The End of the School Year

Mother's Day

I always get spoiled on Mother's Day...one of the biggest benefits of being the only girl in the family. All my boys (including Mike) were so sweet and thoughtful and did their best to make it an unforgettable and relaxing day. I loved every minute!

They got me LOTS of presents and cards this year!

My favorite photo of my awesome day!

The boys all used their own money and bought me really nice presents this year. I got lots of jewelry, and I LOVED it! Mike went way overboard too with new pots and pans and a cleaning service. My dream come true!

We got to spend the evening with my mom and grandma, whom I love and adore. I hesitated to include this picture because I have never seen a worse photo of me, but I threw it in there anyway! No, I have not all of a sudden gained 40 pounds, worse angle and lighting ever ;)!

James brought these cute little notes home from a few of the girls in his class who were especially concerned about his arm. I thought they were darling.

James has been learning Spanish this year and they had a little Spanish performance in his class. Loved it and love how much he loves to learn!

We spent a gorgeous spring night chopping down one of the trees along side our house. Its root were getting everywhere! Love our awesome neighbors who help with everything!

MEMORIAL DAY

We often make use of the 3 day weekend and have lots of party time, but our house and yard needed some serious work, so work we did. It felt so good to get everything accomplished inside and out with loads to DI and a million trips to Home Depot. Our backs were sore and legs were tired after so much weeding, planting, mowing, mulching, and the like, but we loved the outcome!! Our kids thought the weekend felt more like Labor day :)!

Finally, on Monday late afternoon we headed to Cherry Hill for a little mini-golf (too cold for the water stuff), and then had a BBQ in our front yard with our whole neighborhood. Such good times!

I was so happy I happened to snap this sweet photo of Pierce. Just a few days later he gave up his binky and and naps all at the same time. I thought it would be a painful transition, but one night we couldn't find any and I wasn't going to buy any more since he is getting way too old for them any way. He asked a few times, and then stopped asking and everything was super smooth! Lucky us! Another interesting fact, he also stopped obsessing over tags all at the same time!

Parker joined the school choir and gave a wonderful performance. I love that he loves so many things! He is an awesome kid...here with his cute friend Dayton.

Parker was one of 2 boys in his super athletic grade to qualify for the district Decathlon. You have to be fast, smart, athletic and coordinated. He was so excited about making the team. Though they didn't win, he was amazing. Love seeing his physical and mental grit come out so often. Love that boy!

After the decathlon, Parker attended his grade rendezvous where he got to pretend to be a mountain man at 10 different stations. Schools sure do some cool stuff!

After the rendezvous, Parker was off to Elite soccer try outs, where they told us he made the team after the first day. Awesome kid after a VERY long day!

Then, the school carnival! It is always an awesome night for the school and kids. Parker was so exhausted that he went home a bit early...not James though. He spent every second he could there, winning prize after prize!

We have been loving James' baseball team, even through his broken arm. The boys had a blast at a Saturday swim party!

We spent a Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa Olsen's home. Their home and yard hold so many of my favorite memories as a kid. I love how they were always wanted us there and we always felt comfortable in their home. They are still that way, always willing to let anyone use their pool, tennis court or cabin. Even with a million second generation rugrats running around, they are thrilled to have everyone together. I am so grateful for my relationship with them.

I was lucky enough to chaperon Jace's 6th grade dance. It was so cute and they were all so darling and excited to be dancing together. Jace was a wanted man during the dance with a full dance card and lots of willing ladies. He is such a fun, comfortable and social kid! Love that about him!

I got to participate in lots of fun end of the year stuff at the school like the splash pad trip for both Parker and James. So glad I get to stay home with the boys. 

Summer nights in our neighborhood make me smile. Lots of night games and world cup tournaments.

Before school let out, we took one last trip to the zoo with just the little cousins. Pierce LOVES the zoo, and it was such a treat to be there with him! Our alone time together was almost finished :(.