VBS Prep and Summer Routine

So this is our first real week of Summer and trying to get into a routine. With graduation, grandparents, FL, MS trip, Memorial Day we have had something exciting going on ever since Colby finished kindergarten. This week our life sorta slowed down and its just been me and the kids and we are trying to find our summertime groove!
I am really excited about this summer and hanging out with the kids! with Colby now being a full time student I missed him so much! Also with his new school schedule we couldn't just take him out of school on a whim to go do fun stuff! I am def looking forward to some fun field trips with the kids this summer.
This week has been good but its been filled with VBS prep. So normally this week where we would have done the zoo, aquarium, City Park, Children's Museum we haven't been able to. But its been good the kids are learning about service and serviving others so I am good with that too! And we will get to do all our fun stuff soon enough!
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were VBS work days. I brought the kids with me to the church Tuesday and Thursday. They were good and watched a movie and played and ate snacks like we worked. I think they liked the idea of playing up at the church but I can tell Colby is really starting to miss his friends. The only other kid around has been Michael who is 1 1/2 so I think Lindsay has enjoyed her friend but poor Colby hasn't had anyone to play with! Wednesday the kids stayed at my parents for a couple of hours while I worked. This was good b/c it was easier to get stuff done plus it gave them a break. I try to balance how much time they spend up at the church b/c I don't want them to ever get tired of it!
Friday was our day at home but we had to grocery shop! Again I felt bad b/c we didn't get to go do something fun but the kids were troopers and we got to play outside a lot that day. Every day but one we have played in the front and back yards which has been good. We are also working on school work. Colby has been working on handwriting, phonics, and reading. I try to get him to read something to me each day and do an activity page. We are also working on a geography project. I don't want his brain to forget all that he's learned. Plus I want him well prepared for 1st grade!
Saturday we had to go to SAM's to get the snacks for VBS then bring them to the church and get all that organized. Again the kids were good but I can tell they are getting antsy to move onto other things!
Tomorrow they will get to go to church and see friends which will be good and I know Colby will have a great time at VBS next week! He will get to see most of his school friends so I am excited about that! It will also be the first year he does VBS without me around. He will be in kindergarten with the big kids and I will be downstairs with the preschoolers! Lindsay will be spending the week with Austin and my parents so I know she will enjoy that also! It will be a great week and I am excited about seeing God work!

Memorial Day Weekend

We have a nice low key family weekend since getting back from the beach. Well Lindsay had her last day of school Friday and I met Laekan for coffee. She wanted to meet with me about the preshool this summer. I didn't have much time at home at all but that afternoon was very low key b/c Austin and Colby went to Hattiesburg. Lindsay and I just stayed home and enjoyed some quiet time. I was able to get a lot done with just her here so that was nice. She also plays so well by herself. I know she did miss Austin and Colby and I did too!
Saturday we got up and went to the grocery store early. I was anxious to get that over with! Afterwards Lindsay and I played outside until the boys got home. That afternoon after naptime we let the kids swim in the back yard! They ofcourse had a blast with that! It was nice just hanging out as a family and eating fresh fruit! So far I am loving summer time!
Sunday was church. I had to work in the preschool...I was a little discouraged about not being able to sit in church but I prayed for God to give me the strength and I know he did b/c once I got there I was in a much better frame of mind. I really do love teaching those little boys and girls but some Sundays I just crave being in church but I have learned that I can worship right there with those kiddos! Austin stayed and helped me b/c we were short on workers with it being a holiday weekend and all! It was fun having him as my co-worker! =) We had about 6 kids which honestly wasn't bad at all it was just the activities of mixing together playdough ingrediants and making bread dough. I do love though that we get to do those things on Sundays! This curriculum is so awesome! That afternoon we spent a lot of time in our backyard. Austin got some seeds for us to plant so we all worked together on that and then even ate dinner outside!
Monday (Memorial Day) We did our usual go to my parent's house for swimming and grilling! The kids were very excited to get back in the water. I think they miss the beach! Especially Lindsay! We got over there and went swimming first thing! It was nice just spending time as a family in the pool like that! The kids had a blast and I think worked up an appetite. We swam about an hour before going inside to get cleaned up. The kids enjoyed just playing inside. Once everyone arrived we ate lunch. We had a very cause bbq. It was nice getting to visit with Elizabeth and Randall. The kids spent most of the time outside with my parents. We were all pretty tired by the time we came home. We let the kids watch a movie while we all rested.
It was a wonderful weekend! Its nice to be back at home and start summer officially! The next 2 weeks will be consumed though with VBS but should be a fun and exciting time!

