Preschool today, college tomorrow

Today Sam graduated from preschool. The students put on a little show, singing songs and dancing before getting called up to receive their certificate. My heart swells with pride at seeing my little boy growing up. Each day he becomes more independent and as much as I love seeing him do for himself, it pains me to know that at the same time he needs me less. But he always manages to turn my frown back into a smile by telling me that he loves me, or when I dress up, how beautiful I look. I see my reflection in his eyes and I like what I see. I hear others say what a wonderful being he is and I pat my back cause we've done a good job. As much as he has learned from us, we have learned from him. Both him and Isa are our source of strength, love, patience, joy, sometimes frustration, and much laughter. Everyday holds something new and with bittersweetness I look forward to the future, to seeing my son grow both physically and mentally. I will cherish every day.




Dancing the mexican dance. I used to think that my poor child inherited his fathers non dancing genes (sorry honey), but after seeing him today, he can shake it like no other.




For this song they danced the macarena dance while singing the months of the year. It was by far my favorite.







Shhh...the little bird is sleeping.


Our proud preschool graduate holding up his certificate. If you notice, they missed the S in BLANCAS. I must have mentioned it to someone in passing because as soon as we got home, Sam grabbed a black crayon and wrote it in.




His teachers are excellent at what they do. Loving, patient and firm, together they helped foster the love of learning in Sam.




Always together.





Precious little girl. In a blink of an eye, she'll be next in getting her preschool certificate.










We already have a list of things we want to do this summer. Time is going to fly fast. Kindergarten here we come!

Memorial Day Weekend

In the spur of the moment, our friends the Greenes and us decided to rent a cabin for the weekend. It was just what we needed to recharge our batteries.


Rocking away on the porch.


Sam and Jackson played Electronic Battleship for a long time. We were amazed at the length of time they played before it degenerated and they required time apart.


This was the backyard setting. It was just fantastic. The enclosed porch is a must in this area. There was a hot tub and a grill, a little stream, a fire pit, and green everywhere. There was also a single wide trailer that we didn't joke about once. :)




Jake was so good all weekend. He is such a good pup and we absolutely love him to pieces. So glad he is part of our family.


The kids minus the babe in arms. They ran around like crazy all day long and we still had to fight them at bedtime. Kids and their endless energy supply.


I love this picture of Isabelle.


We lucked out with this cabin.




This is a snake that the guys found. They called it copperhead and scared it away.


Sam climbing trees.


Fire Man!! We had a great time making smores and an even better time eating them. Yum!




This is what I got to do for a few hours on Sunday while the kids played Battleship. It was the best Sunday ever. Jenny and I even got to take naps during the day.

Graduation #1

Today was the commencement ceremony for the nursing department at UNCG. Cap and gown graduation. Rueben is all done with the didactic part of the program. All that's left is 3 months of clinical and of course, passing licensure boards. Nothing really compared to what we have been thru. So, come August, it will all be but a bittersweet memory. These photos are out of order and I'm too tired to change them.


Honey, I love you and I am so proud of you.





Future graduates.


Can you spot Mr. Mustache?












My attempt to keep the kids quiet and happy. Lasted about 10 minutes max. Oh well, worth the try.

doggies and campouts

Jake is doing really well in his puppy classes. He pretty smart and it only takes him a couple of times before he does what you want him to do. Rueben is his pack leader and Jake looks at him with such adoration.


His ears will flop down when he starts teething. He just got thru a week of biting everything in site.


This is his beer. It also works as a prop the "jake get me a beer" trick we are teaching him.


Rueben had the brilliant idea of letting the kids have a indoor camp out over the weekend. The kids loved it! They read books, ate snacks, invited Jake in. It was just awesome to see them play well together and have such a good time. I think it's going to be something that we do frequently.

us

Here you go Christie. Don't you just love the blue background??