Halloween 2009

Happy Halloween from our edge of the galaxy! Star Wars was the theme for the year at our house. After lots of looking, Caleb decided on Jedi Anakin as his costume.

Jake opted for C-3PO, who he prefers to call 3PO.

And who could resist a cute little Yoda costume for Nathan.

He was surprisingly happy in the costume. We enjoyed his first Halloween.

Peter was dressed as Darth Vader, but Nathan did not like the mask.

Unfortunately, Jake started coughing in the afternoon. He slept most of the evening but ventured out with Peter to trick-or-treat at a few houses. Nathan started out trick-or-treating with the girls.

The boys joined them after trick-or-treating in another neighborhood.

Picture to come....

Molly even tried on her ladybug costume!

New Tooth

Caleb was hopeful he would loose a tooth in Kindergarten. It didn't happen, but with a new one coming in, it shouldn't be long. The tooth fairy better save her money!

Celebrate

This morning Caleb dressed in his best for Kindergarten graduation. We are so proud of all his has accomplished. It is amazing to see his growth in reading, writing, math and science. But mostly, I felt that I watched him grow up this year. He looked like such a little man!

When I dropped him off at his class this morning, several of the girls in his class met him at the door. One of them said, 'Caleb, you look good!' He was a bit embarrassed, but I managed to get a picture anyway!

His last day in the Polar Bear class...and last day at Children of The Woodlands.

He was at the front of the line (just behind his teacher) for the procession into the sanctuary.

He waited with Mrs. Schwietzer for his name to be called.

Mrs. Wilmoth presented him with his diploma. Mrs. Schaffer shared about his accomplishments and her prayers for Caleb in 1st grade.

The class performed two songs for everyone.

After the ceremony, we enjoyed a cookie social with the class and took a few more pictures with friends and family.

GaGa

Grandma & Grandpa

Our family (minus Jake, who was in his class)

Mrs. Shaffer

A fun series of pictures with one of his best buddies, Jackson.

And a final Polar Bear class picture!

While we were at graduation, Jake was enjoying his last day in his Sea Turtle class. He was having more fun there, and I was able to limit my multi-tasking to keeping the baby quiet, taking a few pics, wiping a few tears and being so proud of Caleb! At the end of his school day, Caleb, Nathan and I joined him for a ice cream party. He was excited.

And has obviously learned a lot about sharing this year!

He had a great year with Mrs. Ingrid and Mrs. Cole!

Nathan did not want to be left out of accomplishments today. He realized there is a duck hanging from his carseat and tried to rescue him today!

Pool Party

All the Kindergarten classes joined together for a pool party to celebrate the year. Caleb enjoyed playing with Jake and Alec, who were in different classes this year.

He also found his buddy Jackson for a quick photo.

Jake enjoyed swimming with Peter despite being a bit chilly.

Nathan spent most of the party catching up on sleep while his brothers were occupied!

And of course, the gang had to get a group shot!

Baby Pool Fun

Potty training bribe #2569 - a baby pool. After a week of success, Jake picked out the giraffe one at Target.

Caleb also enjoyed the pool. He helped Jake, so they both could enjoy the prize.

The slide was a lot of fun.

I think Jake was happy with his efforts!

First Dive Meet

Caleb has loved learning to dive over the past year. Because there are not meets for his age group, Coach Stephanie put together a mini-meet for his class to show off all that they have learned. All the divers were introduced to the crowd. Caleb even wore his speedo for the event.

Caleb waited for his first dive to be announced and was ready to show the judges his skills.

Mid-dive off the mini tramp.

Next up was the 1m springboard.

He was so interested in his scores. After a dive, he would swim with his head out of the water watching to see what he got. Olympic Coach Kenny Armstrong gave him lots of encouragement.

After the scores were tallied, Coach Bob passed out medals to each of the divers.

He was very excited about his medal.

He posed with 2 of the judges who we will hopefully watch at the 2012 Olympics.

During the meet, Jake enjoyed playing on the bleachers, and Nathan gave Mrs. Stephanie practice with a little guy to prepare for Little E's arrival. He can't wait to meet his buddy.

