We headed back to the lake this weekend for some Memorial Day celebrating with the whole family. And since we were all together in one place so close to Nicholas' upcoming birthday, we took the opportunity to have a little party for him. This is the first of three, so we're just getting started. His 3rd birthday was the first time he actually understood what a party meant (presents!) so it's been a very long year waiting for the next one to come around. Each person's birthday that has come and gone the last 12 months has included a prelude of impatient cries about when it's going to be his turn again. So yes, he's very happy that the wait is finally over. He was as sweet as pie during the entire party and gushed his thank you's to everyone over and over. He may not have gotten the gene for patience but at least he's not stingy about showing his appreciation. He got lots of great new toys but the winner was definitely the rescue boat that Annie, Bret, and Colton got him. And it wasn't just the toy itself that won the prize, the wrapping was fantastic as well. I just love their creativity and wish I had some of it for myself.
The rest of the weekend was spent breaking in our swim suits for summer and trying to bronze up our sun-deprived skin. Unfortunately, the water was still chilly - okay, not chilly, downright cold - but we still gave it our best shot. Nicholas and Jillian didn't seem fazed in the least and swam their little hearts out, even through blue lips and chattering teeth. My goodness, kids are made of steel!
Their baby turtles "kissing". Those poor creatures actually survived the weekend!
Friday was Nicholas' last day of regular school and what a great year it has been! This was the year that he really fell into a nice routine and learned all the fun he could have each day. Without wanting to sound cheesy, I have to say that "blossom" is the word that pops into my mind. His class was really small, 4-6 kids depending on the time, and he had such a wonderful, sweet teacher that he looked forward to seeing each day. Because the class was so small, the 3 kids that had been there since the beginning of the year all developed a really close friendship. There are so many enjoyable things about being a parent, but I have to say that watching him build relationships with other children all on his own has been one of my favorites. So now we're on a one week break and then it's back for summer camp through the end of July. We're going to continue with preschool at St. Mark for one more year because we've just completely fallen in love with the staff and the tight-knit environment they provide. I love going to pick him up each day and being greeted with smiles and warm hellos from everyone who knows and loves our boy. I will definitely be very sad when it's time to move on to kindergarten and public school.....but I don't have to think about that right now, so I won't. We're going to enjoy this time while we've got it.
Greg and I joined everyone for a family picnic on the last day.
We soon discovered he is quite the ladies' man.
And who could be surprised with a face like this.
Putting one of his friends under arrest.
His teacher, Ms. Kristine.
Artistic representation of a turtle.
I have no words...other than I see that face a lot these days.
And a final good-bye to Ms. Kristine who won't be back next
year. He really loved her and we'll definitely miss her.
As Nicholas says - HAPPY MUDDER'S DAY! It was such a great day spent with my two favorite guys, followed by a cookout with Grammy, Mimi, and Papa. Each year at this time, I make myself take a few extra moments to really thank God for the love and happiness He has blessed me with. No matter how busy we are or how many days we feel overwhelmed by the task of living a very full life, we are lucky to have what we have. And what I have is very, very good. No doubt about it. But while I'm thinking about how lucky I am to be a mom, I also need to talk about how lucky am I to have the most wonderful mother in the world. She is an amazing woman who has always loved me and been there for me, no matter what. And if that wasn't enough, I married a man who's mother turned out to be equally special. I only hope that I can do this job half as well as they've done theirs. Thank you both for inspring me, loving me, and supporting me in everything I do. I love you more than you'll ever know.
This was Friday's school art project. Another fabulous handprint masterpiece.
Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and this was the thank you card Nicholas' teacher sent home for us. One thing I always worried about when it came time to send him to preschool was whether or not his teachers and everyone else would really get him. Will they fully understand just how awesome he is? Will he stand out from the crowd? Will his spirit be dulled amongt the masses of other kids? Well, they do get him and that makes this Mama beyond happy. Lesson learned - Nicholas' sweet heart and loving smile could never, ever go unnoticed.
Yesterday morning, Nicholas sat down with me to "read" the card he
had picked out for me. His rendition is pretty precious.
And while we're at it, I'll go ahead and share a few more pics. First up is Edmond Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, where the kids got to sit in all kinds of work vehicles and explore just about everything about them. They got to honk the horns, play with the sirens, talk on the PA, you name it. A little loud but wildly entertaining. Especially when the rowdy ones got a hold of the PA mic.
And last but not least, I wanted to share a special little picture of Greg and Nicholas with their police cars. Greg has finally gotten his unmarked unit, which means it was time to say good-bye to the good old black & white.
And I had to include both of these, even though their practically the same, because I just couldn't pick a favorite. The cowboy boots definitely had to make the blog!
