a little lady

this little miss

is feeling pretty big.

That might be because she hasn't worn diapers since Sunday. That's not to say that we've had a perfect record, but it's been pretty darn good. Just one or two accidents. Hurray for Emilee!

the taste of summer

I don't think anything has ever tasted so good as strawberries picked right out of the field. It was heaven! I should have had them weigh my children before we started picking, because I'm pretty sure we ate more than we brought home!

Gaming

Our Aidan is quite the game player, and he seems to be on a kick right now. There are all kinds of games that he enjoys. Basketball, Soccer, any sport really. But he also enjoys a little friendly competition around the table in the form of a board game. Uno, Monopoly, connect four, battleship, and most recently, Chess. This afternoon he taught me to play chess, and I was very impressed with his concentration and ability to catch my king every time!

If anybody wants to play, I've got a worthy opponent for you!

Chan Man

Chandler has been four for a while now, but I've never had a moment (or a drop of sunshine!) to take his picture. The one day I did head out to do it, my battery was dead! But this morning we had some good lighting and a cooperative boy. With the aid of a few marshmallows and knock knock jokes, I finally got a good shot of him.

He's such a fun little 4!

Tomorrow is the last day of school!

And I think perhaps it's a good thing. It seems that maybe Aidan could use a little R&R. What do you think? He seems a bit mixed up tonight.

And is this the sweetest little poem that Ethan wrote to his teacher? He's a cutie. . .
Happy last day of school! The children will be all mine again starting at 11:30 tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Ethan's Recital

Yesterday was Ethan's piano recital. He did so well and we really enjoyed this! Here he is playing Beethoven's Fur Elise, which, incidentally, I also played as a piano student. Except I think I was about 14, and not 8. Way to go Ethan! You played beautifully!

And then for another piece we played a duet! It was so much fun for me to be able to practice with him every day. It gave us an excuse to spend a little time together every afternoon. I don't think I ever did quite get up to the speed he was going for, but I did my best, and he was a forgiving partner! So here is, the Entertainer (or as Chandler says, the ice cream truck song!).

the TALENT SHOW!

Yesterday was the big Talent Show at the elementary school. The boys were both very excited to participate this year! Ethan tried out with a piano piece, and was thrilled to make call backs and then make the big show. Here is his performance! He had a little hiccup at the beginning, I think because the music teacher snuck up to turn pages for him and it surprised him a bit. We are so proud of him, and he did wonderfully! We can't believe how much Ethan has progressed in such a short time on the piano. Here is last year's talent show if you're interested.

Aidan's reading teacher put together this number for his whole reading group to do. They have been reading lots of books about fireflies, and some of the kids started singing this song, so they decided to make it an act! So cute. Aidan is way in the back, but Gordon manages to zoom in on him a few times. . .

Great job boys! It was such fun to watch you!

Last day of preschool

Yesterday was Mr. C's last day of preschool. We had such a nice little party. First, we got to make fishy flags, along with many other messy crafts that I'm always glad we get to do at preschool. I'm all for building sand and glue castles, and playing in shaving cream as long as it's not in my house, and someone else cleans it all up for me.

Then it was time to receive his portfolio. He and Carolyn walked up together because Carolyn was feeling a little shy, and it was only fitting. They love to do everything together.
Good job Chandler (and Carolyn)! And thank you Falcons Nest preschool. Chandler and I will be missing you and your paint, glue, sand, water, shaving cream, rice bins, and friends over the summer!

Grammy came to town!

It's been a while, eh? Too long! And it was mostly because my mom came to town! It's always a good time when Grammy comes to town! While she was here, we were very busy! We went to piano lessons. . .

and pack meeting. . .

and PF Chang's for lunch. Chandler's favorite!

We snuggled on the couch,

Painted our toenails,

and Grammy even took pity on Emilee, who had no more pink PJ's. She's been wearing sharks, monster trucks, and dinosaurs, and was thrilled to get a more feminine set up.

But mostly she came to help me out. I had a little outpatient surgery last Thursday (no big thing, just moles) and mom had the foresight to say that I would probably need some help. (I have a 1 1/4 inch incision line, and a 2 1/4 inch incision line, both on my back) I thought it would be no big deal, but I was mighty glad she was here when I was hurting. The biggest problem is that I can't sit back against a chair, so my core muscles are all SO tired. I've been sitting up straight and proper like a lady for a week now and I'm exhausted! I would put in a picture, but I don't want to scare anyone. :) You'll just have to believe me. And please don't pat me on the back for a few days. :)

Thanks for the visit and the help Gram! We love you!