Playing with my Camera

I have so many things I should post first. Like how Whitney turned 2, or how Halloween came and went and left behind lots of candy. However, I am so excited right now about my camera and the things I am learning. I am overwhelmed by how much I don't know about my camera and what it is capable of. And yet, at the same time, and excited about the things I have learned and the difference it makes it the pictures I take.

Today, I went to the park with my friend, Ginger, and was able to play with her Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF lens. It is amazing what a difference it makes to have a lens that is able to have such a large aperture opening. Some of my pictures didn't turn out so well, since I had to manually focus. However, there were a few that I really liked. It was fun to gets such candids of my kids; since the park proved so much more enticing than pictures with mom!! Now, I just need to figure out how to scrape together $200 so I can get a new lens for my camera!! Thanks again Ginger for a wonderful afternoon!! You are amazing!!

Whitney hanging out by the mud. She was a little dirty afterwards, but she sure had a great time playing with Spencer.

Brooklyn being a willing subject for a minute, before running off to swing.

Whitney being cute!!

She might be a little too small for the swings, but someone has yet to tell her that. Or maybe they have, she just doesn't listen! Imagine that, a two-year-old who doesn't listen?!?!?!

Brooklyn chillin' on the monkey bars. They are still a favorite for her!!

The only picture I could snap of Russell. He must have a honing device to let him know when the camera was near, because he did a great job avoiding me all afternoon!! And once I finally caught him, I got a classic Russell face! I love this silly boy!!

Early Birthday In Pictures

I have avoided blogging because every time I log on to try and post the pictures I mentioned before, blogger wasn't uploading. Yet, I notice most of my friends posting with no problems, except my best friend who also has a mac. That got me thinking that maybe it's an issue between blogger and mac. So, I am trying to post using photobucket. Yet, I am pretty sure it's going to be a much lengthier process - which will just add to my less frequent blog posting!!

So, the long awaited pictures from soccer games. And, if I am lucky I might get around to blogging about Whitney's birthday!!

An Early Birthday

There are several disadvantages to growing older, from responsibility, to new wrinkles, and things I am trying not to contemplate.  However, as with all things there is opposition in all things.  On the flip-side, adulthood brings lots of advantages, from determining one's own bedtime, eating as many cookies as one deems appropriate, all the way to celebrating birthdays when one wants.

Technically, it's not my birthday until November.  Although, that didn't stop Aaron from purchasing my birthday present in August.  I have been eyeing a digital SLR camera for over a year.  It was on my Christmas last year, but due to unforeseeable circumstances, it was pushed off.  That didn't stop my wanting one.  Just like I teach my children, "if you really want something you should save up for it."  So, that is what I did.  Kind of.  

Aaron knew this wasn't just a phase I was going through and that given the right equipment and time I would figure out photography.  I guess he has finally figured out that I really am "that stubborn."  He proposed that for my birthday he would help me buy a camera.  My responsibility was to save up for half the camera.  Luckily for me, my half was saved up by the time Aaron found my camera on sale at Costco.

I am so excited, and yet overwhelmed at the same time.  It's like parenthood.  I was so excited for Brooklyn to join our family, and then I brought her home and wondered, "what do I do now?"  I'm there with my camera.  At least with parenthood, I tried to read a lot so I at least felt a false sense of security.  Yep.  Haven't read much yet about photography.  Fortunately, my camera won't need therapy someday for my lack of foreknowledge.

And just like parenthoood, I found the best solution is to just jump in and get your feet wet. So, I took my camera to my kids' first few soccer games to play around.  

I still have TONS and TONS more to learn.  Thankfully, I have friends who are willing to share their knowledge with me, and I have a list of books to read, along with about 15 other books I want to read too.

***Okay, Blogger is bugging.  I can't upload pics right now.  Hopefully, I'll get around to it again soon!!!*******

Summer's Over; School Has Begun

Summer has been so much fun, and there is part of me that still can't believe it's over.  However, a few more days of a 6:30 AM wake up call and I'm pretty sure reality will hit . . . HARD!! 

