Lincoln's Pre-K Graduation

Lincoln's Pre-K Graduation Ceremony was on Friday afternoon, and he was crazy excited!  It wasn't super serious - they made it a fun celebration.  The kids wore caps and received their little diplomas, and we all held back tears that our sweet Lincoln is grown up enough to graduate from Pre-K!  I snapped his picture in the hallway before the graduation began.  

 The kids were fine with the short diploma part, but really they couldn't wait to sing the fun songs in the program that followed.  They sang fun summer songs about the beach and the sun.  Of course, Lincoln knew every word and motion to each song!  He had so much fun and was proud that he did great after practicing for a month! 

Going to Kindergarten Round-Up in March was a big milestone and signaled what was coming for Lincoln, and Pre-K Graduation brings us one step closer to real school.  He has been blessed with the most caring and loving teachers, and they have prepared him to enter Kindergarten with not only the best Pre-K education but also with a love of learning.  They have also helped him grow socially and emotionally, and that is more than tuition can ever buy.  We work hard at home to reiterate and elaborate on the lessons he's learning at school, and it's been the best of both worlds.  He will spend the rest of the summer with his teachers and friends at school, and they have tons of fun activities planned.  While I can't wait to see the boy/teenager/man he will become, freezing time right now sounds pretty perfect!  Happy Graduation, Lincoln! 

Club Kids

The past few evenings have been the best weather, and we have loved being outside.  After dinner on Thursday, we just went to play around.  The boys made a friend and decided to play hide and seek.  They had so much fun taking turns hiding and seeking, and their new friend was super sweet. 

They took a break with Daddy to play some giant Jenga and worked very hard to not let it crash.  Beau returned after a while to work on the Jenga game alone, and he was pretty good.   

After school and work on Friday, we met the Brosnahan and Ruelas (minus Victor) families at the pool.  The boys spent most of their night climbing!  Apparently the new deck chairs didn't arrive before the pool opened last weekend.  We used the old chairs last weekend, but today they were all stacked on the deck.  The parents loved the new chairs around the pool, and the boys had a blast climbing around on the old stacked up chairs.  They made up a ton of obstacle courses and couldn't have cared less about swimming!   

Daddy and Jay went out to play golf while we had fun at the pool, but we all enjoyed dinner later poolside.  The boys even got to order orange push-up pops after dinner, and they were thrilled!!!!  Push-up pops are serious business, and it's the quietest they have been for 10 solid minutes their entire lives.  (I need a lifetime supply ASAP!)  They reminded me that we have bought push-up pops from the grocery store before but they weren't this good.  Perhaps things taste better on a beautiful evening by the pool! 

They played in the water a little after dinner before it was time to head home for baths.  It's a good thing the pool is open late because it was hard dragging all of the kiddos out of there.  We had so much fun with our friends, old and new.   

After a busy day, we loved story time after baths.  It was Mommy's turn to pick, and they groaned when I picked a "baby nursery rhyme" book.  They actually recited each one with smiles so it wasn't too terrible.  Two clean and happy (and probably tired) boys at the end of the day gave sweet smiles.   

We are ready for a relaxing weekend, so fingers crossed!!!  A little T-Ball on Saturday should be fun, and we'll see what the rest of the weekend brings.  I hope it ends with sweet smiles and fun memories!

Mid-Week Randoms

Hump Day!!!  We didn't have too much planned for this Wednesday.  School and work, a stroller run and an easy dinner, a few new puzzles and a few quick games.  The boys wanted to play ping pong at the pool, so we played.  We need a lot more practice, but that's what the long summer is for, right?  At least they are enthusiastic and think any contact with the ping pong ball gets them a point . . . and Mommy looks like a regular Forrest Gump ping pong ace! 

On one recent Sunday afternoon, I took a picture of our full fridge.  We had done our meal planning and grocery shopping for the week, so we were all loaded up.  Our week's menu was baked salmon with roasted veggies on Sunday, grilled pork chops with green beans and macaroni and cheese on Monday, slider burgers with tater tots and fruit salad for Tuesday, and grilled chicken with broccoli on Wednesday.  (We eat pizza on Thursdays, Mexican on Fridays, and either burgers or Mexican on Saturdays.  Love those special dinners out!)  There were five salads for Mom's lunch for the week and ham for Lincoln's sandwich/wrap/pita for school lunches.  Of course we got fruit, yogurt, cheese, juice, milk and eggs as staples, and we made a big bowl of chocolate pudding for dessert.  That is a lot of food! 

