Nicholas is Moving On!

Wow,  we can't believe Nicholas has completed kindergarten already!  What a great year he has had!  We have seen him grow soooo much this year!  Since August he has grown in maturity and height, has made several good friendships, learned to tell time and count money, progressed in reading to a mid year second grade level, learned several new prayers, and a host of other things.  We are so proud of you Nicholas, for the wonderful year you had,  and fine young boy you are!!

It's kind of hard to see in this picture, but as he was walking up to the principle, Mrs. Carlin, to receive his certificate, he was just beaming the whole way :-)

Both classes of kindergarten....56 kids in all.

Grace's Dance Recital Year 2

 Grace has completed her second year of ballet and tap.  She thoroughly enjoys dancing and has even more excitement for it this year.  For her recital, her confidence and comfort level on stage were leaps and bounds higher than last year.  She performed wonderfully!!  It is amazing how much she has learned in just one year!

hard to capture good pictures in the theatre....she is front left

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Grace with her teacher Mrs. Mary...what a wonderful teacher!!!!

Grace's Gymnastics Jamboree Year 2

Grace completed her second full year of kindergym gymnastics.  She's made great progress, now pulling up onto the uneven bars on her own, walking across and doing dips on the high beam alone and getting better at cartwheels.  Most importantly she has a lot of fun and really enjoys gymnastics.  This year in particular she was thrilled to be in the same class as her best little friend Anna.  At the end of the year all the little gymnasts showcase what they have learned in the "Jamboree."  Here are a few pictures from that event.  Great job this year Grace!

marching in

stretches

uneven bars

vault work

handstand

balance beam

Getting her medal on the podium

Great job Grace!

Nicholas Baseball

This spring Nicholas played his second season of baseball.  He played for the Fellowship Christian School league.  It was coach pitch and if they don't hit it after several pitches, they can use the tee.  Nicholas had fun and made some progress in the sport but the league wasn't as organized as we'd like so he didn't learn as much as we'd hoped for.  But at least he had fun and his coach said he was the "most improved player."  Way to go Nicholas!!

Donuts for Dads

I forgot to post it but back in March,  Grace and Shawn enjoyed a "Donuts for Dads" day in her classroom.  In addition to the donut treat,  they crafted together, each making a tie for one another.  So sweet!!  Shawn said Grace was so cute, singing her songs and saying her prayers and of course she was super excited to have him spend time with her at school.

Portrait of Daddy

Samuel 7 Months

 Samuel is growing like a weed.  He is now 17 lbs!  He is generally a happy baby.  He is nearly sitting stable on his own and is scooting and rolling all other the floor now.  He remains a VERY active baby, even changing his diaper or holding him can be a challenge at times because he is so wiggly.  He doesn't like to sit in his bumbo seat or on the floor but prefers to be bouncing in his johnny jumper, rolling on the floor, or carried along in the baby bjorn.  He sleeps best in the car...I suppose the result of being the 4th child and on the go with older siblings all the time.  He's been a bit under the weather this month with a couple colds and an ear infection but hopefully is turning the corner now.  He's been trying lots of new foods and the verdict so far is...likes fruits, won't touch any vegetable, and loves to drink water from his sippy cup. He loves being outside and is always happy and calm outdoors.  He has started playing peek-a-boo a bit this month...it is so cute...he will bury his face and when you say "where's Samuel?" he pops up and smiles.  He will do it over and over again, never tiring...so sweet!  He also loves to play shy and embarrassed,  whenever anyone talks to him and i'm holding him he will smile and bury his head in my shoulder.  Also this month he has started giving kisses.  When we say ask, he will plant a big, wet, open mouth kiss on your cheek or chin.  Samuel you are a sweet boy who keeps us on our toes and we love every bit of you!!!!

"Look  Mom I made him into a girl."...(sorry buddy)

Tea with Beatrix Potter

 Grace and I had tea with Beatrix Potter.....yes, well an actress pretending to be her...and it was just lovely!  The event was held at Barrington Hall, a historic home here in Roswell that was built by the son of Roswell King, the founder of our town, in the early 1800's.  First, we enjoyed tea and lemonade and some delicious tea party edibles while seated at tables on the lawn.  Then we roamed through the gardens admiring all the flowers and even taking a swing on the porch swing.  Finally we sat in the shade under a big tree and listened to Ms. Potter as she vividly enacted the stories of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Duck, and various other characters and stories she has written about.  Grace and I both had a wonderful time!  It was just the kind of quality time together we both love!  I was so thrilled to have had the opportunity to spend that special time with my sweet girl.

Mother's Day Tea

Grace and her 3 year old preschool class hosted a "Mother's Tea" on the first of May.  Grace was so excited to have me watch her perform several songs and just be in her school with her.  Grace loves school and it shows!  I'm always amazed at how sweet and reserved she is at school though...quite different than the daring, outgoing child at home!  Her teachers all comment what a wonderful student and helper she is.  This Mommy couldn't be more proud of you Grace!

Portrait of Mommy