It's that time of year, folks! Ben and I have been dividing and conquering the many graduations, awards assemblies, and end-of-year recitals. Sometimes he had the camera, and I had the camcorder, so I don't have still pics of everything. One day I'll figure out how to put a video on here.
Last week, Haley accepted lots of awards, including the President's Award. She has been on the Honor Roll since forever, including all of middle school, which she is so sad to leave. I know, it's strange. A kid that loves middle school? What planet is she from? Let's hope high school goes just as well!
Andrew had his end-of-year music recital at school. I put it on the calendar the week before, then promptly forgot to go. Good thing Daddy was on top of it, or else I would have been doing some serious groveling.
Joey graduated from preschool, complete with a red paper cap. We then celebrated with cake (which he couldn't eat) and punch, exchanged phone numbers and addresses with his closest (girl) friends, and made our way out into the rain. He had such a great year, and had wonderful teachers, Miss Kim and Miss Denise. He also got engaged. Twice.
We took our road trip to Hardin on Friday night to visit the grave, and surround it with flowers. I chose a fresh, pink and green arrangement in a glass container this year. We stopped at Subway on the way out there because our lunch meat was frozen. They got our order wrong, which we didn't discover until we drove 45 miles. I asked for lettuce, pickles, and olives on each of the sandwiches. They gave us tomatoes, pickles, and green peppers. So close! C'est la vie. We don't have pictures because I'm a dope and left the camera sitting on the table at home.
We were able to enjoy the great weather one day last week, and celebrated by flashing the neighbors.
I don't know why this kid insists on taking off every piece of clothing while he's anywhere near water, but that's just who he is. This time it was only the water table, not even the pool. I tried to tuck us as far behind the house as we could, and still be in the shade. He did not appreciate my concern for his nudity as I finally wrestled him to the grass and put on a diaper. Laying on the grass naked is a pastime one has to get used to.
On Saturday, we celebrated Matt's birthday with the family, Haley's friend James (much to the Commander's dismay), grandparents, great-grandma, adopted great-grandma, aunt, and one cousin. He was so cute as he sang himself "Happy Birthday", and then blew out the candle. We enjoyed some pizza, cake, and ice cream, then dove into the presents.
Matt had a great time opening the presents this year. He loves his Scout puppy (who says "Hello, Matthew, want to play?"), his baby lion, and the badly-needed new pajamas. Haley also opened her present from Grandma and Grandpa K -- a brand new, crisp white Jacoby Ellsbury Red Sox jersey. That girl is in love. The jersey brought joy again to the Ellsbury fan club, who have been lamenting his stint on the DL with broken ribs. But alas, he shall rise to play again! Go Red Sox!
He especially loves his new fire truck, courtesy of Grandma Jane. He spent lots of time being carted around by big brother. I love the Fred Flinstone cars. His little, dirty feet are super cute under there! He thought the water tank on the back was outstanding. We all got soaked, including Grandma Bertha. Good thing she's such a good sport.
We spent Labor Day with some new friends. We had a great bbq, and were sad to see them go. Good friends, food, and conversation is totally priceless.
We'll be prepping the camping and fishing gear all week for our first round up in the mountains. Should be nice and freezing:)
