A quick update (and for posterity's sake), here's what my boys are up to these days:
Patrick - starting first grade at Amy Beverland Elementary today! He has Mrs. Pennal, and was excited to meet her last night! He skipped to the bus stop this morning (at 6:50 am) with such excitement. I'm so proud of who he is becoming. Patrick turns 7 on Thursday and will celebrate on Saturday with a laser tag party (that sounds so old! I remember when he loved Thomas!) He likes...football, baseball, soccer, (any thing with balls), swimming (jumping & flipping off the diving board), bikes, racing, Big Time Rush, I-Carly, Phineas and Ferb, playing games like Uno, Chess, Checkers & "War," reading Jack & Annie books, Curious George books, and playing Star Wars, Pokemon & being outside.
Nathaniel - turned 5 in July! He is still my silly and loveable, huggable baby. He likes...(much of the same as Patrick, since he still ADORES his big bro), Cat in the Hat, How to Train a Dragon, Star Wars, Superheroes, Army guys, Knights (you get the idea), Jack & Annie books, Batman & Friends books, etc. And, if he doesn't have a toy - no problem. Nate is our little stand-up comedian. His hands have been known to "fight" one another and his belly sometimes "talks." H-y-ster-i-cal!
Ethan - our baby! He turned 2 in March. As we say, he came out smiling and never stopped. While Nate is our easy going kiddo, Ethan must be the "happiest" kid alive. He is a BUSY boy. We get a kick out of watching him go from "tough and rough" boy (we all flinch when he starts swinging) to our sweet E caring for his baby doll. He loves...nursery rhymes, Curious George, Thomas, books books books, puzzles, army guys (very funny to hear him going 'psh, psh'), play-do, and anything that involves running, jumping, kicking and especially SWIMMING. The minute we pull into Memom's driveway, he says over and over again "I go swimming!"
As for Brian and I - we are blessed with our boys and a supportive extended family & awesome friends. We ran another half marathon in May (wow) and will celebrate 10 years of marriage this October (Whoa). As we say farewell to summer - we are looking forward to another season of loving, living & laughing!
Ok - here are the pics (starting with Ethan turning 2 and ending with Patrick awaiting the bus - which this year, actually showed up!)
BASEBALL - The Bees had a fun season (Patrick & Nate were on the same team, along with friend Sam Foulke!) Coach Brian (aka daddy) and Coach Mike were fantastic. BUZZZZZ
HILTON HEAD - this annual trip with Brian's family jump-starts our summer. For the boys - it's about playing with their cousins. Everyone loves the beach & ocean!
NATE'S 5TH BIRTHDAY! - Ahoy, it was a pirate party. He invited his pre-k class and special friends. The best was a "balloon launch" game, where they all got the "evil Pirate Daddy" with water balloons. And, who doesn't love a pinata?
FOOTBALL! After Nate's party, his grandparents came over for dinner. Papop gave Nate a Michigan jersey - which prompted Ethan & Patrick to put on their gear. The three had a fun time playing, and we have fun watching!
BROWN COUNTY / HOLIDAY WORLD - The boys LOVE Brown County. We stayed in a cabin at the park this year and had a great time hiking, swimming, relaxing and going to Holiday World. Of course, this was the HOTTEST weekend in July - but we had an awesome time anyway and enjoyed the water park especially!
THE ZOO - This is always one of my favorite places to go with the kids. We were able to see the tiger close-up & the new baby elephant (only a few weeks old). Nate & Ethan also had fun splashing around...
BIG TIME RUSH - We took Patrick, Nate and cousins Evan & Ryan to see their first concert at the fair - Big Time Rush. It was Big Time FUN.
FIRST GRADE! First day of first grade... what else can I say? I love this kid.
