Milestones

I'm a little behind in posting some pictures.  I've added a lot taken with my iphone, but here are some taken with the good camera.

This is Connor getting on the bus for the last day of school.  We loved his bus driver...and his teacher.  Though I am really enjoying having more time with this kid!

Mitchell is now 15 months old.  My does time fly.  He is super cute.   Take a look.  When he spotted me with the camera...he came towards me like lightening.  I'll post more about his 15 months status, but haven't been able to hold him still for pictures.

Such a happy guy!

Over the last few weeks, he was standing up for us...but still no walking.  He did take a few steps for me on Wednesday evening.  (June 16th) 

 

Here he is with PopPop.  Wednesday night was a big night.  After Craig asking several times....

he finally got his first haircut.  It was so hard to see the curls go away.  But he does look so stinking adorable!  Though he looks a little more grown up, which I just cannot handle. 

Another milestone, I hinted at earlier....

Connor and Craig enjoyed their first baseball game together.  The Phillies played Cleveland.  It was a gorgeous night for a game.

Another milestone.  We cut down the big tree in our front yard.  It was growing crooked and was starting to bend way out...

So on Saturday, Craig brought out the chain saw...and went to work.

We thought the boys would like to watch and help a little.  Connor did not.  he was so upset that we were taking the tree down!  He cried and screamed.  Oh, my.  He does not like change.  In the end I just held him and explained why Daddy was taking the tree down.  After a few hugs he was okay.

The boys did help Craig load some limbs, but it was so hot.  So they quickly faded and went inside.  (So did I!)

The front view of our house looks really different now.  I'll have to take a picture.  I like that I can see the bus stop from the house now.  Sounds simple, but it'll help me when I'm running late this fall!

A few other important milestones.  As of May 25, Sawyer does not have a pacifier and he is sleeping in a big boy bed.  (A queen size!!!)  Also, we are working on potty training with him. He's doing great.  (A year ahead of the other boys!  Alleluia!!)

Our beloved Pastor retired today.  It was a sad, uplifting service.  We will miss him deeply, but are excited to see what God has in store as we move forward.  Kent will never be replaced...and will always hold a special place inour heart, but we will welcome our new pastor with all our hearts.

Father's Day Weekend

We had a busy Father's Day weekend.  Satuday was spent mostly doing stuff around the house and Sunday was spent mostly at church.  Craig and I worked both days which made for very little down time.  I did grab a few pictures.

Here's Mitchell playing trains before church.  Too bad he demolished the track when he climbed on top of the table!  I actually took the picture to show his cute outfit.  It was a birthday gift from his Aunt Kelly.

While I was at work Saturday I got a call from home.  Craig told me Connor had fallen on his bike and was scraped up...and was getting a swollen eye.  Well, this is what Connor woke up to....

Yup, his first shiner.  Nice huh.  He was kind of proud of it.  During church people kept asking him what happened.  We told him he should make up a great story about a big fight.  He stuck to the facts.

After church Kelly and PopPop came over.  Kelly had fun taking pics with my kids and my iphone. 

Somebody loves their PopPop!

When Mitchell wsa done...Bob Builder came to pay us a visit.

This one needed a little cajoling to pose with PopPop...

I think Aunt Kelly promised a Tootsie Roll...

I would say it was well worth it!

Check out those cheekers!

Notice that Craig is not in any of the pictures....I'm pretty sure he thought I didn't notice, but he disappeared after we ate lunch....Hmmm.  Since it was Father's Day I just pretended like I didn't know he was in the other room watching sports. :)

Anyway,  my boys and I are quite blessed by the Dad's in our life.  We wouldn't trade them for all the chocolate in Hershey!

Here's another look at the black eye.  Ouch.  It looked a little better after church.  Connor assured us it didn't hurt at all.

The Book Reading Tour

In an attempt to start the summer off right...the boys and I started our own version of a book tour this week.  We actually took two separate trips to listen to books being read.

Both just happened to take place at places I love.  First off, Pottery Barn.  (Yes, Pottery Barn...I didn't make it up just so I could shop either!)

There were a couple dozen kids eager to listen to "Super Hero" story.  There was even the promise of a special guest.  Hmmm.  Connor and Jackson listened intently...while Sawyer, well....Sawyer...

He was much more interested in the snacks!!!

Guess who showed up?  Our favorite superhero, spiderman!

