Tuesday, August 16, 2011

New School Year - New Blog!

So... it's been a while. And, I'm talking about a '9 months while' since I last posted. With the start of school - I thought today was a good day to begin again! Initially, I was just going to post about the first day of first grade for Patrick... then... I kept adding more photos. So, this is probably the longest post of all time. My apologies for any readers or viewers! For me, it has made my day looking at these photos and remembering what a wonderful year and summer we've had!

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.








I will try not to go 9 months before my next post:) Happy days to all!

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