I tried to capture our summer, but like always there is a lot that was missed.  I can't believe I didn't get more pictures when friends came to visit, or trips to Sea World or our frequent trips to the swimming pool.  

Most Thursday afternoons we spent time with our friends Sydney and Spencer learning about Our Solar System.  It still amazes me all the things our kids learned.  I love it when Russell comes up and asks me, "If a rocket goes to the sun, it will turn into gas.  Right?"  Too cute.  Brooklyn can tell you the order of all the planets and a few facts about each one.  She sure has an elephants brain, and when I can't remember something she tells me, "Too bad you don't have an elephant brain like me!!"  

One day for Arts and Crafts I cut out some circle cookies and let the kids decorate them to look like the planets.  It was cute, Russell went to eat Earth and Brooklyn told him not to eat Earth because it's a special planet; it can support life!!

Aaron and I managed to have our own fun this summer.  With only a little prodding from me, Aaron bought tickets to see Phantom of the Opera (thanks to a friend who was coordinating ticket purchases.)  So, on July 17th,  we left the kids with a babysitter and headed downtown.  Aaron had made reservations for dinner at Artista.  It was super fancy and the food was incredible.  I had a wonderful Goat Cheese Salad with a raspberry sesame dressing and sprinkled with pecans.  I was nervous since I had never had goat cheese before, but I still think about how good that salad was.  For dinner, of course, I had the filet (since I don't believe there really are any other cuts of steak).  We rounded the dinner, and our bellies, with dessert.  Mine was a fresh fruit platter and Aaron had some summer sorbet choices.  Both wonderful, and I don't think either of us had much more room in our tummies.  We then headed out to watch the performance.

I was not disappointed, at all.  This was my third time to see Phantom, and I still love it.  Aaron enjoyed it as well; which was VERY important.  I figured if I couldn't find a Broadway show he enjoyed that it would be near impossible to convince him to take me again.  So, aside from him falling asleep a few times (he blames it on the full tummy) it was a wonderful night.  As an added bonus, we actually took a picture of us together.  This just doesn't happen often enough!!

To say this summer has been hot would be an understatement.  It has been unbearably hot - which is saying a lot since I don't mind the heat.  We did manage to make it to the pool quite a bit.  However, some days we just didn't make it out the door early enough.  So, ocassionally the bathroom garden tub became a substitute for a dip.  Aren't my kids cute?!?!?

Not all summer days are rosy, and the days that are packed seem to be the hardest to get to work.  I really didn't want to overschedule ourselves, but I did manage to sometimes.  I had dinner to take to someone, dentist appointments, we'd gone swimming and all the other daily tasks crammed into one.  I knew if things went according to my plan, we would be fine.  However, I guess no one told the kids.  I tried to get Whitney down for a nap in time so we she would be happy at the dentist.  She refused, which made dinner prep harder, and I really didn't respond well.  After her tears, and myself on the verge of tears, silence finally came.  I walked around the corner and there was Whitney sleeping on the floor.  She looked so sweet and peaceful and I felt horrible for trying to accomplish my own agenda and putting off those feelings of "if I was a good mom, I would forget about this dinner and just order the family a pizza and cuddle with my little girl."  This picture is my reminder now, that nothing should be more important than my children and ordering pizza for a new mom is just fine :)  On a side note - the dentist appointments went fine and although Whitney had very little sleep she did just fine.  Just one more reason Grandparents are wonderful!!

Russell is constantly asking me for a dog; actually 2 dogs and a cat.  I refuse every time, stating that I already have lots of animals.  This morning was evidence that Mom is right.  Here are my 2 dogs; I guess Brooklyn will have to settle for being a cat.  Russell had asked for his cereal in a bowl with no milk, which is not an uncommon request.  I didn't think much of it, until I turned around to see it dumped on the kitchen floor and 2 little dogs scrounging for food.  I am pretty sure I had mopped recently, but then again, maybe not.

