summer part 2

Our summer was very busy so I'll try to catch up where the last post left off.  The kids all turned a year older this summer.  So we had a family birthday party for all three kids.  It consisted of presents, cake, swimming, and of course McDonalds for dinner (at least for the kiddos). 

Hayley had her first hair cut.  I was very hesitant to get Hayley's hair cut since it took her almost 18 months to get hair but I decided at three years old you probably need your baby hair cut off.  She did really well and seemed to enjoy the process.  I see manicures in our future together.

 Parker's had his first day of school August 18.  I can't believe my baby is in Kindergarten.  It was a struggle for the first week for him to adjust.  He talked about crying everyday at lunch, not eating his food, and missing home. It was very heart breaking for me as a mother not be able to do anything to help him (well besides encouragement and lots of prayers).  Now Parker is saying he likes school and talks about the new friends he is making.  I am looking forward to a fun year. 

Parker is playing on a local soccer team this fall.  They practice once a week and then have a game every Saturday.  There is no goalie and the coaches are on the field as referees.  Parker had his first game last Saturday.  In one of the pictures below his friend Hunter dribbled the ball down the field and then Parker took the ball to make a goal.  The league is focused on learning to play soccer and having fun so it is perfect for five year olds.  Parker has seemed to enjoy it so far. 



Summer

So I have been absent for a while with my blogs.  This has been a busy summer with an additional member of our family.  We have had a lot go on though so I will try to capture some of those moments in this blog. 

1.  Crew turned 1 years old on June 1st. 

Here is the water table we got him for his birthday.  With the hot weather we have been having it has come in handy in the yard.  Justin likes it because it has been helping to water our lawn.

2.  Parker turned 5 years old on July 14th.  Can't believe my baby is five years old and going to Kindergarten in the fall.  Still trying not to cry about it.  We had a birthday party for him and a few friends at the movie theater to see Cars 2.  It was Parker's first movie at the theater.  He seemed to enjoy it except for the suspenseful parts of the movie.  

3.  T-ball- Parker is playing t-ball through the park district this summer.  He has practice two nights a week and a game each Friday night.  We is playing with his friend, Hunter and really enjoy it. 

4.  Justin and I celebrated our ten year anniversary.  I can't believe it has been that long.  I thought about all the things that Justin and I have been through in ten years: We have lived in one apartment and two different houses.  We lived in Champaign, IL and Bloomington, IL.  I graduated with my Masters in Social Work.  Justin got his PMP certification.  I received my LCSW (License Clincial Social Worker).  We have three beautiful children.  We traveled to Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey, Virgina, New York, Missouri, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Africa (still can't believe Justin went so willingly).  We have grown closer to each other and I can't imagine my life without my best friend, my soul mate, my love.  I thank God everyday that he gave me Justin.     

Heres a little cake I ordered us to help us celebrate our big day.  Our wedding colors were lilac and silver.

St Louis Trip

We went to St. Louis in May for our annual trip with Justin's parents and his brother.  In two short days we went to the Magic House (the St. Louis Children's Museum), a St. Louis Cardinal's baseball game, and the Zoo.  We had so much fun.  Crew did great except had some struggles when we came home afterwards but it was very much worth it.  Here are some pictures of our weekend. 

 

Play day

We had a blast at State Farm playday yesterday.  It was very warm outside but we all enjoyed it anyways.  We got to also enjoy it this year with some of our good friends which made it even more fun.  The kids were able to feed and pet farm animals, go on carnival rides, jump in bounce houses, swim, play games, go on pony rides, and eat a lot of fun food like hot dogs, cotton candy, ice cream, & slushies. 

Parker's preschool graduation

Well I can't believe it but my baby graduated from preschool last week.  It made me very sad to think of my little guy going to Kindergarten next year.  I am really going to enjoy this summer before school starts and Parker will be in school all day long.  Parker's graduation was very cute.  The kids in his class dance/performed to three songs which Parker did great with all the motions including air guitar.  Then they had them come in with full cap and gown.  Each child came up for their "diploma" and the teacher announced what they said they wanted to be when they grew up.  Parker said he wanted to work in an office with his dad, write on a white board, and use a computer.  I decided I want this in writing so that Parker will work at State Farm and stay local.  Here's a picture from the graduation.  The rest is on video so I cannot include them but I promise they are very cute.  I'm now looking forward to the summer with lots of fun time together before my "first day of Kindergarten" post in the fall.  Crew was at the graduation too but not in the picture. 

Friends

We babysat for a friend and I just had to take some pictures.  It started because Hayley and our friend's son got into a rubbermaid container together and were just hanging out together. It was just too cute to pass up.  The older boys were next and then the younger boys' picture was staged but I figured they needed to join in on the fun.  The last picture is of Parker and his friends at the AWANA Award's night. 

Hayley & her new bike

Justin and I bought Hayley a bike on black Friday for a good deal.  We decided to give it to her as a early birthday present since you want your bike over the summer not just at the end of August throught the fall.  I brought out the bike and after about two to three minutes Hayley was riding her bike without any of my help.  I was really impressed.  I had to take some pictures to share with you. I thought she looked so cute. 

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter.  We had a home Easter Egg hunt and one at Justin's parent's church which the kids loved.  Hayley definitely understood this year what the Easter egg hunt was about and really got into it.  We of course talked to the kids about what Easter is really about and enjoyed celebrating the fact that our Savior is not dead but alive.  For church we dressed the boys in their traditional Ethiopian clothes.  Parker was given a choice and actually picked it.  I was surprised but happy.  We enjoyed lunch with Justin's parents which made it a relaxing day where we could focus on God and each other.  It was really fun to celebrate a holiday as a family of five.  We are still so happy and thankful that Crew is home with us.