Last Day of School

First Day September 2013

Last Day May 2014

Lindsay had her last day of 2 year MDO on Friday. It was hard to believe that we were still in school mode after coming home from the beach but I was glad she was able to go one last time b/c she missed so many days in May.
I cannot believe how much she has grown up since the start of the year!
I feel like she has learned so much! She knows some shapes and colors and maybe even a few letters. She also talks so much now. By the end of the year she could tell me all her friend's names. I know she really loved school even though the last 2 months she cried everytime I left her!
It will be fun having her home for the next 3 1/2 months. Next year she will return there for 3 year preschool 3 days a week!

Destin 2014

We just got home from our annual beach trip! Its hard to believe its come and gone! This year was probably the most fun we've had although 2 young kids re still a lot of work at the beach!
We went a week later this year and left on a Monday. We got up Monday morning and headed out. So Lindsay decided on Saturday that she would begin potty training. This was not in my plans at all to potty train before a trip but she really did great! We made a few stops on our way to Florida but I was so proud of her for not having any accidents during the trip! She wore pullups b/c I figured being in a condo I didn't want her to mess up anything or spend vacation cleaning up messes! We did our usual stop for lunch at Ruby Tuesday. Its always fun to stop and visit with everyone. The kids were so excited about getting to the beach!
As soon as we got unloaded at the condo the kids were anxious to put on their swim suits and head down to the beach. Elizabeth, Austin, and I took them to the beach. Colby had a blast running in and out of the water! He got so excited with each wave! This was the first year I really saw him react like that! Lindsay was timid that first day and made someone hold her the entire time. We eventually went over to the pool and they both loved that! We spent about 45 min in the pool before going up and getting cleaned up that night.
We spent a little while in the condo just unpacking and relaxing before dinner. My mom always cooks dinner for us the first night there. It was nice to just stay in after a long day of traveling! We enjoyed all being together as a family! Its neat having so many meal times together!
That night we put the kids to bed early and enjoyed a quiet evening. We watched Courageous then turned in early ourselves.
Tuesday was our first full day at the beach. Austin and I woke up before the kids. Once they were up we all got dressed and went to walk on the beach. They were both so excited about getting back down there. We didn't let them get wet they just enjoyed the sand and looking for shells. At this point Lindsay was still timid about walking around though. After this we went upstairs for my mom's famous beach breakfast. She always makes the best breakfasts when we are there! After eating the kids were very anxious to put on their swimsuits and head down to the beach. We went out to the beach first and got our chairs. It was nice having a place to chill while the kids played. Lindsay finally warmed up to the idea of the sand. Both kids enjoyed building castles and playing in the water. Lindsay lasted about 45 min then I took her to the pool. That is where she had the most fun! She donner her pink goggles and floaties and just had a blast! Colby and Austin eventually met us over there! We let the kids play and swim for about an hour before taking them up for lunch. We ate lunch outside on the patio and visited with my mom and dad. After lunch I brought Lindsay back to our condo to nap. Austin went to the beach and Colby