Summertime. . .

June is almost over and it has gone really fast! (Cliche, I know, but still. . .). The kids have been keeping busy with swimming lessons and lots of playing in and around the house. I have been amazed at the games that these two come up with and carry on throughout the days. I have lots of time to read and organize and at least start a few projects. The kids are enjoying the independence that I have been trying to give them.

July proves to be another fast month--we are going up to the cabin for about 5 days next week, then VBS, and YMCA camp, and of course Zander will turn 5 somewhere in the midst of all that.

Zoey and Zander have perfected making the cup towers. We also like to use the cups as target practice with the Nerf gun.

Zander's last T-ball game of the season was last night.

 Tyler can probably rewrite this later in his own words, but I will fill here for a bit. Tyler helped coach the season along with about 3 other dads. Zander had a few outs this year and was saddened by them all--and if you know Zander, you know that his sad face makes you just about want to do anything you can to make him smile (see Season Opener post for picture if you don't remember.) One game when he was tagged at first, he came back and tried with all his might not to cry. His teammates were trying to be helpful and cheer him up, "It's ok Zander, you'll still get a snack!"

Zander is nothing short of a trooper though and always gave it his best. Tyler commented last night that when Zander ran the bases he always had a HUGE smile on his face. Tyler wanted to capture that moment with a video--so he had his camera all ready for Zander's last bat of the season. And, you guessed it, he was tagged out at first and never got to run home. The tears welled, the teammates told him it was ok, and life went on. Zander got his T-ball trophy at the end and thinks it is pretty cool. He has a special spot for it in his room and brought it out to watch TV with him this morning. I love that boy!

Zander set up these poses with his trophy.

Love this boy!

Overheard during Zander's bath time tonight. . .

Z: Watch my bwackfoat.
Dad: Your bath robe?
Z: No! Watch my bwackfoat.
Dad: What? Your bath throat?
Z: No! My bwackfoat.
Dad: Oh! Your back float.
Z: You didn't understand me? I should have said it wouder!

Birthday Girl

 Zoey turned the big 7 this year!

We celebrated for what seemed like forever. We got to have ice cream cake up at the cabin with Grandma, Grandpa, Rob, Nicole, and the girls. 

 We got to have Dairy Queen with Nana and Papa when we got home.

And, of course, we got to celebrate with friends at the Oakdale cinema. The kids had a great time--but who wouldn't when you got to be hyped up on cake, Icees, and popcorn.

School's Out For Summer!

 

So immediately when I realized that Zoey was wearing the same dress on the last day of 1st grade as she had on her first visit to kindergarten. . .I had to do the side by side. 

Our little girl is growing up. . .FAST! 

She had a fabulous 1st grade experience! She met good friends and got to do a lot of fun things. She is however, excited to move on to second grade. I'm not in that big of a hurry!

Her class went to a Zephyr baseball game in May.

Zoey thinks Mrs. Marshall is THE BEST TEACHER EVER! I have to agree that she ranks right up there with the best of them.

Zoey's literacy class hosted a Young Author's Tea. Each student shared a favorite piece of writing. Very cute!

What a pair! Zoey and her friend Anabel at the Fun Fair this year.