My goal is to have an empty fridge at the end of the week, and sometimes I end up eating the craziest combinations of things by Friday.  Breakfast could be a slice of turkey and a yogurt, and lunch could be a leftover slice of pizza and the remnants of a salad.  Whatever . . . I just want to know that we aren't throwing food out, and I'll eat just about anything!  So before we got groceries on the next Sunday afternoon, I took another picture of the refrigerator.  We ate almost everything!!!!  No one would believe how happy this makes me!  I love to shop smartly and not waste! 

Another Sunday project that got a picture this week was Lincoln's bed clean out.  He is supposed to start out each week with 5 books in his bed.  He really takes his time deciding which 5 books he will select then changes his mind a dozen times.  By the next Sunday, he's managed to add 24 more books, and the bed it way too crowded!  He gets a lot of use out of his little blue flashlight after the lights go out each night, and he reads until his sweet eyes can't stay open anymore.  His face is usually stuck to the open book when we go in to turn off the light.   

So we like ping pong, food, and books . . . random post but all true things about our family. 

Memorial Day Weekend

The club pool opened on Saturday, and two little swimmers were super excited!  We got there a little after lunch, and they got started having fun right away.  There were fun toys and new friends to play with, and Lincoln was in his element.  He loved making new friends and really had a blast.

The fishing pole was too fun!  He and his new buddies launched all kinds of sinky toys and rings into the water, and they would race around and dive to collect the items.   

Beau participated in the new friend game too, but he decided to try something out of water.  He and Nana played ping pong!  A few older boys kind of helped him out, and he was feeling especially cool! 

Beau's actual favorite activity at the pool is to arrange the deck chairs.  Seriously!!!  He props up the backs of each lounge chair, pulls them next to each other to make sure they are all parallel, and examines his work.  Then he gathers up all of the kiddie chairs and organizes them by color.  He took a break after his hard work, and he was so proud!   

Daddy and Pop Pop were golfing, and Beau watched for them to drive by the pool.  He spotted them from far away because he knew to look for Daddy's black shirt.  

We broke for snack time, and the boys were starving for pretzels and apple slices.  They wrapped up in their towels and quietly munched away.  Swimming is hard work!  Back to playing, and a crazy game of volleyball happened in the kiddie pool.  Mommy, Lincoln, and Beau volleyed the big bouncy balls at each other for a while, and it was too funny.  A little boy getting "accidentally" bonked on the head with a bouncy ball is the most hilarious thing ever, and there were too many laughs! 

We spent way more time at the pool than intended because it was just too fun.  What a fun Saturday!  Sunday afternoon turned out to be full of rain, and we got caught out in it!  After T-Ball practice, the boys went with Mommy to the mall for a super quick errand.  As we were driving to Central Market for groceries, some terribly dark and ominous clouds were hanging over us and the wind was wild.  We made it inside with only a few sprinkles, then the sky really opened up!  The rain was crazy!  We texted Daddy, who was on the golf course, to see if he was ok and did our shopping.  Lincoln was concerned about getting to the car in the downpour, but Beau kept telling him that rain doesn't hurt or anything.  It ended up the we ran to the car in the drenching rain.  Perhaps our feet got more wet than anything because the puddles had gotten so deep, but we had umbrellas for our heads.  (Full disclosure-Lincoln made me carry him, while he held the umbrella over his balloon!!!!  I got soaked but not him or the balloon!  Beau's balloon was equally dry as he covered it and his head while splashing through the puddles!)  So that was a crazy rain storm, but it moved out as quickly as it moved in.  Daddy grilled us the yummiest burgers for dinner then the boys headed out to splash in their rain boots.  So.Much.Fun. 

Monday morning was pretty rainy, but we were hopeful for clear weather for the Memorial Day party at the pool.  After lunch it was just cool and cloudy, so we headed to the party.  The water was cold and the breeze was cold, but we did our best.  They were mostly excited that it wasn't raining! 

