A big achievement

Today was a great day in the 6.5 years of Evan's life. He was recently retested for the Enrichment program at school (he missed the first test by 1 point on one section of the test) and today he received the letter that he had been accepted. When I told him this afternoon about the letter, he literally danced around the kitchen. Jason & I made very little emphasis (beforehand) on getting accepted -- we told him it would be a neat program, but if he didn't get in, it would be ok and that he could try again later if he wanted. But apparently, he thought it was important. He kept saying, "I can't believe I'm in Enrichment!" He said to Grant, "Grant, I passed my test for Enrichment -- you should tell me congratulations!" He also told me, "Mom, I tried my best and I passed!" It was so sweet. I delighted in his pride and told him, "That's all you can ever do -- try your best."

Evan, full of confidence

Not that I don't want to raise confident kids, but....

Evan came home from school earlier this week and said, "Mom, pretty much all the girls like me. I'm kind of like the 'main kid'."

Teenager already?

When did this happen? He's only 6 and yet he looks like Justin Bieber. Or, "Justin Beaver," as Grant says.

Crazy dress, take 2

Evan's turn. This was one of my favorite wacky outfits we've put together over the years. 

 Aaaand and photo bomb by Grant.

Sometimes, the simplest things

Are just so hard!

Evan's creations

Evan is creative. He's always creating something new. And everything he creates has a purpose and a story. And usually, tape. Lots of tape. I can't remember the story behind this creation, but rest assured, there is one. 

The Christmas program

For the last two years since Evan began the preschool program, he has participated in the yearly Christmas program. But up until this year, he has only participated in the singing portion of the program. This year, however, he was in kindergarten, which meant that he got to take part in the Christmas story play. His role..... wait for it.... wait for it..... Puppeteer #3! I know, I know. We were just thrilled. He remembered all of his lines and performed like the natural born star that he is.

Grant, now that he is in 3-year-old preschool, also took part in the program as part of the choir. This is what Grant looked like:

We were so proud.

Angel on the tree - 2011

What you don't see is the CHAIR that Jason is standing on so Evan can reach the top. Precarious? To say the least. But really, we're creating memories here.

Artwork

Thanksgiving art from the boys. I especially like Evan's thankful wheel. Not sure if the answers were "prompted," but love it nonetheless.

Field trip

Evan had a field trip to a local pizza place with his kindergarten class. The kids had so much fun and their enthusiasm was infectious. The highlight was when the pizza thrower threw a pizza dough ring around Evan's neck. The look on Evan's face was priceless and the kids erupted in laughter. 

Boys doing what boys do

Building -- and sleeping in -- a fort under their bed...

Playing their computer games...

Finally!

Almost two weeks after she was born, Evan holds Vivian for the first time! He loves her, but isn't so crazy about getting close to her. He likes to enjoy her from a distance.

The cradle

And the tradition continues -- this cradle, given to me by my grandparents, was where I slept as a baby, where my cousins slept as babies, and now, where all three of my children have slept. And as it dates back to the late 1800s, one can only guess the many other babes it has held. I just love our cradle and look forward to passing it on for my own grandchildren one day.

Creative expressions

"No Grant. No Leapster"

Drawn after a whopper of a fit that Evan threw because Grant was playing his Leapster.

So cute!

Evan has not slept in this position in a very long time. We were so tickled to find him like this recently.

4th of July '11

In true Peachtree City style, we overdid it for the 4th. Parade in the a.m., pool for lunch and fireworks late into the evening. It was an exhausting day, but since the 4th is one of my favorite holidays, it's exactly what I would have wanted.

 Evan was yelling, "Happy 4th of July!" Grant was yelling, "Happy Father's Day!"

Blast from the past

Evan wearing pajamas that once belonged to Jason.

Catching up & summer life

A month and-a-half into summer and I'm thinking it's time to update the blog. Let's see, our weekly summer activities look something like this: pool, golf cart rides, naps, pool, bike rides around the pond with Bullit in tow (ps: to clarify, only the children are riding bikes these days), library story and craft events, more pool, playdates with friends, field trips into Atlanta, and more and more and still more pool. We have our good days and the really, really tough days. The days that make me SO happy that I do not have a newborn to add to the mix during these dog days of summer. Nice that I planned the due date within a week of school starting.

The most exciting part of spending so much time at the pool is that we now have two boys who can swim! Grant, who wouldn't even go beyond the first step at the beginning of summer, is now swimming with his face in the water, kicking his legs and using his arms.

I have taken exactly -0- pictures of the boys in the pool, but here's what I do have.

Happy 5th Birthday, Evan!

Evan is finally 5. He's only been asking me about his birthday (and planning his party) since before Christmas. This year's celebration will span 3 days -- we had a special birthday meal last night (ribs & corn on the cob, per birthday boy's request) since Jason is gone tonight; today was a birthday pancake breakfast & presents followed by cupcakes and friends at the pool; and tomorrow will be the big party at the jumping place with all of Evan's friends. Whew! Turning 5 is a lot of work. Next year will be more low key, you can bet!

Mother's Day

I had a fun Mother's Day this year... I was treated to a gourmet homemade breakfast, the kids painted birdhouses, we had a picnic, went fishing, and then I had the afternoon to myself for some shopping.