Third

I think every baby should be a 3rd! Nathan is so easy going and will catch a nap almost anywhere. With Mom in sight, the floor of the study was a perfect spot!

Cheeks

Life is exhausting.

Especially when you have to keep up with these cheeks!

Polar Bear MUD Day

After watching the other classes have fun all week, it was finally time for the Polar Bear's to enjoy their MUD Day. Caleb started out with a shaving cream fight.

He wasn't thrilled about the shaving cream...

He washed off and moved to the car wash.

He was very focused on his work - apparently Peter has taught him well!

I think his class had a great time.

But he was happy to be dry and warm.

Party with Purpose

After Stephanie and I had lots of fun and success at the Back to School Brunch last August, we decided to have another party with purpose. Nicole and Tracey joined us in hosting a party to collect children's underwear for a local shelter.

We collected two tubs of underwear and enjoyed fellowship with lots of friends. Everyone had a great time, and we already have ideas for our next party.

Six

Six years ago today, at 5:08 am on a Wednesday morning I met my firstborn.

I have loved seeing how much he has grown each year. This year he amazed me with his independence and love for learning. In kindergarten he has learned to read, add and subtract, lots of science and a few songs. He made new friends and enjoyed old ones. His favorite days of school where when he had an assigned job - especially the calendar or weather reporter. He has a zest for life that is contagious.

He was excited to share treats with his class to celebrate his birthday. His was the last birthday celebration of the year!

GaGa stopped by to wish Caleb a happy birthday and enjoy the celebration.

His class sang to him, and he passed out Star Wars napkins with the ice cream.

He searched the birthday box for the perfect toy.

After looking at his big birthday card, he read his class a Star Wars book by himself. He was so patient anytime Jake would ask a question or want to see the pictures.

He is definitely an amazing big brother. Jake tries his best to keep up with Caleb. He sets a great example. Nathan lights up when Caleb is around, and I'm certain one of his first words will be 'Bubba'. Nathan was all smiles for the birthday boy today.

Sea Turtle MUD Day

Jake was excited to find the playground full of fun activities for the Sea Turtle MUD Day. He found a spray bottle and knew he could have fun.

Washing the car was a lot of work...

He gave that up when he spotted the sprinkler.

And he realized the sprinkler could work for him.

He may be smaller, but he is clever.

And he was not giving up without a good water fight.

The combination of cooler weather, no body fat and water left Jake a bit chilly. Shivering and blue lips could not keep him from enjoying the day. I tried to get him to dry off and warm in the sun, but he refused.

He found a bucket to fill with water.

Finally it was time to dry off and head inside.

The class enjoyed listening to several books while they ate ice cream. And yes, Jake was still shivering but was not about to pass up Blue Bell!

Hanging Out

After a busy weekend and fun morning at school, Jake needed to catch up on his sleep with an afternoon nap!

With Caleb glued to his DS and Jake recovering from the weekend, Nathan took advantage of the rare opportunity to have Peter's undivided attention...at least for a few minutes.

House of Blue

I guess I should expect to see sights like this with so many boys in the house!

I just didn't expect them to convert Nathan so early.

Caleb's 6th Birthday Party

Caleb has been counting down the days until his party. This morning he woke up and started counting down the hours until his party! Needless to say, he was so excited. He requested a Star Wars party at home with a few of his best friends.

Peter spiked Caleb's hair so he could pretend to be Darth Maul and also needed a red lightsaber with the handle in the middle.

The boys had a battle in the backyard with lightsabers made out of pool noodles.

Darth Vader arrived and was quickly attacked. Apparently everyone joined the Good Side!

The power of the birthday boy broke the pinata.

They took a few minutes to recharge with pizza and fruit.

Jake enjoyed hanging out with his friend Caitlyn.

Umm...well, maybe he thought he was on a date with her!

After cake and ice cream, Caleb was ready to open his presents. He was very excited to open a NintendoDS.

Jake was ready to move him out of the way to check out the lightsaber, but Caleb protected his loot.

Nathan also enjoyed the party. He hung out a little...

And watched the action from lots of arms. I think he and Uncle BoBo had a talk about being the biggest and the baby of the family. Oh wait, I'm actually the baby of the family.

It was a terrific day of celebrating our first born.