and the kids spoiled me all day on Saturday! Of course, I had no idea what their plan was which is the best part.  I woke up to coffee, gifts, and an announcement to "hurry up and get dressed because we are going to breakfast!" I am not one who typically throws clothes on and goes, but I made an exception this time (hence the hat and no makeup ;). We tried out "The Big Biscuit", which truly lived up to its name.  I was thankful Daddy decided on a nature walk afterward as I felt like I was going to burst! 

Burr Oak Woods is such a cool place. And being a perfect Spring morning, it was great weather for a nature walk, (although my choice in footwear was not the most appropriate). We toured the nature center then headed off for a 20 min. walk.

 My birdies in the nest!

Daddy found Jackson a "walking stick". He made sure he was always in the lead to guide us through. We kept telling him he was Moses :)

 Later that afternoon, we headed over to Grandma & Grandpa B.'s to celebrate Mother's Day with Grandma!  We grilled steaks and hot dogs and had a great time enjoying the weather and family time.

 And a perfect ending to a fabulous weekend was church with my family. I am so blessed to be the mother of these two kiddos. They bring so much joy to my heart :)

Lily's 1st grade field trip to the zoo!

On Friday, Lily had a 1st grade field trip to the zoo!  Unfortunately, I was unable to go but thankful for other moms who sent me lots of pics! Although we have a zoo pass and have been many times, there is nothing quite like going with all of your school friends.  She had a great day!

Lily and BFF Autumn

Friends Aeja, Autumn, and Elizabeth

with Autumn & Sydney

snack time by the penguin exhibit

just hanging out :)

Lily's "7 1/2" pool party!

Last weekend, we celebrated Lily's "7 1/2" birthday with a pool party!  After two failed attempts to have this birthday party during her actual birthday in December, we thought it might be fun to try the "1/2".  It worked out perfectly and was a great way for all of the kids to kick off summer break starting in a just a couple of weeks!

Pool party decor!  Cheese balls were "beach balls" and veggie straws were "pool noodles".  Kept it real simple.  Grandma B. made some yummy sandwiches and brought fruit as well.  The kids did not leave hungry, that's for sure!  The cupcakes were the most fun to make.  Lily helped decorate and I realized slowly during the decorating process that she was taking over!  I could feel myself starting to get frustrated as she was instructing ME on the next steps in my "assembly line" process!  She is definitely my child :)

We had 16 kids total that came to the party!  I'm certain I did not get all of them in a picture, but this was the best attempt I had at lining the majority of them up before they hit the pool.  They were itching to get in that pool ASAP!

Photog Aunt Sarah and Ashley!  Always love having them there to help capture the memories :)

 Lily and church friend Lainee

 School friends Mattie, Autumn, and Sydney

 The BFF cousins Lola & Lily

This is not the best picture, but a huge hit of the party was the "high dive". Lily has attempted this once before but was a pro this time. Maryanna and Powell were attempting flips, and even Christopher jumped off into the arms of Uncle Chris! Daredevil kids!

Singing happy "1/2" birthday to Lily!

Easter 2014

We celebrated another Easter with church and family fun! We had beautiful weather all weekend and took in all the beauty that Spring and new life brings.

Here's a walk through our holiday fun in pictures...

Easter cuties! (outfits courtesy of Grandma L.) Our church held 6 services this year, with three on Saturday. We opted for a Saturday service and it was a lot less hectic getting out the door this year!

Coming home from Jackson's preschool celebration

Favorite tradition...making Resurrection Buns. Even the following day Jackson was reciting the events leading to Jesus' death on the cross. So important for us to remember His sacrifice.

Easter eggs!

Easter baskets Sunday morning!

Wearing his loot :)

Easter cousins in their pretty dresses at Aunt Mary's

Ready for the egg hunt!

And they're off!

The crew

We had quite the wild bunch :)

And Grandpa surprised the kids with a new sandbox playhouse!! As I type, I am sitting in the sandbox watching them play. They are loving it!