Starting summer off right

This week it finally got hot and allowed us to start our summer off right.  We tested the neighborhood pool yesterday and although it was a little chilly, it certainly wasn't as cold as I thought it would be.  Hudson wasn't thrilled when I put his puddle jumper float on and screamed "No!" and "Off!" for about five minutes.  I calmly kept telling him that he had to wear it or we had to go home and he eventually got over it.  Today when we got to the pool he grabbed it and tried to put it on himself so I guess he is used to it already.  He was also having a blast jumping off the side and even floating a little on his own.  Handley is an old pro in the water and Harper needs a little refreshing, but more for her confidence than her skills.

Earlier today we also had Harper's last gymnastics class.  We got to come out on the floor to see what she was doing up close and she was so proud to show off her stuff.  She's really talented at gymnastics and loves it!

Tonight we fought the heat and went to the food trucks again. It was SO hot and had us all wishing we had just gone back to the pool this evening, but we still had fun.  This week we stayed late enough to hear the live music and then we made a stop by the fire truck to visit the firefighters that were there for the night.  Hudson loved it most of all and just happened to have on his firetruck outfit!

Little Critter

So if today's events didn't actually happen to me I don't know that I'd believe them.  This morning we woke up to rain and thunder storms so we decided it was the perfect morning to just stay in our PJ's and relax.  Late morning I had just finally gone upstairs to get everyone dressed when we got a call from our agent asking if we were home because someone wanted to see the house.  No problem, I thought.  Then she said they wanted to see it now...like they are in our neighborhood and about to pull in front of our house right now.   I told her we could be out of the house in 5 minutes and then it was a mad dash to put away toys, grab everyones shoes and head out to the garage.  We got everyone in the car and then I ran back inside to grab something and as I walked back into the garage I looked up and saw something crawling along the track of the garage door. I screamed for Robby, he caught a glimpse and then whatever it was hopped into one of the coolers that is on a shelf right beside the garage door track.

Thinking as hard as I could about what I saw I thought it possibly looked like a chipmunk.  Since the people that wanted to see our house were waiting in their car for us to leave Robby said our only options were to leave it or bring the cooler in the car with us.  Neither of which I liked, but I certainly wasn't going to put it in my car so we just drove off and left it there!  I prayed it wouldn't hop out when the people looked in the garage.

I needed a few things from the store so we drove to Wal-Mart and just as we were getting out of the car a huge bolt of lightening struck very close to us.  SO, we just decided to sit in the car and wait it out.  We enjoyed some mighty fine "People of Wal-mart" people watching and when the storm didn't let up we just decided to make our way back home.

When we got back the kids and I sat in the car while Robby investigated the coolers and our little critter situation.  Turns out it was still in the cooler and it was, in fact, a chipmunk.

I told him to take it FAR away to let it go.  We waited out the storm and then loaded up in the truck for the release.  We drove to a little stream that is nearby and Handley was so excited to hop out and help while the rest of us stayed in the truck.

I like to see wildlife from afar, but it freaks me out a little when I see it in my yard and definitely when it is in my garage camping out in one of our coolers.

After all that excitement we came back home to let Hudson nap and Handley and I went back to Wal-Mart and this time actually got what we needed.  It took forever and I was again reminded why I don't do Wal-Mart on the weekends.

Bryn was coming over for dinner tonight and just about the time she was supposed to arrive we got another call that someone was sitting in front of our house and wanted to see it right then.  What are the odds that would happen twice in one day.  This time we just walked next door to visit with our neighbors while these people looked and after they left we had a fun dinner with Bryn, played catch with the kids and ended the night on a game of hide-and-seek.

Tomorrow is our first official day of summer break so we are all hoping for some sunshine so we can do it up right with the kiddie pool in the backyard.

Kindergarten Graduation!

What a crazy day!  Not only was it the last day of school, but Hudson had his last tumbling class today, Harper had her party, Handley had gymnastics and then they had the end-of-the-year ceremony and Handley's Kindergarten Graduation!  We are so proud of our little graduate!

Gigi was sweet enough to come over and watch Hudson part of the day and then was able to come with us for the ceremony tonight, which was as precious as ever.

Each age group sang several songs.  Tonight at dinner Harper was scarfing down her food so I mentioned to her that she must have been really hungry.  She replied, "No, I just want to eat good so I can sing really good tonight."  Makes sense, right?  She did a great job singing and looked so sweet up on the stage!

The Kindergarten classes signed to "What a Wonderful World" and then dressed in their graduation caps.  Mrs. Cindi called out each person's name to receive their certificates and then they sang, "First Grade, First Grade" to the tune of "New York, New York."

I definitely got teary during the graduation part tonight.  I've been an emotional wreck all day thinking about this being the last day of school.  This pre-school has been a huge part of our lives for the past 4 years and to think that we won't be here next year just makes me so incredibly sad. I want to believe I am making the right decision and I feel like I know in my head that it is (with regards to us moving and the logistics of everything), but in my heart I am feeling uncertain because I am going to miss the teachers, the kids, and the other parents. I can't write anything else about it right now because I know I'll start boo-hooing again, but I am just going to try to enjoy the family fun day put on by the school tomorrow and be thankful for the amazing people who have made such a positive impact on our kids.

