"C" is for Cookie

Daddy gave her an Oreo last night after dinner:)

WOW!! Did she love that! At first she played with it like a toy--not knowing the deliciousness that was awaiting her. But once it went in her mouth...the rest was history.

Memorial Day

We took the kids to Jake's Dad's grave. Jake told the boys a few stories about his Dad. It was really nice. Then we took the kids to the zoo. We had a great time.

Finally fell asleep...

Last Day of Preschool

Hugging Miss Chelley. He really loved Miss Chelley and Miss Amanda-so did Mom. They were great, and great for him!

With Jace.

The whole class!

Singing songs.

At the Circus party the kids:

-had balloon animals...made by the Moms. It was pretty funny. We didn't really know what we were doing. But we were able to make some hats, pearl necklaces, swords, and I made one flower, but couldn't duplicate it.

-painted faces

-walked on stilts

-played with bubbles

-clown bean bag throw

-had popcorn

-wore their clown shirts and clown collars which were super cute!

With his buddies Issac and Adam.

With Miss Mona.

With Miss Amanda.

With Miss Chelley.

Luke's last day of preschool was May 19th. Thanks to Uncle Jordan and my friend Patience I was able to volunteer as planned. That morning Ty woke up and started throwing up. I so wanted to be there with Luke, but felt so sad that my baby was sick. I got Ty to bed and Uncle Jordan stayed with him. Patience kept Lily and Luke and I headed off to his circus party/last day of school.

We had a great time. His teachers really were fantastic and Luke loved every minute of his preschool experience this year. I can't believe that we are soon starting a new phase with Luke. I am frankly having a hard time gearing up for Kindergarten. I want him to experience the world and all the of the opportunities that will be placed before him as he enters school....but he is my first born, my little boy. I don't want him to leave. So conflicted.

So as I sat and watched him get his graduation certificate and hug his teachers I got pretty teary. So proud of him!

9 months

Its that time again. Lily is now officially nine months old.

New this month:

-feeding herself

-completely on table food and loving it

-getting her knees under her and rocking

-scooting/rolling like crazy

-saying "Mama"--we are pretty sure. She says it when I walk out of the room, when she is sad and wants me, or when she wakes up in her crib.

My Birthday

My birthday was wonderful as usual this year. Jake always spoils me, but mostly it is just nice being with my sweet family. Luke and Ty were so cute, they kept singing to me ALL day and night. Then they would make me blow out a pretend candle on Ty's finger. SO ADORABLE! Jake took the boys shopping and had them pick out presents for me. I am always so amazed at how astute they are. Luke got me a headband and hair clips-very useful, and they were cute too! Ty picked lime green nail polish (green is his favorite color I think). Love it! Jake did a few thoughtful things. He picked out an awesome purse all by himself. Then he had my pearl earrings fixed so I can wear them again. He also found a pair of gold earrings to replace the ones I was so bumbed when I lost. So sweet! We went out to dinner at Boston's--which is so wonderful. What a great day!

It was pretty funny. We gave Lily her first taste of ice cream. OH MY GOODNESS! She loved it and SCREAMED/SQUEALED between bites. Too funny!

Lily update

Well , we have passed the eight month mark and the days continue to speed by. Lily is still so wonderfully happy and joyful. She makes us all so happy. She is rolling around like crazy and scooting back and to the sides, around in circles etc. to get to things she wants. She has started table foods and loves it.

Every morning her and Luke spend about 15 minutes talking and laughing with each other. She adores her big brother Luke. I love watching them interact with each other. Both of their faces are completely lit up as they have their morning ritual. There is nothing better as a parent as seeing your children loving each other.

Lily has really started reaching for people and giving kisses (you know the baby open mouth, drool, shaking her head back and forth quickly kind of kiss.) She loves music and being read to. She cut her first two teeth this past month. She was such a trooper about it to. We barely noticed she was teething. I love having a baby around. They bring such a different spirit into your home. They are truely special and the time goes so quickly. We are entering one of my favorite stages. I love that she plays with us now, is eating people food etc. SO MUCH FUN!

Basketball

Basketball has been a four week class. Luke had the same coach as the last two sports classes and his best friend Tres got to be in the class with him again. The fourth week they had a "game". It was pretty funny. Some kids were really good! Luke was just happy to be a part of it. But he really was trying his best. Coach Logan is always so sweet to let Ty hang around during class too. He even let him wear a jersey. He feels so important to be included with the big kids.

Luke just shot and missed. So close.

Chasing Ty.

Hmmm...not sure what this is about. But love Tres's expression. They could not be more different in personality, but they are best friends through and through.

Trying again. He had several close shots during the game. But finally did make one basket. We cheered so loud and were so proud. Not as proud as he was however. The victory dance he did at half court for a full 30 seconds was priceless!! LOL!

Warming up before the game.

Notice Luke's jersey is on backwards. What a goofball.

Hooray for Ty!!

Coach explaining how the game will work.

No more toothless grin

Monday the 12th Lily cut her first tooth. I didn't even know she was teething. I looked in her mouth when we were eating dinner and there is was. All the way through. I felt horrible that I hadn't noticed and hadn't been helping her through it. Admittedly she hadn't been any different in temperament. Now she is getting the second one on the bottom. This one does seem to be bothering her. I can't believe how big she is getting.

Jake is 30!

We took him golfing. We had a fantastic time. What could be better than golfing with your wife and best friends, right?

Dinner and a movie that night with friends. So much fun!

You wonder where Luke gets it?

Monday we spent a quiet evening at home. Pizza, Cold Stone, Mtn. Dew and time with the kids.

In shock at his age?!

Daddy and his little girl!

Jake we are so grateful for you. Our life would be very dull without you. You are our hero! I always ask you what it must feel like at the end of the day to come home to a house full of people who treat your arrival as if the Beatles just landed in the US in 1964. We love you more than we can ever show. Thanks for being the best Dad and husband. Here's to the first third of your life...(yes, because I see nothing wrong with you living with me until you are 90!) I love you!!