Let the Summer Fun Begin!

Last weekend we had a little get-together with our friends.  The weather was absolutely perfect and we had really been wanting to light a fire and enjoy what's left of spring before it gets way too hot.  We had just opened the pool the day before, so unfortunately, it was still freezing cold.  But, as you can see, that didn't stop the kids from having a good time!

Mr. Kyran didn't get to join in the water fun, but he and Lynx had a good time watching!

 

The kids got braver and more daring with age!

Emily's 1st Communion

This past weekend, we celebrated another 1st communion...my niece, Emily's.  It was a beautiful day and she was a beautiful little girl!  It was so neat to see how excited her class was to receive their first communion.  We were especially happy, because a former priest of ours, Father Dave, was their officiant.  He did such a great job, especially during the sermon.  He came down and talked to each of the kids and really made it special for them!

 Receiving her certificate and gift.

 Emily and her cake...it was delicious!

 Mom and Dad, looking good!

 All three handsome grandsons!

 Little Miss Lucy enjoyed the sunshine too.

 We also got to meet Morgan for the first time.  She is a sweetie!

 Katie brought her 1st Communion dress so that we could get pictures of both girls together.  What a happy year for our family; two sweet girls receiving 1st Communion!

Little Kyran was on the go all day...but, what else is new with him!

Family Fun Night

Last night, we took Ben and went to Family Fun Night at the high school.  It was a great night (a little windy) for the bounce houses and he had an absolute blast...until the very end.  Let just say that involved a jousting ring, some miscommunication on my part, and some tears.  Not the best way to end the night, but all in all, he said it was "super fun"! 

Katie's Special Day!

Today we celebrated Katie's 1st Holy Communion...what a special, special day for her and her family.  We were so happy that we could spend the day with this sweet girl and witness this milestone in her faith journey.  We love you Katie!

 





Christ, the Lord, is risen today!

It's Easter!!!  One of my most favorite holidays.  What a better way to welcome Spring than to celebrate our risen Lord.  After many weeks of reflection and sacrifice during Lent, it's such a joy to spend Easter Sunday with our family in celebration of the greatest gift of all...the gift of eternal life through Jesus!

This year, we celebrated with my family, at my parents' home.  All of us kids were able to make it, and it was a fantastic day.  The weather was absolutely beautiful!  The little ones made crafts, baked with Grandma Debbie, hunted Easter eggs, played wiffle ball (ok, a few of the adults joined in too), ate LOTS of candy, played games, and I'm sure crashed from their sugar high on the way home!  The adults enjoyed great food, excellent conversation, and fun with the kids...it was a perfect day for everyone.  Here are a few pictures from the day!

 Tiffy and Ben putting the "eggs" in the "baskets"

 Taylor was a good sport and let me take her picture (a big deal for tween)!

 How many kids can we fit on the Barbie Jeep?  It ran out of "gas", so good thing Tiffany can push the whole crew!

 Peek-a-boo

 My brother, Matt's, children...4 sweet kiddos!

 These two have been buddies since day 1...who cares that there's 10 years between them, they sure don't!

 Easter eggs???  We don't need Easter eggs...just a ball!

 Sweet Adeline

 

 Uncle Jason was the look out, helping spot the eggs!

The kiddos and their loot.  They made out like bandits!

It's soccer time!

This year, Ben was finally old enough to join the soccer club at our school, which is a big deal!  He was super excited, and even MORE excited when he found out that he was on the same team as his friend, Blake...how could it get any better???!!!  Well, wait for it...his mom is the coach!

Ben and Blake getting their game faces on!

Now, let me assure you that I did not ask to be his coach.  The league was in desperate need for volunteers, so I thought it would be something that Callie (Blake's mom) and I would just be great for it.  I'm sure Callie was super happy that I volunteered us for this, ha ha!

Their first game was last Saturday, and the team did great.  The weather was wonderful (thank goodness) and we had all 8 of our team members there.  They were having fun, and they even scored 6 goals!  I think this will be a fun season for Ben and his teammates...and for the coaches too, of course!

I just love his face in this one...pure excitement!

I'm not sure I'm ready for this...

It has been a day of mixed emotions today...Ben officially registered for preschool.

While I know that he is more than ready to be in preschool, this mommy is not ready to see him start school.  As an educator, I am the first to say that education is the best investment we can make in our children.  But, as a parent, I know that school brings an end to those care-free days of childhood.

Both of our boys are so blessed to have a "second mom" in their babysitter, Linda.  She loves them like a mother, kisses their boo-boos, praises their achievements, prays with them, reads to them, hugs them and kisses them, and most of all, lets them be kids each and every day.  And, I know that when Ben steps onto that school bus in August, a part of that sweet childhood will go away.

Don't get me wrong, Ben is more than ready.  He's ready for story time, circle time, centers and art.  He's ready for music, gym class, lunch lines and recess.  He's ready, and I know that...I'm just not sure I'm ready.  But, as with anything else, the train's a comin', so I better get on board!

There is a silver lining to this story though, which is that my students work with the preschool each day.  So, I'll get to see that sweet boy every afternoon and I know that the teachers he'll have are the best of the best.  They will love on him, hug him, and hopefully instill a passion for school that will continue long after the days of preschool have ended.