When it was time for a snack break, the boys wanted to check out the special party buffet.  They were thrilled with a snack of hot dogs, tater tots, and apple slices.  Not sure why they each needed all of that food when we just had lunch, but whatever!!!  They acted like they hadn't eaten in a week!  It should be noted that ketchup was a big part of the snack.   I guess ketchup is a big part of a lot of meals these days.  Sweet smiley Beau is the happiest when he has a snack!  

Daddy and Pop Pop played golf again while Nana hung out with us at the pool for the afternoon, and we all had a great time.  Getting back in the school/work routine will be hard after such a fun four day weekend.  We have definitely had fun, and there's nothing better than that!

Dallas Arboretum Day

This four day weekend is sure to be super fun!  We have decided to have our first stay-cation and really make it a fun few days.  On Friday morning, we met up with Nana and Pops for our first visit of the year to the Arboretum.  The boys loved going there, and we try to make it a few times each year.  This Friday morning was cloudy and a little breezy and not hot . . . best start to the day ever!  The boys were happy to pose for a cool picture with their shades as we paused at the entrance.  Crazy guys!

We got maps as soon as we walked in, and they took their map reading very seriously!  They had to study their maps and deliberate about which way to go.  Luckily, they agreed to go to the right after stopping at the Memorial fountain with Grand Ole Flags.  Off we go . . . 

Lincoln directed us to the former Texas exhibit where there were frontier houses and a covered wagon, but now it is a bird themed exhibit.  They loved the different bird houses and bird feeders on display, they played in the huge birds nest, and we all climbed up to the top of the owl house.  Cool stuff! 

We walked through the flower gardens a bit and noticed the giant peacock on the grounds.  It was really cool! 

Map reading time again . . . Beau needed to analyze where we were and how to get to the next spot.  Seriously with the maps!  

We made it to the pools with the lake (ocean to Lincoln and Beau) in the background and stopped for a picture.  We didn't always just pose for pictures - sometimes we actually stopped to appreciate the beautiful surroundings! 

Lincoln found a hidden path, and we all followed along.  They both were always on the lookout for secret paths, magic roads, shortcuts, and hidden walkways.  It was such a fun adventure! 

After climbing the steps, Mommy asked for a picture.  Beau made sure to show his ever-present map! 

Lincoln and Nana ran ahead a little to explore, and Beau began giving the silliest pose when asked to say "cheese"!  There is no explanation for why he leaned over and spread his arms out, but it's hilarious.  He's such a funny guy sometimes! 

Each time we heard the sound of water rushing, we followed the sound to find the source.  Sometimes it was a gurgling waterfall, sometimes it was a drip in a pond, and sometimes it was a fountain, and every time it was great to check it out. 

The next photo opp . . . another silly Beau pose.  Lincoln pointed out that he was being very nice in the picture and didn't know why Beau was being crazy.  Love them so much! 

We made it around to the frog fountains, and they boys didn't believe that they wouldn't get wet while running under the four frogs . . . but they took off and didn't get a drop of water on them!  They ran and ran and laughed and laughed! 

Mommy even got in on the action and ran a few laps under the frogs! 

We had seen everything we could in the main portion of the Arboretum and headed to the new Children's Adventure Garden.  It was lunchtime, so we took a break for sandwiches and salads on the patio.  The boys scored new clip-on compasses after lunch!  This took their map and directional skills to the next level!!!  Beau modeled his compass, and Linc informed us that a compass doesn't tell you where you need to go but where you are.  Very cute and very astute! 

The Children's Garden was so much fun, and we enjoyed exploring each exhibit.  Lincoln climbed in the giant birds nest and relaxed with the eggs for a bit!  Weird! 

The misters were so cool, and they ran through them over and over.  It really wasn't a hot day, but running through the steam (as Beau called it) was too fun. 

We checked out the giant tree house and it was really neat.   

The coolest part of the Children's Garden had lots of interactive things, kind of like the Perot Museum of Science.  The boys worked together in the water area.  Beau pumped the handle to keep the water flow, Lincoln kept the wheels turning, and the other kids monitored the water flow through the dam.  There were several more learning exhibits that they really enjoyed too! 

