It's Elementary!

School Days are upon us. I can hardly believe that Colin is in the first grade. He was very excited to begin the school year - not because he would see his friends, not because he had a new teacher, not because he was in 1st grade....He was excited to wear his new shoes!!!!!

We are anxious to see what this school year brings!

The Many "Hats" of Summer 2010!

What a summer and where has it gone?

It is hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks, Colin will begin his year as a 1st grader. He turned 6 just a few weeks ago. I just cannot wrap my mind around the fact that 6 years ago he was an infant! People were not kidding when they told me that time flies when you have children. The highlight of his summer was the loss of his first tooth. The "tooth fairy" was quite generous under his pillow since this was his first one. He already has another tooth that is very loose. I am trying to prepare him for the fact that the "tooth fairy" may be facing hard times during this recession....ha ha...think a 6 year old will comprehend our country's present ecomonic state?

We were able to take a spur of the moment beach trip. We enjoyed our time away. Colin loved every minute of the pool, ocean, sand and breeze. Evan...well that was a different story. He would rather stay on the balcony and be a people watcher. He had little interest in the beach, did not like the sand on his feet and would only stay in the pool for a short while. Maybe next year will bring about a different perspective from our Evan. I have told many that I need a vacation from our vacation because following a toddler around is exhausting but he is only little for a short while...we will celebrate his 6th birthday sooner than we think!

Missing something?????

Enjoying a ride or two...maybe three

Not much to say...it is what it is...all you can do is laugh!

Totally Evan's wardrobe idea for the day!

Welcoming the Journey

Wow...May has flown by but has certainly been a month to remember in more ways than one!
Evan is growing like a weed and is a complete sponge, soaking in everything he sees and hears. He loves to copy all that his big brother does. He goes non-stop but does manage to give quick smiles and hugs that will melt your heart. Colin has completed kindergarten. I cannot believe how fast this school year has come and gone. He was blessed with a wonderful teacher and has learned more than I ever imagined. He was given a classroom award for having the sweetest smile and the Fruit of the Sprit award for Love. We could not be more proud. However, within the midst of these accomplishments, he has dealt with chronic stomach pains that resulted in a diagnosis of Celiac Disease. I never dreamed this would have such a profound impact on him and our family. So...we will move forward with a smile... a journey that will keep us on our toes!

Evan loves Elmo and certainly liked watching this Elmo that showed up at a birthday party for his good friend Alivia. However, he wasn't all that interested when Elmo picked him up.

PLAY BALL!!!!!




"Put me in Coach...I'm ready to Play!"

What a grin - up to no good for sure!

"A great teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart"

A fantastic end to a great kindergarten year!

Spring Flings And Easter Things....The Glory in it All!

Easter is the only time of year when it IS a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket! We did just that. Colin enjoyed a fun-filled egg hunt with his kindergarten class. Both the boys enjoyed another egg hunt with good friends. We dyed eggs at home just about every color we could think of, maybe even creating a few shades of our own. Yes...the Easter Bunny made a stop here to leave the boys a basket full of goodies. He even remembered mommy and daddy's favorite chocolates!
Despite all the fun and excitement, we still remember that we celebrate more than the number of eggs found or what that special bunny left in our basket. Fun memories they will become but nothing can be compared to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. We want our boys to know that God has written his eternal promises in EVERY aspect of our lives.

"Praise to God for a Living Hope. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

"Hoopin' It Up!"

Colin played basketball for the first time this winter. Although he was one of the youngest and smallest on the team....HE LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THE GAME! He put everything he had into each practice and game. He certainly tried his best and actually learned quite a bit along the way - We could not ask for any more from him!

GOT SNOW?

It sure doesn't take much SNOW for little boys to have fun! Evan was only a few months old last year and did not get to enjoy the snow that fell. This year was a different story. Even though we have not gotten that much, he sure loved to pick up what he could and throw it. Poor thing was so bundled up he could hardly walk. Colin loved being able to sled down the hill behind our house. I like to see a good snow but I think I would rather see warmer days ahead.

Not the best but about all we could do for this poor snowman

Call of the Wild...All creatures big and small!

Even though we live in a neighborhood, we are surrounded by large fields, densely wooded areas and pastures where creatures of all sizes roam. We have sure seen our share of wild animals. Here are 2 that visited very close to home recently. Photo moments for sure!

Seeing deer can be a common sight for us this time of year. We actually saw this one between the two houses that are directly across the street - that is really close!!!!!

What a picture to capture! This hawk perched himself on the top of our playset 2 days in a row. The picture is a little blurry because it was pouring down rain the 2nd day he arrived. Unfortunately, we have not seen him again.