A {rock} skipping we will go

It's the first day of summer vacation for everyone, and the boys' don't have any daycare. The park we wanted to go to was busy with a girl's birthday party (eww ... girls) so we decided to head off on the trails on an adventure. Unfortunately, this trail was pretty boring except for this small spot under the bridge where the boys spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to skip rocks. And, if you count Ben skipping rocks on rocks, they all managed to get at least one skip in. This was Zander's first time skipping on water and he was super excited about his accomplishment.

And this made the whole day worth it for me. All three of my boys looking at the camera with real smiles on the their faces. Priceless. Even if they are under a bridge.

My baby is a kindergartner

This can't be happening. My baby's last day of preschool is today and now he will be a kindergartner. I mean, he's ready for it, but I still don't know if I am. I keep telling him he needs to stay little a little while longer. He humors me by trying to shrink down, then very seriously says, "Sorry, mom, it isn't working."

Crafting at the library

Every summer the boys participate in the library's summer reading program. And by participate I mean we go to the library, check in, maybe do the craft (today was a mini basketball hoop) and then check out some books. If I'm lucky, they might read them. Usually, we don't. I always have good intentions for summer reading, but usually the day just gets away from us. Between work and baseball and just wanting to be outside, reading tends to get pushed to the back burner (especially for Nick). But, I figure there is something to be said for taking them and trying, right? At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Preschool park day

The boys' preschool celebrates the end of the school year with a fun day at a nearby park, and today was finally Benny's turn! Unfortunately, a heavy rain the night before kept us from the park, but the kids were super excited to get to play on the big kids' playground instead (it's way better than the park anyway).
Ben practiced his American Ninja Warrior skills ...

(Ben was stoked to try this obstacle, which is just like one on ANW)

and hung out with these yahoos.

And me!

They ended the day in the gym (the big kids needed their playground back), where they played with the big parachute and ran off some steam.

It's crazy to think that we are done with preschool and Blessed Sacrament. The preschool and daycare (Ben's still in daycare there this summer) have treated us well over the years.

Mrs. Condra, Mrs. Hussy and the preschool class

What a difference a year makes

I see these two boys every day. Sure, I realize they are growing up, but it wasn't until I saw these pictures side by side that I realized just how much they had grown over the course of one year.

Nick is turning into quite a great young man. It's hard to believe he is only 10! Especially when you stand next to him. He's 5'3" and strong as can be. He still isn't a huge fan of school, but he did well and has found other areas where he can excel. He played hockey all winter and is already practicing for a summer of baseball.

Then there is Zander. He's also grown up quite a bit this year. He loves school, is a great reader and wants to learn more about everything. Even better, once he learns it, he remembers it. While he's not a sports kind of kid, he's super excited for summer because he gets to go to Camp Invention for the first time.


  

Ben's 5th birthday (and Mother's Day)

How is Ben five? Well, almost anyway. We celebrated his birthday (and Mother's Day) with our usual little family party. It's nothing too exciting, but the boys don't seem to mind. Look how excited Ben got for some Matchbox cars.

 

And a Power Rangers Nerf-esque gun.

 

 

But his favorite was the soccer ball. He's been playing with a hand-me-down ball for two summers and was so excited to finally have one of his own.

 

 

 

Since it was actually Mother's Day and everyone was already together, we also celebrated that with my mom and mema.

 

 

Game day

Look at that cute little Met.

 

 

He thinks he's pretty smart. He's been practicing with his dad at home. Dad taught him to keep his elbow up when he's swinging. Now, every time he gets up to bat, he puts his elbow high in the air, turns and looks at us, and says "I got my elbow up!"

 

 

Look at that stance. He almost looks like he knows what he's doing.

 

 

 

It's also great that the other team isn't the enemy yet. I'm pretty sure Ben doesn't know this little guy, but they had a pretty animated conversation at second base.