Water doesn't stop at learning - sometimes it's fun!  Lincoln was aiming his water shooter at a target to try to make it turn, but Beau was aiming his water shooter at Lincoln's water spray to make a splash!!! 

We stopped at the weather station next, and it was fun.  The boys created their own thunderstorm complete with hail raining down.  We also made thunder and a water tornado and checked out a solar system display.   

The giant kaleidoscope was amazing to Lincoln.  He loved the changing colors and shapes so much.  Beau checked it out too, but Linc kind of took over that one!

The last pictures really sum up our 4 hours at the Arboretum.  Lincoln ran everywhere!  We could hardly keep up, and he loved everything! 

Beau ran everywhere!  His little foot is still healing from the ottoman jump last weekend, but he was determined to keep up.  He finally ran out of steam on the way back to the car, but he was right behind Lincoln the whole day! 

One final run through the misters . . . it really was super fun to run through the misters! 

So we began our little stay-cation with a lot of fun!  The Arboretum is always beautiful, but the boys really enjoyed it more this time than ever.  They loved navigating real and secret paths, they loved the activities in the new children's area, and they loved being outside for the whole day!  It is always amazing to view the world through a child's eyes, and their amazement and joy was contagious!  We have more activities and fun planned so we better get rested up!

A Little Bit About Lincoln

Lincoln is definitely the person that I want to be . . . he's the happiest, funniest, smartest, sweetest, most joyful person in the world!!!!  He looks at the world with the most positive attitude, and he always finds the fun in every situation.  I sneaked into his classroom about an hour early and got to watch him in his element without him noticing.  It was such a wonderful experience to see how he interacts with his friends, the love he shares with his teachers, how much they love him, and how comfortable and successful he is in Pre-K.  He and Ms. Dorletha have an amazing bond, and I love that she's a second mother to him.  We are so blessed to have our school's Teacher of the Year loving on Lincoln each day.  He finally saw me during sand art time, and his smile is too precious!!! 

We picked up Beau and headed home to spend some time outside.  The boys got ready for our stroller run, and Lincoln decided we should bring the compass that Bubbles gave him.  He was ready to direct me in case we got lost, and he held up the compass each time we turned on a different street to confirm which direction we were going.  Front seat driver?!?!

After a dinner of grilled chicken quesadillas and steamed broccoli, it was definitely the right weather to play outside again.  This sweetie had to give a spontaneous hug to his Mommy and smile sweetly for a picture.  He ran back to Beau to continue their digging project quickly, but that little moment was the sweetest! 

At all times Lincoln is ready with a smile and kind word, and he looks after us all with so much love.  He helps Beau get ready for school in the morning, he loves to prepare breakfast (waffles in the toaster) for them, he always helps his little brother with puzzles or legos, he never forgets to pray and thank God for sending Jesus, he tells me that I'm so beautiful so many times each day, he loves to make a happy plate of "nutritious and delicious" foods, he takes brushing his teeth very seriously, he is a friend to everyone in his class, he loves to be the best at vocabulary words and handwriting at school, he gives the best squeeze hugs, and his caring heart is completely amazing.  If only we could all be like Lincoln . . . only seeing the joy and happiness of each moment. 

Sprinkler Fun

A normal week began with school on Monday and swimming lessons in the evening.  While we were eating burgers after school on Tuesday night, Beau asked if we could play with the sprinkler toy he got for his birthday.  Why not?!?!  We finished up our dinner and headed outside to have fun!  They were a little cautious at first and didn't know about getting wet.  They just felt the sprinkles with their hands at first.

In just a few moments, Beau was standing with his head in one of the sprinkler jets.  Ummm . . . ok!  Little brothers are something else!

Lincoln was still loving playing close to the sprinkler.  He was a little less determined to shove his head in the spray! Smart guy!

Beau had so much fun getting all wet!  Daddy loved how big Beau looked.  Is he really 3 because he looks 12?

Soaking wet and all smiles!  Lincoln had a blast!  He finally got let loose and really played in the water spraying. 

Another kid soaking wet and all smiles!  Beau had a blast too!   

Beau's little idea made for a great evening outside with lots of fun, tons of laughs, gallons of water, plenty of mud, and two sweet boys that had the best time.  So blessed to be reminded how to just have fun with the simple things in life!