The End and the Start

Last week marked the end of another school year and the start of another summer. Grant had an amazing year as a first grader. He absolutely adored his teacher, Mrs. Bruce. He may even go through some sort of withdraw symptoms this summer. He has excelled academically and seems to be socially comfortable too, having so many best friends that he can never just name one when asked. He has found a love for story writing and I love reading his work. He has also really done well with reading- he loves to read chapter books and gets excited about one but then starts another before finishing the first and before long he is eventually reading 5 different books at once. His academic work at home has slacked since the start of baseball season as the only thing he loves to do now is watch Cardinals baseball or out in the yard actually playing ball himself. He has an awful nervous habit of licking his lips (apparently his father had the same habit as a youngster) which leaves a nice looking red ring around his lips from them being chapped and raw. He loves to play on his kindle and hang out with the daycare kids. He is growing so fast-he no longer wants to run errands with me (a year ago he was begging to tag along on our trips to Wal-mart) and often begs to just stay at home instead of going to town. He loves to ride his bike, throw the baseball around,  and play sidewalk hockey. He still loves candy and eats it often -however he is really religious about brushing his teeth and still have no cavities (knock on wood). He loves to tell jokes and listen to them. He still loves to cuddle at night and is becoming more and more helpful around the house. He's a sweet boy whom I can not believe is going to be a 2nd grader!!!

first day of summer vacation we enjoyed a picnic at Duncan park- we stayed for a while until we realized there were no bathrooms there- then we relocated to Community Park

Ended the day with some shaved ice

Concord park -last day of school- Lane wanted me to take his picture

I've recently started the cotton ball system at our house. Good behavior earns you a cotton ball and when your jar is filled you can choose an activity (not a toy or an item) to do maybe skating, bowling, swimming, fishing- whatever they choose. If bad behavior is displayed then you loose a cotton ball. If fighting or arguing or being mean to eachother than whomever instigated has to take a cotton ball from their own jar and put it in the other ones jar. This is working like a charm and I absolutely love it. I encourage you to try it if you want to regain peace and tranquility in your home.

Doughnut picnic while Mom and Dad cut bushes down

Went to Springfield for some Memorial Day sales last Sunday- Lane couldn't resist lifting the girls dress and grabbing her butt. Ugh-how embarrassing and inappropriate. Boys and shopping -always exciting.

So Proud of Grant for receiving the Presidential Physical Fitness Award at school

Lane loves seeing Aiden during the day here at our home but he loves it more when he gets to see him outside of here too.

Grant has been a bit hesitant in baseball this year but he's becoming more comfortable and enjoying it more and more every game. Love seeing that smile.