I had intended to put Russell into swim lessons this summer, but because of some unexpected circumstances, the lessons were cancelled.  I thought of signing him up at the YMCA, but figured I would be disappointed with what I got for what I paid.  Instead, I figured I would teach him myself.  I don't know what I was thinking at the time, because every day when we went to the pool Whitney was on my hip making it impossible for me to work with Russell sans floaties.  By mid-July I had given up any hope in teaching him, and reserved myself to the fact that it wouldn't happen until after school stared.  

However, Barbara and kids came to visit the beginning of August, and stars aligned (albeit in a weird way).  Aaron ended up working from home that day, I had gotten my parent's tags for their pool which didn't open until later in the day, Brooklyn lied and lost the privilege of swimming, Whitney took a nap, so when we headed to the pool it was just me and Russell.  He didn't want to do anything at first, but eventually I convinced him to take off his floaties and try.  I didn't think it would take him very long to figure it out, but I was shocked that from his first attempt he was swimming.  It was so fun to watch him go.  He still needs to work on figuring out the breathing, but I know he will be ready to join Brooklyn on swim team next year!!  Even more fun that Barbara had a waterproof camera that day!!

Later that night, we headed downtown to an Astros game.  The kids had earned free tickets from the summer reading program.  Before the game, Barbara asked me to do Cosette's hair, and by the time we left I had done all the girls' hair to match.  Was fun and they all looked so cute.  

One of Brooklyn's summer accomplishments was eating part of a pepper.  We ordered Papa John's one night and Aaron offered her 50¢ if she ate it.  She was a bit hesitant, but eventually took a decent bite.  Although, I am not sure if Aaron ever paid up!!

To say that Russell loves "Cars" would be an understatement.  He is a bit obsessive - and typically I love it about him.  I think these pictures are the funniest, especially because when I took them I didn't even notice he was wearing a Lightning McQueen shirt.  One of Russell's daily chores is to put away the clean silverware.  Occasionally, when he is done he will kidnap the silverware container and use it for a parking garage.  I love his imagination. So here is Russell one summer afternoon playing cars - which truly can occupy his attention for hours!!

Whitney is growing up too fast.  In so many ways she doesn't even seem like a baby anymore.  Mostly because she is doing everything she possibly can to try and stay two steps ahead of Brooklyn and Russell.  She is talking so much, and signing too.  It's crazy how many words she has.  She is very similar to how Brooklyn was as a toddler, but even more precocious - I didn't think that was possible.  Most days she refuses to use a sippy cup because she notices that no one else uses one, she won't sit in a booster seat at the kitchen table, she tries to buckle herself into Brooklyn's backless booster seat in the car, she swims all over the pool with her floaties, she even tries to avoid her afternoon naps.  I can hardly keep up with her.

One morning I came out of the shower to find Whitney on the bathroom floor surrounded by all my nail polish.  It was too cute - how could I turn her down for a pedicure?!?!

(notice that she is wearing shoes with pajamas - she LOVES shoes)

This summer we purchases season passes to Sea World.  The kids and I are loving it and Aaron is trying to keep up.  Russell would go everyday, I'd go at least once a month and I think Aaron is already dreading the next trip out there!!  It has been nice to have season passes, as it has taken off the pressure to do and see everything.  We took a final trip August 15th as our final farewell to summer.  We asked Brooklyn and Russell to each pick 2 things they "had" to do and we made those our priorities.  We fit every thing in.  Brooklyn wanted to ride the Shamu roller coaster and go to the water park.  Russell wanted to see see the penguins and Shamu - we let Shamu splash us as a bonus!!  Brooklyn was the cutest, "I didn't know it was going to be salt water!!"  I tried to explain that Shamu lived in the ocean which is salt water; she still didn't see why they didn't just use plain water because who wants to be in salt water?!?!?  Ummm, Shamu!!

