Luke Turned 2

Way back when, on June 15th, Luke turned two.  As is custom in our house, Brian took the day off of work so we could spend the day together as a family.  We had pancakes for breakfast - Luke's favorite.  Luke opened his presents, the favorite being Bubble Mator.  We spent some time outside racing our new wiggle cars in the driveway.  We went to the splash park.  We had ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins.  And, we went to a movie in the park - they were featuring Cars 2.  Pretty perfect for our birthday boy. 

The next day we had the family over for a BBQ.  It was a typically busy day getting everything ready and about 1 1/2 hours before the party was to begin, our A/C completely stopped working.  Brian hurried up on the roof and found that the fan belt had broken.  A quick trip to Home Depot and back on the roof and we were back in business, just a little behind schedule.  Oh well.  We had a hamburger bar, then some water balloon games, then opening of more presents, and then an ice cream bar - Luke LOVES ice cream.  For party favors, the kids all got a box of cracker jacks and a box of snaps.  It was a fun night.

Luke could not get enough of the water balloons.  His expressions were hilarious as he popped one after another.  He was absolutely soaked by the time they were all gone and required a wardrobe change. 

Can I just say how much I adore this boy of mine.  This kid has no fear, he keeps us on our toes, he is independent, and he certainly has a mind of his own, but he also has some really tender moments and can be the sweetest thing.

Luke loves getting in the backpack when Brian mows the lawn.  As soon as he hears Brian edging the lawn, he will come to me saying, "backpack, backpack!" 

Luke loves being a big brother and he has proven to be a rather good one too.  Thanks to lots of hugs and kisses, Luke has passed along a cold or two.  I know that these two are going to be good buddies.

Luke also loves being a little brother and loves being included in the activities of his older siblings.

Luke adds so much joy to our home.  He is learning more and more how to communicate which has helped with his mood.  The more we understand, the happier he seems to be.  A few of my favorite phrases include: "Mommy, mommy, this!" - when he wants me to watch him do something amazing like throw a rock or do a somersault, "Okay daddy/mommy" - he is quite agreeable to the things we ask of him, and "No way" - a simple 'no' won't do when he doesn't want something.

I love Luke.  He gives me a run for my money and has caused a headache or two, but the good heavily outweighs the bad.  Even some of the 'bad' can be endearing.  I am excited to see him continue to learn and grow this year and change from a toddler into a little boy.  It will definitely be an adventure!

Fun-Employed!

After 25 years of hard work and dedication, my mom called it quits!  We decided to surprise her as she walked out of Westbrook Elementary for the last time.  We were there with a banner, party hats, noise makers, balloons, flowers, and a sweet treat.  And we waited...

And waited...

 

  And waited...

  

Dad arrived on his scooter...

 

 And we waited some more...

 

Eventually we gave up and decided she wasn't going to come out any time soon.  So we marched ourselves indoors where it was nice and air-conditioned, and invaded her classroom.

 

 She was quite surprised to see us - mission accomplished.  We also gave flowers and a cupcake to her long-time friend/co-worker/fellow retiree, Pam Kidd.  They taught together for 22 years!

 

 

The last item of business for her was to read a story to the grandkids and then we helped haul out the last of her belongings to her car.

Since retiring, she hasn't slowed down.  In fact, I think she sped up!  I'm hoping that she will get some much needed and well deserved R&R really soon.  She has influenced a lot of kids over the years and I know she will be missed, but she is all ours now!  Congratulations Mom and good-bye room #113!

Let's Get This Party Started!

June first marked the first day of summer break after the first year of school for our first born.  That's a lot of firsts, which, in my humble opinion, warranted a celebration.  My kids love balloons (don't they all?), so we had balloon partay!  Brian and I surprised the kids by blowing up 100 balloons the night before to cover our family room floor.  They had a blast!  It proved to provide hours and hours, and even days of entertainment.  The kids were happy and the unused play room stayed clean, which made me quite happy :o)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kindergarten Graduation

 

On May 30th, Ashlyn graduated from kindergarten!  I'll be honest in saying that I wasn't so sure about her teacher at the beginning of the year.  She was a new teacher to the school and so I wasn't able to get any opinions about her from other parents.  She seemed a little disorganized (I think from just changing schools) and Ashlyn came home with one to many sack puppets.  But, I really came to appreciate her and I ended up being quite impressed with her teaching methods. She was very education driven and did so much to teach her students and advance them in reading and math.  I also loved that she did a graduation program.  It was so cute, complete with graduation hats made by the kids.  They sang songs, showed off their counting skills, and presented a special gift to their parents.  Ms. Gammon gave each student a personalized award - Ashlyn received the 'Best Singer' award.  Then she presented each student with a diploma, and we finished with refreshments.  I really hope my boys are lucky enough to get her for a teacher.  Thank you Ms. Gammon!  Now Ashlyn is ready to move on to 1st grade, where she will spend half of each day day learning Chinese!