Last Day of School

I can't believe today was the last day of school.  I don't think I really had time to process it because this week has been non-stop and we've been so busy every single day.  I am so excited about summer and having all three kids home with me.  However, at the same time I am sad because they have both had such a wonderful school year and amazing teachers so it is hard to think about all that coming to an end.

First day of school and Last day of school comparison pictures!

Harper's end of the year party was this afternoon so I got to spend some one-on-one with her.  After the party we ran a few errands and grabbed lunch quickly before heading back to get Handley.

They both came home with tons of goodies from their teachers, certificates, and all sorts of artwork and school work. Robby and I got a kick out of reading through Handley's writing journal tonight.  She's come such a long way since the beginning of the year and learned SO much! She had an excellent report card, too, so I surprised the girls with a special treat to kick off the summer fun.

Kindergarten Ice-Cream Social

The Kindergarten classes had an ice-cream social this afternoon to celebrate the end of the school year. We enjoyed ice-cream, watched a memory video of photos from this year and then Mrs. O'Kelley gave out awards to each student.  Anything from "great sentence writing" to "artist award."  Handley was given the "Great at Answering Questions" award.  Her teacher said anytime a question was asked in class Handley always shot her hand up high and wanted to answer every single one.  Later I told her I was proud of her for participating in class so well she said, "Well it's just because I know the answers to all the questions."

This year has been incredible for Handley.  Her teachers were amazing and she has learned SO much. I feel confident that she is ready for 1st grade and I love that she got to stay in a small school setting for just one more year.  She and her classmates are all so close and I know she doesn't really know or understand that she won't be seeing many of them again on a regular basis since they will all be going to different schools next year.  The other moms and I have also become incredibly close and we were all getting a little teary eyed today thinking about our kids no longer being at this school. Thankfully, we have more day of school tomorrow and then the family fun day planned for Friday.

While we were waiting to pick up Handley this afternoon, Harper had her last Wednesday play date at the train park with some of her classmates.  It's been just as fun for us moms to chat as it has been for the kids to run around and play after school.  I know I'm going to miss these days so I am not taking one second for granted.

Mother's Day and this week so far

On Mother's Day this year I was woken up by the kids running in and giving me a precious hand-made card and a hand-made bracelet.  I've worn it every day since!  They were so very proud of themselves for what they had secretively done. 

All three kids helped Robby wash my car and then we made our way to Gigi and Papa's house.  They since Papa is still recovering and in no shape to do yard work, Robby had plans to do it for him.  We made a quick pit-stop at a sporting good store on the way to get me new running shoes (my other gift from everyone).  

The weather was so nice on Sunday and we all enjoyed being outside the majority of the day.  Hudson was soaked head-to-toe from playing with the water table and the biggest fun the kids had was taking turns having rides in Papa's wheel chair.  

I wish I could have seen my mom on Mother's Day, but we can't wait for them to visit here next month! 

And, here are some other random things/pictures to share: 

Hudson is all about his sisters, but when he just wakes up from his nap he usually loves to cuddle for a little while.  He was in a sleepy mood, but as soon as I pulled out my phone he perked up and wanted to say "cheese." I just love this baby boy of mine and although he is quickly becoming much bigger than a baby, I still love the little moments when he acts like one.  

Yesterday, Harper came home from school with all sorts of shapes she had colored and cut out.  When I got them out of her folder she said, "DO NOT throw those away!  I made them so I could teach Hudson his shapes." This morning she took her job very seriously and Hudson surprised me by paying such close attention to her. 

The beloved "Food Truck Tuesdays" started back so we met some friends at the park this evening for this awesome event.  Basically the food trucks  are these huge catering trucks that are set up to take orders/cook/serve food as if it was a restaurant on wheels.  Each truck has a different theme/type of food and everything is SO good.  The most fun thing about it though is literally EVERYONE in our town shows up so we run into tons of people we know.  The kids all love running around, playing on the playground, eating picnic-style and being with their friends.

Part of our group from tonight.  You can see the trucks behind us.  

Here I am with 3 popsicles from the popsicle cart.  I got them for the kids after dinner and my crazy kids said they didn't like them.  More for me!  Haha!  My friend Carrie took this picture of me. :-)  I caved and let the girls go pick a different flavor to buy.

Handley's Gym Show

I love seeing my kids do things they love and also the things they have worked so hard for.  All year long Handley has been talking about being in the gymnastics show and how she was going to practice to do her best.  Today was the day of the show and she did such a great job!  I thought I might just burst from the amount of pride I had for her up there performing.  We were all proud and even Hudson who was sitting on my lap kept pointing and saying her name over and over when her group was out on the floor.

All the classes paraded around at the beginning of the show!

 Below you can see Handley doing her cartwheel and then doing her "cast" on the bar.

Yesterday while Handley was at school I let Harper pick out some flowers to give Handley after the show.  She was really happy and surprised when Harper gave them to her!

Handley's friend, Annabelle, was also in the show!  Both of the girls did such a great job!

Handley was thrilled that Gigi was able to attend.  On our way home we stopped by RT for frozen yogurt and slushies to celebrate and Handley did not want to let those flowers out of her sight.  As soon as we got home she picked out a vase to put them in and then wanted to find a spot in her room for them.

To watch the video of Handley's routine, click HERE!