Birthday Eve - SEVEN!

True to form, this eve of your 7^th Birthday, I’m reflecting back on the last seven years, wondering where it’s gone. I’m a little sad, a lot nostalgic and giddy happy for your birthday tomorrow. Conflicting emotions, to say the least. 

We’re having a family party tomorrow with your Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles and Cousins. I feel so fortunate that we’ve got so much family here to celebrate with you. You are at your best when your family is around. No better way to spend your real Birthday.  We’ll celebrate this weekend at the beach, with a family fun day – endless put-put, go karts and all other things boys like.

I miss your Brother a lot tonight. And although your “Birth” day was the happiest day of my life, it was also in a way, the saddest of my life. But we know Calvin is beaming down, celebrating with us on your special day. We’ll celebrate him tomorrow too – in our own special way.

Happy Birthday to my two amazing miracles. You both make me so happy & proud. You bring me such joy and I’m forever grateful that you’re all that you are. Lotsa love on your 7^th Birthday. I can’t wait to celebrate with you both.

Love, Mommy

Big First Graders!

1^st Grade! WOW. Not sure how this happened so fast.

 

What a difference a year makes! I can say, none of us were ready for school to start this year. The summer just flew by and we had so much fun.  We spent as much time at the beach as we could – and had a wonderful vacation to Colorado.  It was hard to imagine that 9 weeks went by so fast. We’re back to the grind. Booo!

You guys were not at all excited to start school until last night. The night before school, you got really excited.  Last week, we went to school to “meet & greet and see your seat”. This seemed to get you a little bit more excited since you got to see all of your old friends walking the halls.  Although a short visit, you learned who your teachers would be, dropped off your school supplies at your desks and saw your classrooms.  You were so happy there and it warmed my heart to know that you felt safe there and less anxiety than I would have guessed.

Cole, you really wanted Ms. Belote – and as luck would have it, you got her. You have been talking about her all summer; and looking at her in the yearbook. When I asked why you wanted her so much, you replied “Mommy, she LOOKS nice!”.  The emphasis was on the “looks” not the nice.  You also said she gives out candy. Well, when we met her, you were right. She does LOOK nice. She’s a very pretty lady and seems super sweet. You’ll be happy with her, I know it. When we met her, you were acting very silly and talking incessantly. You could not have been happier. So much so, that it didn’t even matter what friends, if any, were also in your class.  I’m happy if you are.

JD, you will have Mrs. Hughes.  You were pretty open to getting any of the teachers. You were more concerned with who was in your class than who your teacher was. You have some of your best pals in your class this year – which is fun for you. Liam and Kyla are in your class.  Hopefully this will not be a problem down the line. 

We laid out your clothes last night so we were ready for this morning. You both woke up happy and ready to go. Our morning routine has never been so easy.  You did your chores, got dressed and came down for breakfast. You were running out the front door to the bus stop about 10 minutes early. It was hard to hold you back.  Last year, I was dragging you out the door and this year I could barely keep up. When the bus came, you ran toward it, and loved seeing that Mr. Lionel is back as your bus driver. Cole, you even jumped up and cheered when you saw him.

 

I think it’s going to be a good year!

First BIG fish!

Last night, Mr. Jamie took us out fishing for Rockfish. You both caught your biggest fish you have ever caught. It was so much fun!

Cole, you got a 28" striper. 

And JD, you caught a 30" striper. 

We had such a great time. Mommy loved it just as much as you boys did. Memories to last a lifetime!

New Store

This is the name of the new store you guys have opened here at home. You make ankle bracelets, rings and regular bracelets, using yarn. 

Tie Die Twisters - Every Tuesday FREE

You also make duct tape bracelets. Duct tape is the new craft "thing". 

Most of them cost $.05 but some cost $1.00. And you are saving your money for something good. We don't know what yet though. 

Love you my little entrepreneurs! 

Last day of K!

Wow. What a year this was. Your first year of Kindergarten was awesome. The two of you enjoyed school & meeting new friends. And we got nothing but amazing reports from both of your teachers. We could not be more proud.

You both grew up so much as people. Looking back, it’s truly amazing how much you have changed in just one year. You have learned so much academically, but you have also changed socially and emotionally. Cole, you got more brave, MUCH more independent and made some great new friends.  JD, you learned so much and you just “get it”. You are so aware of what is going on around you and you’re so smart.  I have loved watching you both flourish. The decision to keep you separate in class was a good one for us – and we’re glad you both embraced it too. You’ve become such different young boys, with extremely different personalities, likes, dislikes and interests. It’s just awesome being your Mommy. I’m so incredibly proud of all that you have become and I can’t wait to see what comes next year. For now, summer is here and we’re going to make the most of it!

I love you!

Mommy

P.S. - Cole, you would not pose for the last day picture because you were too sad about school ending. You cried because you miss Mrs. Saunders already!

Ambition

Yearbooks came out today. I love your choices for professions when you grow up...

Shoot for the moon boys! Love you. 

-Mommy

In a Grassy Meadow

By JD

Pressure is on!

Revelations

Cole's idea of parenting...

As our family arrived at the beach, we all settled into our various favorite activities. JD and Mommy were throwing the frisbee and Daddy set out his rods and sat down to read his book. Cole, laid in the sand just hanging out. After a few minutes, Daddy leaps out of his chair screaming "you did not just do that! What the ?"  

Apparently, Cole threw a hard chunk of sand and it landed right over his shoulder and smack in the middle of his book. This did NOT go over too well. 

When asked why he would do such a thing, the reply was astounding. "Well, I'm bored. And plus Dad, when you have kids, you're supposed to PLAY with them". 

So, there ya have it...we looked at each other speechless. Thats one way to get our attention!

Tough day?

Cole, going to bed & sleeping are at the bottom of your list. You just don't like sleeping, despite the fact that you are always exhausted.  We bribe you to go to bed and we bribe you to sleep past 5:30am every day. 

Tonight was no exception. Apparently you were stalling and fell asleep mid way through whatever you were building. This is how we found you. Snoring away. 

And the following night, JD, you followed suit....