76 Trombones

Luke and Jake had an awesome opportunity to be involved in Syracuse Community Theatre's production of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man". Jake was in this play in high school and then played the lead, Professor Harold Hill. This time he was cast as the antagonist, Charlie Cowell. He liked getting to play the "bad guy". I know it would sound like I am just being partial, but Jake was fantastic! He really has a gift for acting and performing. For those who know him well, this doesn't come as a suprise to you. It was extra neat because he got to have Luke do it with him. Luke was a chorus member and also part of the boys band that Harold Hill organizes. During one of the cast musical numbers, (Trouble--for those who know the story/music), Harold Hill would bring Luke out in the middle of everyone and talk to him. I was so proud to see my little boy handle all of the long practices and preparations. He was honestly the cutest kid up there. Completely animated and singing his heart out--every word!

We are so grateful to all of our family and friends who came out to support Luke and Jake. We really appreciate it. Thank you, Thank you!

Here is Jake or "Charlie Cowell" trying to convince the River City citizens of the evils of Professor Hill.

There are more pictures I was forwarded from the directors, but I can't get them to upload. So hopefully I will be adding more later.

This is my favorite scene they did. Charlie and Hill are finally confronted. Hill punches Charlie and he ends up cowering offstage.

My 5 year old neice shouted out "NO" when she saw Uncle Jake get punched and collapse to the ground. So sweet!

Finally breaking character to snap of photo together.

Luke in his "Boy's Band" costume.

I loved Luke's costume. We were in charge of putting together the costumes ourselves. Jake and I put it together and my friend helped me make the pants into nickers.

Luke thoroughly enjoyed his experience. I think for while this will be an annual Swensen summer endeavor. Hopefully as ouryounger two kids get a little older we can do it as a family.

4th of July

Waiting for fireworks with our friends the Speredons and Hegsteds.

We went mini golfing during the day. It was a lot of fun. Ben beat us all...barely! Luke found golf a little frustrating, but Ty had a great time. Lily threw her ball in the water on the second hole, so she spent the rest of the time in her stroller, she was pretty mad at us. Then it started to rain a little. Then she was really not happy (see later picture :))

Kindergarten Graduation

I can't believe that a whole year has come and gone. Because we are year round, it literally has been a whole year. Plus from the end of kindergarten to the beginning of first grade we only get three weeks off. It is very surreal for me to see Luke growing and moving forward so quickly. Here he is with two of his buddies from school. Ryan and Alex.

Singing their songs and getting their diplomas.

There is my handsome boy!

Our gift to Mrs. Z. The most fabulous teacher ever!! I miss her! Luke misses her too! No one will ever be Mrs. Z! How lucky we were to have her to start school.

Last day of school. :(

Catching up

Since I view my blog as my scrapbook and journal in one. I am going to attempt to catchup on the last few months and put everything in order. Check out the updates below :)

May and June

Just a few random pictures from the last two months.
My boys love to play dress up. They are always pretending to be someone or something else. Then they usually act it out or put on a pretty elaborate play for us. They are such hams! Luke of course is always the ring leader. Here they are dressed as red batman and black batman.

"OHHH! A baby Jack Jack!" says Lily in a super high pitched voice! Lily and Ty love Incredibles the movie. For about 3 weeks we had to watch it every day. They can all quote it. Even Lily, which is pretty funny.

Playing Rock band with Daddy.

Batgirl!

Argh Matey! Luke is 6!

While I was visiting my sister in Kentucky (another post), Jake bought Lego Pirates of the Caribbean video game. My boys have been completely obsessed with all things pirates ever since. They love the movies. They can't wait for January when we go to Disneyland and they can ride the ride. So Luke decided that he wanted to have a Lego Pirate party. Here is what we came up with.

The invitations.

I made pirate hats for each of the kids.

Lego Treasure hunt. The kids followed a treasure hunt to find their loot. In each location they had to work together to build a different pirate related Lego creation. Each one included Lego instructions and the map for the next spot. They had tons of fun. I was worried with 12 kids this would get crazy. But they did a great job taking turns and working together to finally find the buried treasure. Inside they found pirate hats for each kid, beads, tattoos, gold coins and ring pops.

Make your own Lego Pirate. This was the biggest hit at the party. Luke and I came up with this idea together. Luke and Ty love to build random Lego guys. So I cut out "lego" pieces out of card stock. There were lots of options to choose from. Every kids was different and all their own choosing. So much fun!

In pirate dress ups. Don't what was wrong with the camera, but these pictures are not the greatest. Rrrrr.

Enjoying their pirate loot...ring pops, hats, beads and gold coins.

Fellow Pirates: ( In attendance) Alex, Isaac, Brooklyn, Rock, Alex B. , Tres, Ellie, Sydney, Ryan, Noah, Emery, Luke and Ty.

Cannonball toss.

Decorations.

The cake. Complete with Lego Jack Sparrow and the Kracken.

All in all I was pretty pleased with the cake. At one point along the way it completely fell over. I wanted to cry. But I think I recovered well. Luke loved it and that is the point. Right?? ( Jake says I tend to forget that in my efforts to throw a fabulous party :).

Go Red Sox!

Buddies. Luke's friend Brycen was on the same team.

I LOVE this shot! Just can't get over them in their uniforms!

Luke being catcher. Love the thumbs up!

My friend put the kids names on the backs of their shirts. So awesome!

First day of T-ball.

Through May and June Luke had T-ball. His team was the Red Sox. Seeing those little 5 and 6 year olds in their baseball uniforms was the cutest thing ever. Luke did a great job! He seems to really like baseball (which he doesn't get from his father:)). The first game was pretty funny as he was still figuring things out. But he really started to get the hang of it. What I loved best about watching him play is a what a great sport he is. He was always cheering everyone on and giving high 5's to every opponent that went to his base. Then he would sit and chat with each one--always the one to make new friends.

For one of his last games Grandma and Grandpa Burt made a special trip to come and see Luke play. I know he loved having them there to watch him. Too bad Mom forgot to bring the camera that night.

Way to go Luke! One thing about Luke. He always puts on a good show no matter what he is doing!

Cheering on big brother!