Connor was soooo not into getting his picture taken with Spidey.  This is the best I could get.  Love the eyes.  At one point, I asked Jackson if he wanted to get his picture taken with Spider man...and Connor rolled his eyes and said...Mom, why do you keep asking!?!?!  You keep doing what I don't want you to do.  HA!  I'm already embarassing him!

On Friday, we headed out again.  This time to our local library...This time for an interactive story.  Mmm.  Let's see about this....

The kids got to pick out characters.  Connor was a shark.  Sawyer was a fish.  Mitchell was an angry mermaid baby...and Jackson wanted nothing to do with it at all!

Jackson was happiest standing outside the room, looking at the Thomas videoes were set to take home!

The boys listened well....at least for the first 4 minutes.  Then, Sawyer took off.  Oh, my.

Yes, Connor is wearing the same shirt both days.  Yep, I'm a great mom. Mmm. Hmm.

I'm really enjoying Connor being home.  We had two great days this week.  It is so nice not to have to get him out of bed and to the bus stop by 8 am.  I feel like I have a much nicer morning and am in a better mood.  I have been making him read to me each morning...yes, making.  He resists, but has been doing a good job.

One last pic...this was dinner Friday night.  Jackson, Sawyer, Mitchell and I ate with the King.  We had a grand time...but Daddy and Connor.  Well, that is another story.  An exciting first for our Connor man.  Daddy took pictures.  I'll give you a hint.  They were Phanatical....

Sunday Sweetie

On the way out of church this morning, Sawyer took his little lemonade with him.  It was a lovely, warm morning.  Perfect to stop on the church steps and quietly take it all in...and enjoy a little refreshment. 

He finished his drink...then ran to catch up with his brothers.

Next stop:  Aunt Lori's pool!  YEAH!

Sum, Sum, Summer Time

Well, we are now firmly entrenched in summer time.

As you can see,  I pulled out the Freezer Pops!!  Clearly a necessary part of our start of summer kick off!

This year the three big boys are able to handle their own freezer pop.  That may not sound like much, but its a big deal around here.  Just the little cutie was left out.  Next year, buddy!!

He truly is a little Honey Bunny.  If you look carefully, you can see he's just barely leaning against the bench on the porch.  He's been standing on his own lately...and even took a step towards me!

Friday (June 11th)  was Connor's last day of kindergarten!  UGH!  Where did the year go.  Oh, my. 

Since Connor's birthday is in July, we decided to send in his birthday treat the last day of school.  I made sugar cookies with chocolate icing and sprinkles.  Mrs. Jones suggested that I have them ready to send home since the last day of school was quite packed. 

Here's the finished product.  We were pretty happy with them.  At least they passed the taste test!  (Though I must admit, my boys are not picky and would love anything with chocolate and sugar!)

Last Day of School....

Mrs. Jones had her hands full this year with a group of energetic kindergarteners.  I got to spend every other Friday in the class "helping out".  (I'm not sure I really helped all that much, but I did love observing and Connoro felt so special when I was there)

Mrs. Jones made the kids each autograph books...complete with pictures.  They took a few minutes going around signing each others books.

It was so special to see all of them asking each other to sign their books.  They didn't want to miss a single person.  So sweet.

Connor's friend Jorden...or is that Jaden...hamming it up!

The pictures aren't the best, but I grabbed my phone and started clicking away...trying to capture the moment.

I got all teary when Mrs. Jones sat the kids down to say good bye.  It was so sweet.  They all sat and hugged each other..then hugged Mrs. Jones.  I am so thankful Connor was blessed with such a wonderful teacher for his first year of school.  She was so gentle and kind to him.  Just what he needed.

Some of Connor's friend started hamming it up for a few pictures.  I wish I would've gotten the whole class...oh, well.

So, what does any fun loving family do to celebrate the last day of school?

You take the whole crew to Sonic...and then BOWLING!

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We included Connor's friend Michael in the fun.  (Yes, if you do the math, we had 5 boys with us...fortunately, Michael is 6 so they were ages 6,5,4,2, and 1.)

Connor doing his happy dance after bowling a strike!

Sawyer loved it!  He looked so funny carrying that huge ball. 

The Boys did great...up until the 8th or 9th frame...then they got really interested in the video games.  We didnt' put a dime in a video game...and they still played for 15 minutes.  We had to drag them out of there.