Summer Fun and Birthday Party

The kids received a new outside picnic table this week. I've been wanting to get the kids a table for the deck so they could play outside while I'm cooking dinner (yes, I do cook dinner!). They have enjoyed having picnic lunches, snack and dinner on the deck as well as doing some special art projects. Jack loves to paint and color so what a better place to make a mess than outside! He made a picture of a volcano erupting. We are going to make a volcano with Dad's help in the next couple of weeks. Caroline also loves to color. . . especially with markers.

The volcano pictureFinger painting Oh the mess I can make!

Jack was invited to one of his classmates 4th Birthday party. Mitchell had a bug party complete with a bug dig. The kids were able to dig in the dirt, play in the kiddie pool, slip and slide and take a swing at the pinata. To finish off the party, the kids at some delicious dirt cake. Jack had a great time and was glad to see his school friends.

Jack and Riley showing their bug dig findings All wet!Jack taking a swing at the Bug PinataThomas, Jack, Riley and Drake enjoying their dirt cake

Zoo Visit

To start off our first official week of Summer, we headed to the Atlanta Zoo with some of our great friends, Riley, Mattie Lou, Dru and Marley. It was the perfect day since it was overcast and not too hot. We have not been to the zoo since the fall, so both kids loved seeing all the animals. Both loved the new Parakeet Adventure. They both were able to feed the birds and even hold them on their sticks. It was exciting. Caroline rode the train this time without crying. In the past, she has been terrified of any train ride. What a great way to start off our summer break.

Getting ready to leave for the zooJack feeding a ParakeetMattie Lou loved the Parakeets and had no fear!The gang (Marley is not being tortured, just some brotherly love)

Braves Baseball

As part of our holiday weekend, we took the kids to a Braves game. This was Jack's second time going to a Braves game. He went last year and has been asking to go back ever since. Caroline did not get to go last year but was able to tag along this year. Both had a good time. They could have cared less about the game itself! Both were worried about eating hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy and Cracker Jack's. Caroline also enjoyed cheering and saying Go Braves. Thanks to Pop Pop, we had some awesome seats right behind home plate.

Before the game, the kids received new ball gloves
Caroline on the trip down to the game Unfortunately, we did not make it to the end of the game. We headed out at the beginning of the 5th to go to the kids play area. Jack was able to hit a ball and run the bases. He was so cute running to first base and then straight towards the outfield to find Daddy. We will be going back again.
He really does love his sister!

Last Day of SoccerTots

Jack had his last day of soccer tots. This is his third time taking the soccer skills class and has really enjoyed it each time. In the fall, we are going to find a soccer team to join so he can put all his skills to use. Coach Carey has been wonderful to the kids and it is amazing how she can control eight kids at one time.

Jack getting ready for his final day of soccer
The back of Jack's uniform
Thomas, Jack and Dru practicing some of their skillsFollowing behind sissyJack letting his sister participate and showing his true love for sissyThe final cheer - 1 2 3 Go Soccertots!After soccer we had a pizza party and awards ceremony. Each kid received a soccer trophy. It is truly the cutest trophy and we hope the first of many to come. The kids also got to have a personalized soccer cookie that was delicious.

Jack receiving his trophy with Coach Carey
His face says it all!The adorable cookiesCaroline loves to watch and somewhat participate in soccer. She is really good at kicking the ball and keeping it in control (probably, because of her short little legs). Maybe in the fall she can take the soccertots class.

Caroline and Mom on the sidelinesKicking the ballSweet Caroline

Caroline's Year End School Party

Caroline has finished her first year of "school" or Mother's Day Out. She has really grown over the past year. Since starting school, she has learned to walk, talk, run, sit at the big kids table and most importantly function without Mommy. She is still a Mommy's girl but she adjusted really well to her time away in part to two wonderful teachers. . . Ms. Jan and Ms. Michelle. The kids celebrated the last day with a pizza and ice cream party. After lunch the kids also received a promotion certificate and a CD of pictures from the year.

Caroline enjoying her ice creamCaroline and Mattie Lou in their matching outfits

Farewell to 3 Year Old Pre-K

Jack has officially "graduated" from three year old Pre-K. Today, they celebrated with a program of several songs, including Jesus Loves Me in Spanish. It is amazing to watch how much Jack has grown over the past year. He is truly becoming a little man. One more year at New Salem before he will attend school somewhere yet to be determined.

After their program, we had a pizza lunch and then headed outside for a mini carnival. The kids had a blast jumping in the inflatables, playing putt putt golf, bean bag toss, face painting, and a water bottle glitter craft. They were given a prize at each station and came home with some great gifts.

Jack receiving his certificates
Jack making his craftThe three amigos

To the Mountains we will go!

This weekend we headed to the mountains (Ellijay, Georgia) to go camping. We actually had a really nice house complete with a jacuzzi, outdoor fire pit and just a few steps from a river. This is my style of "camping." We had our extended family join us including Pop Pop, Cook Cook and Madison. The weekend was spent playing outside, fishing, roasting marshmallows and relaxing.

Caroline enjoying getting really really dirty!
Jack helped Uncle Jimmy build the campfirePop Pop helping Caroline fish with her Dora fishing poleThe kids had so much fun with party hornsNothing better than a S'more.Daddy and his little bugs

Happy Mother's Day

Thanks Jack, Caroline and Ed for making my Mother's Day so special. Jack and Caroline are the most wonderful children and I'm so glad they call me Mommy. We spent the day together doing our usual Sunday and then had dinner with Cook Cook and Pop Pop. Thanks Mom for teaching me to be a Mom.