watched a movie in my parents condo. It was nice to have a couple hours of quiet. We all got dressed that afternoon and went for an early dinner at the Back Porch. I enjoyed the dinner but with all of Lindsay's potty breaks and shenanigans it def wasn't relaxing. We then went to the outdoor mall so the kids could ride the train. We were disappointed though that the icecream shop had closed so we packed up after the train ride and went to another icecream place. The kids ofcourse liked that! Afterwards we were all tired and went back to the condo to put them to bed! Again austin and I had some downtime which was nice.
Wednesday we slept in a little later then enjoyed a few quiet moments before going over to my parents condo for breakfast. Once again another winning breakfast by my mom! Again the kids were anxious to go down to the beach so we went back to our condo sunscreened up and put on swimsuits and headed down. This day Lindsay lasted longer on the beach. It was nice this year to spend more time out on the beach. Normally I feel like I hardly get to go out there. Colby never was fond of the beach until like last year and this is the first year we were able to get Lindsay to stay for any length of time! We also went back to the pool and spent about an hour as well. I am so proud of Colby's swimming abilities. He has come such a long way! Lindsay loved swimming with the floaties on! I can't wait to see what all she learns this year in lessons! We did the same thing as the day before went up for lunch and ate on the patio. Afterwards Lindsay took a nap and Colby watched a movie. Austin and Colby went down to the beach again for a bit before we had to get cleaned up for dinner.
That night we reserved as an "us" night. We have done this the past 2 years and just taken Colby out but this year we figured Lindsay would want to and was old enough to join in the fun as well! We decided to do something different this year and go to San Destin to the Baytown Wharf. We brought Colby there when he was 1 but I don't think it was as big as it is now. We knew there was a playground though and some eating places. Well we got there and immediately went to the playground for the kids to play! Colby even made a friend. They played for about 30 min then we decided to go eat. There are about 10 different restaurants in this little place but we decided to go to the Diner and eat outside. Since it was just us and the kids we wanted something more kid friendly. It was nice just hanging out with them. Afterwards we walked into some of the stores. The kids each got one toy. Colby picked a sword and Lindsay picked an Ariel doll. We ended the night with snoballs. That night we tried to put the kids to bed fairly early so we could relax and start to get things packed up. The trip went by soo quickly but its also about the right amount of time. I think when the kids get older we may start staying an extra day but for now its the right amount of time.
Thursday was our travling back day. Packing up in the morning and trying to wrangle two kids always stresses me out. I mean this year wasn't quite as hard as previous years but its still always a little crazy. Our trip back was fun although Lindsay was kinda fussy. I think she had to potty plus we made a few potty trips for her. We stopped at our usual Panera Bread on the way home and the kids both chowed down on some mac n cheese!
Like I always say I can't believe our beach trip is over! The kids are already asking to go back so we might take them somewhere before summer is over! This was def the most fun I think! The last few trips I was preggo, then had a 5 month old, then had a busy 1 year old so now that the kids were 2 and 5 it was so much easier! Next year I can't believe they will be 3 and 6!