(if you look closely you can see Russell riding.  He was really nervous at first, but loved it!!)

(penguin exhibit - Whitney was fascinated by them)

Long ago, in the days of "Nicole is sick and pregnant so Aaron has to do lots of chores" my kitchen sink was chipped by a big pot.  In an effort to appease my already antsy pregnant self, Aaron told me, before confessing his guilt, not to worry because he was going to buy me a new sink.  I tried not to be sad with my sink, and honestly as the days, weeks, months and years passed I didn't think too much about it.  

However, one day while getting something out from under the kitchen sink I noticed it was a mess and smelled a little funny.  Come to discover, the garbage disposal was leaking.  (When we first moved into the house, they had to replace the kitchen sink and I am pretty sure they tried to reseal the disposal and it didn't work.  Of course, I didn't notice it until YEARS later).  It was gross, and not something that should be ignored for long.  

Aaron in his smartness, decided now would be the perfect time to come clean on his promise.  So, this summer I got a new kitchen sink, faucet and disposal.  I love it!!  It almost makes me excited to do dishes, ALMOST!!

before

(after)

And since all good things must come to an end, that is exactly what summer did . . ENDED!!  I was really nervous for Brooklyn to go back to school, not because it was something new, but because last year she dealt with a lot of bullying issues.  I didn't really bring it up to Brooklyn, but one day she told me she didn't want to go back to school because she was scared she wouldn't have any friends.  That just broke my heart.  I had no idea how heartless and cruel 5 and 6 year olds could be.  

Meet the Teacher came and I love her teacher.  She seems really on top of things and to genuinely care about her students.  I offered to volunteer in the classroom and she is very excited to have help.  The best part is that Brooklyn has a friend from church in her class!!  In addition she knew about 7 other kids from last year.  I think her anxiety dissipated a lot after Meet the Teacher.  I confess I was still a bit nervous that night as I went to sleep.

Aaron stayed home to take Brooklyn to school - a fun tradition.  He actually took a few of the pictures and they turned out better than some of mine!!

She looked so cute on her way to school, and she had zero problem going into her classroom.  Sure makes it a lot easier to leave her and I managed to not shed a single tear this year!!

And to make things even better, when she got home from school and I asked her how it went, she responded, "No one picked on me!!"  Prayers were answered!!

Playing Catch Up

This seems to be the theme of my life.  Trying to catch up, feeling caught up, only to turn around and be behind again!!  I guess that is what happens when you have 3 kids home for the summer to entertain.  In all fairness, I was behind before they got out of school.  Maybe it's just the 3 kids!!  Whatever it is, I wouldn't trade them for anything, and we sure have been having lots of fun this summer!!

Before Brooklyn finished kindergarten, I tried to get ready for summer and created a summer schedule.  Could one really expect less from my "type A" personality?!?!?  I don't stick to it religiously, but it sure has saved us from the "I'm bored" phrase - since there is always something  to be done!! 

I also picked up level 1 of her piano books.  She really has improved a lot with her playing and I'd almost venture to say that my patience has improved as I have been teaching her.  In the end I am not sure who is learning more here!!

We have had a few unexpected happenings this summer.  The last day of school brought with it some sad news as I learned my Uncle Walt was in the hospital.  His health declined rapidly and he passed away on June 6, 2009.  I made a last minute trip to Arizona for the funeral and to feel of the strong love of my family.  I truly feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful extended family and am grateful for the memories we all share and the strength we find when we are together.  I am so thankful for my friends who watched Brooklyn and Russell while I was gone, and really appreciated how well Whitney behaved for the flight out there and the long drive home.  I still can't believe she never fussed!!

Seriously, this was the best dog.  I can't believe how she let Whitney "torture" her.

