CONGRATULATIONS!!

 Where oh where has time gone?

My big boy graduated from Pre-K last week and will soon turn 5 years old!!

The teachers and aides had nothing but good things to say, which is always nice to hear.  His graduation "ceremony" was a compilation of things that they had learned throughout the year..songs and poems, little gifts for the parents and celebratory dessert!

 Michael going to give Daddy his present.

It was right before Father's Day, so it was an extra special gift for Daddies.  Moms got flowers and hugs.  ;)

The caps.

Why do graduates have to wear such weird headgear??

Some dessert with the girls

Pictures with friends.

And teachers.

And siblings.

And Daddy.

It was quite a momentous occasion, as you can imagine.

And even with Mommy!

Congratulations, Michael!

Here comes Kindergarten..

We can't wait to see all the things you'll do and the places you'll go!

HANGIN' AT THE LAKE

School is out!

The other day a few of us went to the lake.

It was overcast and we even had a couple of raindrops, but the water was warm and the kiddies had a blast!

5 adults, 11 kids.

 Victoria's first time in the water!!

 Sisters

 lunchtime!

 I didn't get any pictures of little mister in the water, but he loved it.

I didn't love that he wanted to eat sand.

He managed to sneak 2 handfuls when I glanced away for 2 seconds.

Don't worry, I washed out his mouth.

 Silas!

 Tia looks a little chilly

 Love the little heinies in bathing suits

 Yes, that is little mister in there.

He was exhausted after playing in the water and eating lunch.

He decided to take a nap.

Rough life.

 Potty run!

 We packed up and spent a bit of time on the playground before calling it a day

Always fun to get together with friends!!

Lets do it again sometime soon!

7 MONTHS

Here is a picture of my messy-face lil man! 

He turned 7 months old yesterday!  You can just catch a glimpse of his two bottom teeth.  I haven't managed to get a picture of his two top teeth yet--they are still on the smaller side.  He is now sitting and scooting alllllllll over.  The other day, I went into his room to find him hanging onto the side of the crib, trying to pull himself up!  Uh-oh!  He was on his knees..it won't be long before we will have to drop the mattress down.  He is eating pretty much two meals of baby food/cereal or yogurt.  He is definitely showing more of an interest in food, so we'll see what the next month brings, Lord willing.

I would be really, REALLY surprised if he didn't start the official crawl this month.  I'll keep you posted.

COUSINS

Last week we went to the park to play for a bit.

Aunt Essie and the boys met us there later on.

Rian and Zachary

A FEW MORE FROM SOCCER

 Oh boy!  Was it a hot day!!

 Showing off their awards!

Mom, please!  Its much too hot for me!

And that concludes our soccer adventures for this season.

TROPHY

Last week was the wrap up for the soccer program we had enrolled the kids in.  It was a hot one that day!  They had a time afterward to hand out some "trophies."  Mike surprised us and showed up for the final practice and handing out of awards.  Nice treat for everyone.

  I do have a few more pictures that I'll get up soon.

(Mike got me a new & compatible memory card for my birthday!! yay!!)

 I will say, the first practice..Carina made me cringe.  She is just all arms and legs and not the most athletic of kids, but she improved sooo much over the couple of weeks!  Nice work, Bean!!

 Michael had a great time and also showed marked improvement in ball skills.  It was our first attempt at organized sports and overall they both did well.  I was pleased at how they listened to the coach--it AMAZES me at what parents let their kids get away with!!  I guess thats another topic altogether.

I think we're going to try T-ball next.

YOU HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE

Let me begin by saying that Mike is a camper.  He was a boy scout and has gone on camping trips for a good portion of his life.  He has always looked forward to taking his kids camping.

Me?  Not so much.  I prefer to have running water and a shower where I don't have to wear my shoes...sleeping in a sleeping bag..on the ground?  It just doesn't sound like much fun.  Plus, you have to lug all the stuff to the site..set it all up..cook..and clean it all up--without the help of any modern gadgets.  It just all seems like way too much work to be called fun.  And bugs.  Ugh.  Need I say more??

However! I have always said that I would be willing to go camping..once we have no diapers to deal with.  I concede that the kids will have fun..aaaaand, if we all pitch in, it probably won't be too terrible. ;)

So, as my title states--you have to start somewhere.
(we're down to one in diapers at this point in time)
Somewhere being the backyard.
The past couple of Friday nights, we've lit a fire and cooked hot dogs, corn, and roasted marshmallows..the kids love it.

Mike loves it too.

These are huge marshmallows!

Campfire style!

Corn on the cob!

Star-gazing!

Someone is tired!!

I'll go camping.
As long as we can even it out and hit the resorts every once in awhile too.
Happy Monday!