Sumer Fun

As it has happened before, I got very busy with life, and therefore the blog suffered. I really enjoy using the blog to document our family life, so I will do my best to remember the most important events from the past few weeks, starting with the official kick off of summer, Memorial Day!

We spent lots of our Memorial Day Weekend at the pool. The boys LOVE the pool and we started our weekend off by visiting the pool on Friday night. Of course, the water was cold, but neither boy minded that one bit! They both enjoyed swimming in the big pool and jumping off the diving board. We visited again on Saturday and Rachel, Teddy, Caroline, Alex and Bonnie Mom joined us, which was lots of fun. On Sunday, we went to the pool AGAIN! There was a giant inflatable slide there that day and both boys had blast on that.

 



On Sunday afternoon, Carl and I headed down to one of our most favorite festivals, Abby Road on the River. We always love seeing all of the concerts, but this year was extra fun and we had Ron, Vanessa, Greg, Alison, Mina and Mina's girlfriend join us. As a bonus, Carl and I got to stay to see the last show and then spent the night at The Galt House, while the boys got to spend the night with Bonnie Mom!



We had hoped to be outdoors on Monday, but we woke up to thunder storms and it rained ALL day. We had lots of fun though! We made forts out of blanket and furniture, played, and watched movies. It was a nice, relaxing end to a fantastic weekend!

After the Memorial Day weekend, I was able to join my best friends for our annual girls weekend. We went back to Stacey's parents' lake house on Tims Ford Lake. As usual, it was WONDERFUL. I don't get to see my sisters as much as I would like and our girls weekend was a great time for lots of laughter, fun, and making great memories. We had shirts made this year, as well as decorated cups, so it was almost as if we were back in college! I love these ladies so much and we have maintained a very special bond over the past 17 (almost 18) years. I am so very lucky to have such dear friends.

 

At the end of the school year, I met up with my "dream team" at Churchill Downs. It was a way to celebrate the end of the year, as well celebrate our team. Jenn, Tammy and I, as well as our husbands, had a great time eating, drinking, and chatting, as well as watching the races. It was a great night out and we got to see American Pharaoh win The Triple Crown! I was especially excited, as there has not been a triple crown winner in my lifetime! What a great horse and what a special team! I will certainly miss working with them! Of course, I know we will remain friends for a long time.

Evan has attended Vacation Bible School before and Preston went once as baby, when I was a teacher. This year was Preston's first time attending VBS, when he actually knew what was going on. He had a great time. He loved his teacher, Ms. Judy, and he liked meeting new friends, singing, and making crafts. Evan also had fun and really enjoyed the science station, the games, and singing. I was able to teach again this year, which was fun. We all enjoyed the week, but we sure were tired at the end!

After VBS, Jamie and Zach came to visit us and we went to our first comic con. It was fun, but a bit overwhelming for the kids, especially since it was crowded and Preston got super tired and super grouchy. We think it will be something we will go to again, especially since Carl liked it so much! The boys enjoyed all of the Star Wars stuff, especially getting to meet a real Storm Trooper! They are both big Star Wars fans!

 

 

In addition to "the big stuff" we have enjoyed spending a lot of time together at the creek. The boys enjoy catching fish, crayfish, and little minnows, as well as anything else that they can find, such as salamanders. Preston is not too good at catching anything yet, but he likes to play with his fishing pole and his net, as well as throw rocks in the water. He also really likes seeing all of the animals that we catch, before we release them back into the wild.

 

 



Endings and New Beginnings

Preston had his final day of Preschool in mid May and it was FANTASTIC! He has really blossomed this year and his end of the year program really highlighted his progress. For most of the year, Preston cried at preschool drop off. He hated to be away from his family and it was super sad. In fact, it was only towards the end of March or beginning of April, that he was consistently happy at drop off time. At each program throughout the year, poor Preston got overwhelmed and cried. It was so pitiful, and honestly, it was heartbreaking. I had hoped that in light of good drop offs at preschool and lots of positive comments from his teachers, that Preston would have a good time at the end of the year program. I was so thankful that he did! He stayed with his friends instead of running to me and he happily sang and danced, all with a smile on his face! At the end of the program, he ran to me and yelled, "I did it!" He was clearly proud of himself and I was very proud too!

Preston was all smiles during his program! It was amazing to see him having so much fun and being so successful!

Preston was so proud of himself and we were too!

I tried to take Preston's picture on our front porch, as I do with Evan at the end of the school year. Of course, he had his own idea of having me take his picture in his favorite climbing tree!

I am grateful for our wonderful preschool. It has some amazing teachers that worked together as a team to help my sweet boy. I am excited for next year, as Preston will be in the three day three's program. I am hoping that he will have a great time and learn a lot!

Evan has always done well in school and his year in first grade was no exception. He had two amazing teachers, Ms. Morrow and Mrs. Schaefer. They were a perfect fit for Evan. They were kind and encouraging, as well as great instructors. Evan ended the year with almost all Os and he is even reading on a DRA level 24, which is the expectation for the end of second grade. Way to go, Evan!

Evan wanted to make his own sign for the last day of school. I love his creativity!

Ms. Morrow and Evan

Mrs. Schaefer and Evan

As with the kids, I had my last day of school too! My last day of school is usually the last day for the school year. I get a few weeks off and then I am back at school, preparing for my new group of students. This year was different though. I closed out my classroom for the final time after 13 years of teaching. Although I had not planned to quit teaching this soon, I truly believe it was the best decision for me and for our family. Heather has moved away and is no longer able to care for Preston and we have not ever found another good, affordable part time care situation. Carl is extra busy with work, so I will be able to take care of most things, so he can spend more time with us on his time off and not taking care of as many errands, phone calls, etc. Plus, being a full time mommy is a dream come true. I adore my boys and I am looking forward to getting to spend extra time with them. I am excited about my new adventure and I am looking forward to making lots of great memories!

This is my kindergarten class for the 2014-2015 school year. It was a great year!

 

 The Dream Team! I can't say enough wonderful things about Jenn and Tammy! I have enjoyed working with them. We made one amazing team! We had fun celebrating the end of our time together at Churchill Downs. As a bonus, we saw American Pharaoh win the Triple Crown!