When I got back, I was prepared to take summer head on, but was thwarted in my attempts by Brooklyn's case of swimmer's ear.  This was not fun, as I knew it was a strong likelihood and had begged her to let me put drops in her ears.  However, she fussed every time and it just wasn't worth the fight.  Had I know I would have shelled out almost $90 for the antibiotic drops I would have fought this battle.  Oh well, live and learn.  

We waited out the week before we could swim again, but come Tuesday when we could have been swimming, I learned that Russell had an ear infection and Whitney had a double ear infection.  This meant we had another 7-10 days without swimming and my creativity for indoor activities was waning.  

We have been working hard on reading for the various reading programs around town.  The kids completed the Public Library program, so we decided to head downtown to pick up their prizes (which were amazing: 2 Astros tickets, a free Adventure pass to the Downtown Aquarium, a circus ticket, free justaburger from Whataburger, and several free kids meals to Spaghetti Warehouse) and make a trip over to the Museum of Natural Science and visit the butterfly exhibit.  Grandpa joined us on our trip - it was nice to have extra hands as no strollers were allowed in the exhibit and I was uncertain of my ability to contain both Russell and Whitney.  

Grandpa joined the museum, so we also went and looked at some of the permanent exhibits.  Russell didn't like the dinosaurs at first, but must have warmed up to them, because he has asked me to go back.  It will be nice to be able to go back several times this next year, as Grandpa put my name on the membership as well.  

Arts and Crafts has probably been one of my kids' favorite summer days. I can't say that it is my favorite as the mess about does me in every week; though I love that it makes my kids happy and they are being creative. We have done tempra painting, watercolors, figurine painting, stitching (for Brooklyn) and the all time favorite (so far), sun catchers.

The inflatable slide has definitely been a good investment for the summer.  Since our neighborhood pool is closed on Mondays, we typically set up the slide for the kids to play.  It gives them a chance to get out some extra energy, and helps me maintain my sanity.  I even manage to read a few pages sometimes while we are outside. 

Mondays are also game day, and although we miss it sometimes, it has been fun watching my kids play together.  It's even better because we have a few games that all the kids can play.  You've got to love the classic bed bugs game - yep, it was mine as a kid!!

And since this post isn't long enough already, here is a cute picture of Whitney's crazy smile.  I love it.  It's our special practically teeth grinding smile, and when I try and get her to smile for others, she gets all shy and won't.  She cracks me up!!

Look Who's 30!!

It's hard to believe that Aaron is just now turning 30!!  A milestone, I have long since accomplished.  A few months back, Aaron purchased a BMW, and I told him at the time, that it was counting for his big 3-0 present (and probably for a few years more).  He didn't really get a whole lot of presents, aside from a few CD's, and a year's supply of starch.  However, I really wanted to celebrate his birthday Texas Style.

Well, as everyone knows, things are always bigger and better in Texas.  We invited several families from the ward (and would have loved to invite more, but our backyard and my sanity can only handle so much) for a Texas BBQ on Memorial Day.  Aaron was convinced that everyone would have other plans and be too busy to come to a BBQ.  He was very pleasantly surprised, to have so many people come and celebrate!!

As the day quickly approached, and my mind started picturing 20+ kids roaming around my house or my backyard with only a net-less trampoline I started contemplating entertainment options. I thought about renting a bounce house, but as the deadline loomed closer and no decision reached, Aaron and I decided our money would be better spent on an inflatable water slide.  

Early Monday morning, Aaron headed out to buy the slide that was on sale at Target (he got the last one), a folding table, and pick up a few odds and ends.  I made one final trip to the grocery store, and then spent my time working on cooking brisket, making chip dip, slicing vegetables, etc.  Once Aaron was back, he was busy setting up a volleyball net, and the water slide.  

