Our Sweet Boys: July 2011

Tent Building Twins

The twins wanted to build a tent and were in the need of a little help. I showed them how to use sheets and hand them from the closet door onto other objects in the room. They thought that was amazing and I was the coolest for thinking of that. I told them when I was little my best friend and I would cover her room up in sheets. This went on for two straight days of playing until Connor was gone for a night and they decided that was the perfect time to camp out in their tent. They slept in the closet where part of the tent was with a flashlight on all night.

A Visit With Grandpa

Grandpa Black and Joy came to town for a quick visit for sweet Garin's 4th birthday. Before going to the party we stopped by our new lot to show them around, feed the ducks, and wet a hook. The boys fed the birds so much bread that the ducks actually started to wander away from the vehicle before it was all gone. Grant and Preston chose to feed them from the inside of the vehicle to prevent any accidental bitings. The boys caught a bass and several perch while we were out there. I don't think they will ever tire of fishing.

Doug and Ed touring the surrounding property.

Crazy Hair Day at VBS

The third graders are the Green Team and Grant's favorite color is green...need I say more!

Welcome To Big Church

At Hillcrest Baptist Church the Kindergartners are recognized with a bible presentation at the end of the school year. This is when they start attending "Big Church" on a weekly basis. The preacher, Mike Simmons, had the kinders down front right before he started preaching and asked them where they learned information about Christ. They answered the Bible. He then had Keri and her helpers pass out the new Bibles. The twins were so cute and very proud. They opened them up while sitting on the steps at the front of the sanctuary and started looking at the pages until Keri shooed them back to their seats because they were the only ones left. They just couldn't wait to get back to their seats to take a peek!

Ms. Keri trying to get them to go back to mom:)

Proud Preston

Proud Grant

Fun Time With The Jacksons

Aunt Shelley, Jax, and Jake were headed off to a local sprinkler park and so we decided to join along for some early summer fun. Jax has just recently decided that playing in the water is actually more fun than watching others do it. I didn't think my crew would have as much fun as they did so a great time was had by all. The cousins always have a great time together!

Jake learning where is facial features are and pulling Connor's nose instead of his own:)

The twins and Jax going down the whale slide.

Jake got a bit sleepy and decided that laying on the diaper bag was a-okay.

My big-little boys

Connor supervising Jake sliding

Shelley with Jake

Big Connor

Grant learned how to pump himself on a swing during Kindergarten...that was a big task!

Unforgettable Twin Moment

The twins were at karate some time in June and Mr. Honeycutt had to give direction to a brown belt helper. While he was busy talking quietly he told the twins to sit down, close their eyes, and be silent. I'm am quite sure that this will never happen again!

A few of the black belts with the new yellow belts.

The Flying Swimmers

I was so concerned when summer came afraid that the twins wouldn't remember how to swim. They had finally learned how to barely stay afloat just at the end of last summer. To my surprise they did awesome on their first attempt of the summer. They were cannon-balling and flying through the air. By the end of June both of the twins can now do a forward and back flip under water and are working on their handstand and dive.

Last Day Of School 2011

3rd Grade Awards Day

Same song...second verse. Awards day for third grade was the same as Kinder's day was. Connor received certificates for perfect attendance, A/B honor roll, and good citizenship. I have been so proud of Connor this year because he made all A's and only 4 high B's. In the past few years he has been a mostly B student so he has come a long way in third grade. He continues to grow-up and mature right before our very eyes. He has become more and more independent and continues to be such a good big brother. I couldn't be more proud of him!

Mrs. Garippa's Class...Connor is far left.

Connor being a goof ball.

We had a small party for Mrs. Garippa because she is moving to another elementary school in our district due to the budget cuts statewide. I told her we promise to come visit. She was such a sweet lady.

Gifting Our Teachers

Our special teachers do a fabulous job! I know it is their job to teach our children, but I always think they deserve special treats throughout the year. At the end of school the boys and I handmade picture frames for them. We painted a 12x12 piece of wood and decoupaged paper to the wood. We then accented it with the letter of their last names and frilly trim. They turned out pretty cute if I say so myself (silly me forgot to take a picture of the finished project).

Preston with Mrs. Spradley

Grant and Mrs. Ramirez...she loved him:)

Connor with Mrs. Garippa

Kindergarten Awards Day

The day before school was out the Kindergartners were awarded with some very special certificates. The twins received awards for good citizenship, good attendance, and finishing kindergarten. They were super excited about being recognized and made sure that I was going to be there. It actually worked out that I subbed as school nurse the last three days of school for Nurse Melanie because of a family illness. It was kinda nice because I was around all day to see what was going on at school. The first class that was recognized was Grant's class. His teacher, Mrs. Ramirez was lead teacher for Kinder. We enjoyed her so much although it was a bit of a hard year for Grant-man. He went in not knowing his ABCs and not able to recognize any numbers. He just didn't want to learn...Mr. Stubborn! He came out reading and passing the necessary test to move onto first grade. We must stay on top of him, but hopefully he will do fine in 1st grade. Preston was recognized later in the assembly by his teacher, Mrs. Spradley. She was an awesome teacher also. She doted over Preston and treated him as her own sons. She told me many times she would love to take him home:) We got very lucky with these two special ladies this year!

Grant shaking hands with the Principal, Mrs. Van Am

Grant forgot to get his packet of awards and had to run back and get it because he was so excited.

Mrs. Ramirez' class...Grant is far left.

Preston shaking hands with the principal.

Mrs. Spradley's Class...Preston is far left.

Grant and Lilly Kate...priceless!

The twins with their bestie.

White to Yellow

The boys have all been taking Karate for a couple of months now and enjoying what they have learned. The time had come for them to test for their second belt color, yellow, but they were suppose to know what was going on. They were questioned and diligently observed by their leaders to make sure they knew certain movements and passed with flying colors.