Sunday, May 27, 2012

Playdates

I love having friends over for the kiddos to play with.  Especially when it can help the Mama's out a bit and they can get some things done.  There is nothing like seeing my kids learn about developing and sustaining friendships.  I hope they find friends at a young age that they will have for life. 

Look at how much taller Lucy's friend Abby is than her.  Lucy is actually two weeks older than Abby.


 I love seeing her smile!


These boys were having a ball.

Field Trip

Jack had his first field trip with his preschool.  They went to Katherine Rose Park for the day and it was hot but lots of fun.  The best part...getting to ride the bus.

Jack and his friend Jack David being silly.


Feeding the turtles and fish.  Jack kept asking his classmates to be quiet to not scare the fish away.  Ms.Gower had them all wear green shirts to keep track of them.


The turtles slowly swam up to see what was for lunch.


Nature walk


I think this little guy was trying to stay cool.  We found lots of different things on the nature walk.  Butterflies, bugs, spider webs, dead snake, birds, squirrels, and more.


Jack took my camera to take pictures of some of his friends during lunch.


Cooling off with the second Popsicle of the day.

He had a great time and was so glad that I was able to come.  I am so thankful to Toby for letting me stay at home so I can take part in things like this.  He actually was kind of clingy after I got there.  His shyness is more prevalent always when I am around.  I am really hoping that next year in Kindergarten he starts to gain some confidence in himself.  I really think he is going to have a quiet strength...just like his Daddy. 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Pre-K Graduation

I really can't believe it.  It felt like yesterday we were deciding to first enroll Jack in First Faith and now he is graduating and headed to Kindergarten.  He has had an excellent preschool experience and is more than ready for Kindergarten at Boren.  He has continually made us proud by being mannerly, obedient, and excited when at school. 
The graduation ceremony was precious and I was impressed with how nice it was.  When each child was called to walk the stage they said a few things about them.  About Jack they said his favorite color was blue, food green beans, animal komodo dragon, thing to do in school playing in centers with friends, and that he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up.  They did the pledge, sang a song, and threw their caps.  Then the cap and gowns came off to reveal crazy clothes and they did a rap.  It was adorable. 

Jack in his crazy clothes with his teachers Ms. Plumlee and Ms. Gower.


The cake had the classes graduation picture on it.  The gym was decorated with graduation balloons and napkins and they served cake, tea, and lemonade.
Jack wanted a milkshake for his graduation lunch so we headed to In-n-Out for lunch.  He is enjoying his chocolate shake.
We enjoyed our cheeseburger animal style!! 
Lucy was having lots of fun.
He looks so grown-up.

It is your turn next year Sammers!

Scrappers Trophy Party

Sam had another great season of t-ball.  He really improved since the fall and I am so proud of him.  He really seems to understand the game and enjoy it.  He was on a great team with lots of friends from school and church which made it extra special.  I honestly think the best part of the season for these little guys is getting their trophies. 

Sam and Coach Marty
Sweet Lucy
Sam's teammates...the Scrappers!
There was a teenager that was practicing break dancing in the pavillion while we were doing trophies and cupcakes.  Jack apparently was taking note.  I noticed him in an open area practicing his break dancing.  It was really cute and a big step for shy Jack.

Back to Blogging

I got a text from Toby the other day that said he really wished I would start blogging again.  He loves to look through old blog posts when he is gone.  So I'm going to do my best to get back at it.  So here goes....

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

In the middle of the city...

we found a little treasure.

Hayden Run Falls







My boys were so courageous and explored every inch of the falls and pools.



It is over a 20 foot waterfall.




Daddy helped them to get in the waterfall. It was strong but both boys managed well and loved the feeling of the cool water beating on them.




Lucy even got to try it out.



You definitely did not feel like you were in Ohio. It looked a lot like some waterfalls that we hiked to in Hawaii. It was a very special afternoon and the kiddos were able to experience something new which is always a plus.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Farmers Market Fun

Who knew that a farmers market could be so much fun? So much to look at, taste, experience, and talk about. We went to a farmers market in downtown Columbus called North Market.
The cheese section looked heavenly and offered a little plate for tasting. I wondered to myself if the salsa station would be up to par with Texas salsa. By the looks of the stand...not too many Ohio natives are digging the salsa and hot sauce.
This stand was called Green Grocer and had beautiful looking produce. I sent the boys on a little scavenger hunt to find fruit and veggies of different colors. We talked about what everything was and how it might taste.



The fish counter was a huge hit! The boys asked about what all the different types of fish were and were able to tell me where some of the fish came from. I guess all that reading and Discovery Channel is paying off. When Jack saw the shrimp he called me over and told me, "This is going to knock your socks off." We love shrimp in this family.

How could we not stop at the candy stand and let them pick up an assortment of candy. The coolest candy was the Lego shaped hard candy.


Everyone here always comments on her bows. You do not see many bows on little girls so they probably think I am ridiculous for putting them on her.

His first gold coin chocolate.


The bakery line was especially long so we decided to stop and get some sourdough and a HUGE cinnamon roll for Daddy. They are supposedly the best cinnamon roll in all of Ohio.

You can kind of see int he back of the picture that most of the produce and fresh egg stands are run by the Amish. The kids loved buying produce from a "real farmer".


There was a lot of tasting going on. Lucy looks put out.

Ice cream made from a grass fed cow's raw milk.

A close up of Sammy's dirty fingernails and his Lego candy.

Couldn't pass on the peaches!

We were checking out some fresh herbs and plants and a lady gave both the boys these tiny succulents. A plant hardy enough they won't be able to kill it.

There were two street performers that were playing music. The boys were intrigued and really liked the music. I told them that if we stayed to listen we needed to put money in the guitar case. That these men were artists and it is a struggle for them to make enough money but we admire them for doing what they love. And that art makes our world a much better place so we have to support it.
Jack being Jack was too shy and unsure of strangers. He gave his dollar back to me.

Adventurous Sam went right up there and dropped it off. I think the guy was going to let him play his bongos but Sam ran off. What a great opportunity to teach them how important it is to value and support art. Some of my most vivid memories of vacations are watching street performers and seeing my parent throw some change or dollars in their buckets. I hope my kids learn to do the same.


Pretty flowers grown by the sweet Amish lady. What a great way to spend a morning.