Milestones

So this weekend was a big one in our house! First of all Lindsay woke up Saturday morning and took her own diaper off and threw it away! I def saw this as a sign to start potty training her. I have played around with it here and there but she's always fought it. I put panties on her and she kept everything dry for the first half of the day and went potty! I was so proud of her! Its like its finally clicked!
Now to go out I will use pull ups for a couple of weeks until I am confident she won't pee on herself. She has even pooped a little on the potty! I cannot believe it was this easy but I guess she truly was ready! I am glad b/c I worried what we would for 3 year prek with her! She has until after Labor Day though to get really good at the whole process!
Colby also had tennis lessons on Saturday morning. He's been doing very good compared to last year but it was like something clicked with him too and he did excellent! I think the coach was soo proud of him! I love to see him becoming a little tennis player!
He's not one to really like sports and we aren't going to push that on him at all but I do think its important to play some type of sport just for the discipline and fitness it provides! Thankfully this summer we can focus on swimming and tennis!
I am so proud of my littles but it shows me they are both growing up too!

Kindergarten Graduation!

Well today was the day! My little man has officially wrapped up his first year of elementary school! Its hard to believe the year is over! I am excited about summer and all the adventures that are ahead. I am excited about slower days and sleeping in! I am excited about having my littles at home more! I am not however excited to see how fast life is going! I really cannot believe we are at the end of this year! Colby has had a great year in kindergarten. We knew this year would be an adjustment and that it was. He went from 1/2 day preschool where they pretty much played all day to full day school with tests and homework and grades. He has handled it like a champ though! No its not been easy and yes there have been plenty of tears but he finished strong and for that I am so proud! He is one of the youngest in his class and coming from preschool I think he might have been a little behind and he still is but we are still so proud! His teacher and we have seen so much growth in him this year!
He didn't end the year with any fancy awards but he his final grades were As and Bs and I think that is pretty awesome for my sweet 5 year old!
The graduation ceremony was ofcourse adorable! His teachers did a fabulous job of putting it all together. I got teary eyed a few times. They played "Let them Be Little" and showed their baby pics and graduation pictures! AHH just shows how fast childhood goes! In another 5 years he will be 10!!! The kids sang 3 songs and said "The Lord's Prayer" and John 3:16. I loved that at his graduation they proclaimed the Gospel. I honestly have to say that's been one of the best things about this year was the fact that he's not only been learning academics but he's been growing in his knowledge of the Lord. Its awesome that at his graduation they can pray and talk about the Bible!
He was so nervous about the ceremony but he did great! Ofcourse you could tell he is a little more shy then some but he sang and did the hand motions. He even ended the last song with a little bow and dance! So adorable!
He made some really sweet friends this year! he and Nijel are buddies so I am so glad they will be together in VBS and in 1st grade together! His teacher was so awesome and we are so thankful for her. She worked so hard with him and was such an encouragment to me. I think his class had a special little bond this year! His teacher said this is the first year kids have cried on the last day! Anyway I am so thankful that God led us back to Calvary and this is where we chose to send him to school. Its been such a blessing!
We tried to make yesterday special after graduation we went out to Applebees for lunch then Austin and his parents took Colby to the park and out for icecream while Lindsay napped. They both played in the pool in the backyard after her nap. It was a full and busy day!!
This weekend we will be getting prepared for our Destin trip!

Chuck E. Cheese Day

Wednesday Colby had a special celebration day at Chuck E. Cheese. This included prek and kindergarten classes. I am pretty sure this has been a tradition for many years. Colby was beyond excited about this! It was only his 3rd trip to Chuck E. Cheese. I just really don't like that place.
We took him once when he was just barely 1 in Hattiesburg and even that time I wasn't that impressed. He only went back just this year for a b-day party and now for this school event. Its def not a place we will ever visit except for parties. Lindsay had never been so I was excited atleast for her to go and experience it.
I think Colby had a good time running around with his friend Nijel. Although I found it quite hard to keep up with him and Lindsay. Colby I pretty much trusted to go off on his own and to come back and find me but it scared me when Lindsay got out of my sight. Which she did a few times!!
The kids basically played and used their tokens for the first hour. Colby liked playing the games and riding the rides. Lindsay just enjoyed doing whatever he did. Although she did start to get upset b/c she didn't have tokens. In hindsight I guess I should have gotten her her own 4 or so tokens but I really was trying not to spend any extra money in there!
Colby won 35 tickets and was excited to redeem them in the store but all the stuff in the "store" is CRAP! All he could pick from were these 2 baskets of really chinky things. I felt so bad for him then he wanted a little orange notepad and all the lady would give him was a blue one! Agh so frustrating.
In my personal opinion its a money trap and like gambling for preschoolers. I mean I liked it as a kid and I get its fun to do every now and then but I will never go there often! Maybe some of the establishments are better then the one we went to but still!
The kids also got pizza and a drink with the money we paid for the party/field trip. During that time I just let Lindsay eat a snack I brought for her b/c neither of my kids really like pizza and I wasn't going to spend a bunch of money there on food. After eating I was pretty much ready to go. My head hurt and it was just exhausting keeping up with them and totally overstimulating!
Again my kids had fun and I am glad they got to have this special day but it def isn't my fav place to go!