Thanks to my parents help, the party went off without a hitch.  There was plenty of food and fun for everyone.  The slide worked it's magic and was worth every penny spent.  The kids were entertained the whole time, and many played for over an hour before even asking for food.  The adults sat around and chatted uninterrupted by kids.  Later on, the guys played volleyball and Aaron did a great job of fetching the ball when it went over the fence.

It was a great day, with family and friends.  Thanks for all who helped make Aaron's birthday special.  

As another special treat for Aaron's birthday.  His older brother that lives up in Dallas made a special trip down here the weekend after Aaron's birthday.  It was fun for cousins to get together and play and always fun to have family in town.  We enjoyed dinner out to Macaroni Grill and a musical performance from the kids later on that night.  Thanks again M&M for coming down!!

A Way Late Update on Our Lives

I really am embarrassed at my lack of ability to keep my blog updated.  It doesn't help that sometimes my computer wants to be finicky and not upload pictures.  So, this update includes events from last year - since they are finally on my computer!!

For Christmas, Santa Mouse brought me 2 tickets to the Houston Ballet Nutcracker.  I decided it would be fun for mother and daughter to go, since I remember going as a little girl with my Daddy.  Really, I contemplated sending Aaron, thinking it would be a fun memory for him to share with his daughter, but in the end I was too selfish.  Plus, Aaron doesn't really love the ballet, and I do.

Despite my best efforts to get Brooklyn to rest on December 26th, knowing the ballet would make for a late night, she refused to listen to me.  (Imagine that, a child not listening to their parent).  By evening time, she was exhausted, and irrational.  There was a lot of drama, tears, and pouting, but in the end I finally got Brooklyn dressed to go to the ballet and I think a small smile out of her for the picture.  This was definitely NOT how I had envisioned our night starting out.

We stopped at McDonald's on the way downtown for a happy meal.  Getting a My Little Pony toy seemed to turn the night into a better direction.  By the time we made it downtown, searched everywhere for free parking, I decided I'd rather pay $5 and be done with it.  (Should have done that first).  We made it to our seats, and I think Brooklyn had a pretty good time.  She did tell me a few times, "I don't know what is going on."  I think it was a little tricky for her that there wasn't any dialogue.  (We did read the story before we left).  At intermission we went out and Brooklyn picked out her very own Nutcracker.  After the second act, we went to the Blue Room to meet the cast.  My friend, Sara Webb, is a principal dancer for the Ballet, and she performed that night.
After meeting the other dancers, and taking pictures, and getting autographs, we were able to go on stage.  Brooklyn loved being able to see all the props on stage and twirl like a ballerina. This was definitely the highlight of her night.
Fast forward a few months.  On March 12th, we headed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to see Brad Paisley.  Aaron had gotten 4 tickets from work, so we decided to take the kids with us as well.  We were a little late, so we didn't get to see all the cattle roping, but did see our fair share of bronco riding and bull riding.  Russell and Brooklyn loved it.  Russell still tells me, "I a buckin' bronco."  

I loved the concert.  Who wouldn't love Brad Paisley live?!?  That would be Russell.  He hated the loud noise.  I should have known better, and come prepared (saw a friend of mine took ear plugs for her kids - well noted for next year).  Aaron got the blessed task of wandering around the arena with a grumpy boy, while I sat and stared at Brad.  Brooklyn seemed to be okay with it, but I think was a little bored as well - they have NO idea who Brad is and I don't think she loved the noise either.  




I still am not sure how I was convinced that running 6.2 miles in a Texas torrential downpour would be a good idea (4-18).  I think it started by Charity saying something like, "We will just drive out there to see what the weather is like.  We need to get our packets anyway, but if it's lightning and thundering we won't run."  Sounded like a logical plan, so I agreed.  Somewhere in there she must have slipped in some incoherent code that said something more like, "no matter what we will be running.  There is nothing better than running while being soaking wet."  I think I will listen closer next time.

