Farewell to 1st Grade

What a fabulous year Kenny has had in 1st Grade.  He learned so much thanks to his hard work and his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Frank.  She encouraged and filled each student up to the very end, polling the kids on each student's strong points and then printing those character traits on a picture of the student. 

 Here's Kenny receiving his picture: 
"Kenny tells funny jokes and makes me laugh."
"He is great at building with legos."
"He uses grit when he does his work."
"Kenny makes me smile and that is fun."

We are going to miss Mrs. Frank!  And pray that the J's get her for first grade:-)

Jacob's Preschool Graduation

 How Jacob has grown since the first picture in this same spot two years ago!

 Jacob was all business on stage.....

 He took graduation very seriously....we're hoping this lasts through high school:-)

John's Preschool Graduation

 John's last picture in front of this sign.

 John rocked the hand motions during the singing portion of the ceremony.

 Receiving his diploma

 Why or why did the camera strap have to be there?

Our happy graduate!

Jacob & John's Preschool Graduation

 How can this duo be graduating from preschool? 

 It seems I was just juggling two babies....and now they're off to Kindergarten:-)

 After 4 years at Cherry Hills, we're moving on.  This mama is excited to have all the kids at one school--Summit View Elementary, here we come!

 Mrs. Becker entertaining the graduates with one last story.

 What a handsome, smart pair.....

 ....with a handsome, smart Daddy!

 Our beloved Mrs. Becker greeted us each morning with a smile and hugs.  We'll miss her loving heart!

 The best part of graduation--the refreshments!

Mrs. Elgard taught these two so much, and now they're ready to conquer the world....or kindergarten!?:-)

Our Muscular Men

This trio had us laughing as we lounged in the sun.  It was only in the 60's, but the Colorado sun was enough to keep these monkeys warm in their swim trunks. 

Kenny's 1st Grade Field Day

 Kenny with buddies Connor and Miles

 Getting ready for the 30 yard dash

Kenny's ready!  He rocked the 1-mile fun run, but seemed to be out of steam for the dash....he must be more of a distance kid:-)

Happy Mother's Day!

I just love that our church provides photo backdrops for special occasions.  They must really love me to look at the camera and smile at the same time;-)  Darin spoiled me with Starbuck's, a chocolate croissant and flowers.  And we had sushi and ice cream for dinner.  What a sweet day!

Happy 7th Birthday Kenny!

How is this boy 7?

 We celebrated with our favorite family--the Jasperson's!  Kenny wanted an Avenger's cake and pizza from Pizza Hut. 

 He also wanted the Minecraft Endor Dragon set. 

Grandma and Grandpa endulged this boy.....I'm sure there are now over a million lego pieces in our home...and Kenny couldn't be more thrilled:-)

Spring Visit from Grandma & Grandpa

We love it when Grandma & Grandpa visit....especially when I'm down and out with a bad back:-(

 The guys (minus John who was recovering from Hand Foot Mouth virus) hit the slopes.

 They made it to the top of the mountain (Panorama lift at Winter Park), and left Grandpa in the dust for a mogul run.

 Grandma entertained our little card shark who is obsessed with the game War.  He likes to make up his own rules too!  (Grandma's such a good sport:-)

You know Grandma & Grandpa are visiting when there are suckers for breakfast....at least they made a cute photo op!? 

Happy? Easter

Is it too much to ask for a nice picture for Easter? You be the judge.....

Cameraman wasn't ready....

 Scowling mama at squinting boys screams, "He is Risen!"

And even under the cover of the front porch they had to squint.  I think I need a girl;-)

Happy 5th Birthday Jacob & John!

 Darin and I made it back from Hawaii just a few days before the J's turned 5!  Sarah's herniated disk in her low back kept us from having a big party with friends.  We settled for an ice cream cake, party hats and balloons.  John was less than thrilled and called it a "Daddy Birthday". 

Grandma Bolthouse was with us for the celebration and gave John new Nikes and Jacob superhero decor for his bedroom (she had determined after 2 weeks in charge that they had TOO MANY TOYS:-)