However, since my hearing was a little off, I did run in the rain.  Actually, it was kind of fun. Although, I am sure unlimited Blue Bell ice cream tastes a lot better when one is not wet and cold.  For whatever reason, it seems Charity and I are cursed to have rain at any race we run.  Here is crossing my fingers that my first sprint triathlon actually ends up being rain free!!

A few days later Russell turned 4.  For his actual birthday, things were pretty low-key. Grandma and Grandpa came for dinner, cake and ice cream.  Grandpa and Grandma brought pizza with them, which made my night A LOT easier!!  Not to mention, the kids actually ate without putting up a fight.  Russell (with some prodding from Brooklyn) chose to have a Diego party, which was probably good, since otherwise he would have most likely chosen Cars AGAIN!!  We opened presents, and we must have done okay because not only did he love the gifts, Brooklyn does too.  I'm sure we will have a few more arguments because of it :)

That weekend we had a birthday party for Russell.  He had a great time, and I think friends did too.  It was nice to keep it small because it wasn't too overwhelming for anyone (especially mom).  They decorated binoculars, and then went on an animal hunt.  They also played a listening animal bingo game.  Other games included Dora, Dora, Diego (duck, duck, goose) and Diego Says.  We did cake and ice-cream and opened gifts.  Russell was spoiled again and has been having lots of fun with all his new toys.  

May 5th Brooklyn had field day at school.  The days leading up to field day had been full of swine-flu pandemic news, and Brooklyn and I kept our fingers crossed that no cases would show up at her school - I because I didn't want to deal with the sickness, Brooklyn because she didn't want field day cancelled.

We both got our way!!  I had asked Brooklyn earlier if she wanted me to volunteer for field day, or come and watch her.  She really wanted me to volunteer, so I did.  However, I really did miss not being able to watch her at the various stations they had set up for the kids.  Grandma and Grandpa were there to help cheer her on, take pictures and take care of Whitney, so Brooklyn was definitely loved, but I did miss her.

This was the station I was responsible for.  It was funny how confident those kids were when they showed up to "roll the tires."  It didn't take them very long to figure out it was a lot harder than it looked!!
Brooklyn's kindergarten class after field day. Those kids sure did play hard.  I offered to bring Brooklyn home afterwards (actually to send her to Grandma and Grandpa's house), but she didn't want to miss out on watching movies and playing games in the classroom.  Oh, to be young again!!

I had to include these pictures, if for no other reason than to prove my children really are MINE!!  I had put the kids to bed and Russell was begging for another story.  I am pretty sure it was a night when I had had the kids all day and I was tired.  I told him I would read to him again in the morning.  Later that night I went in to check on the kids and this is how I found them.  Russell's picture cracks me up.

On May 8th, Brooklyn had a Mother's Day Tea to celebrate Mothers.  It was a nice presentation, where the kids sang a few songs and then we went back to their classroom.  I would post pictures of Brooklyn singing, but she avoided my camera like the plague.  It is actually amazing that there is any photo to commemorate this occasion at all.  I am pretty sure bribery was involved.  Grandma also came, and we did get a picture of them as well, but to spare Brooklyn the embarrassment of her expression, I did not post it.  She is a silly girl!!

When we got to the classroom, the students had set up the table with fruit kabobs,decorated plastic cups, painted flower pots and picture frames.  Brooklyn also had  picture and story she had worked on for me.  She had done a very good job.  I sure am proud of my girl!!

About a week later, on May 14th, Russell had preschool graduation.  Kind of funny, since he still has another year of preschool before he goes to kindergarten.  That is probably a really good thing - maybe next year he won't be quite so silly.  Though, it does make for memorable pictures - and is very representative of his funny personality.

Here he is walking up to get his certificate.  It would have been better as video, because then you could have heard the sound effects that accompanied these silly antics.  And below, the nice pose for the picture - notice his tongue sticking out.

Mya and Russell being "cool."

Mommy and Russell

Grandma, Grandpa and Russell