Preschool Graduation & a Birthday!

Tyler graduated from preschool the same month he turned five years old!  I just can't believe my baby will be going to Kindergarten this fall!

 

 

We really liked the preschool he attended this year.  They had a cute ceremony and recognized the students individually. 

 

With Veve.

 

With Grandma.

 

When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he answered, "a Leaf Man!"  He got a lot of laughs since most people would assume he was going to pick up leaves for a living.  But if you've ever seen the movie, Epic...

 

Leaf Men are fierce warriors of the forest who are deadly with a bow and arrow.  Of course he is going to be a Leaf Man.  Which is why he got a bow and arrows for his birthday.  Of course, they were Nerf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He is such a cutie.  We had some family and friends over and had hotdogs and cake out in the backyard.  The weather was beautiful, even if the pool was green.  Eew.  No swimming kids, sorry.  A lot of rain and not enough chemicals makes a cloudy icky pool.

 

Ty changed his mind no less than ten times as to what kind of party he wanted.  He had finally settled on Power Rangers (a show he has never watched), so naturally after I put up some Power Ranger ceiling decorations he asked, "what are those, mommy?"  And after getting Justin to draw the Power Ranger lightening bolt on the cake and painstakingly filling it in with sprinkles, he shouts excitedly, "Awesome!  Its FLASH!"

 

Of course, its Flash, honey.

 

We had a really fun time.  The adults sat under the canopy and the kids just ran around and played.  I stopped planning activities for the kids at parties a couple of years ago.  All they want to do is run around with the new presents and play.  A good time!

 

Happy Birthday, to my funny little guy!  You keep us laughing with your crazy cowlicks that refuse to be tamed, your tough talk about Satan and how you're going to "punch him to pieces," your love of movies and all types of weaponry, your mischievous smile, big blue eyes and quick laugh.  Your "one more hug"s, always wanting to be home, graham cracker eating, Chick Fil-A cow fearing, tickle monster self.  I love you so very much!

 

 

 

He may be five years old, but he can still fold up into Daddy's lap and pass out.

 

Crazy cowlicks.

 

First season of soccer this spring.  He was always on the ball.  And always aggressive.  That's my Ty!

 

Those little legs and too-long shorts kill me!

 

I love this boy!

 

 

Emerald Isle 2014

We had a great opportunity to go to the beach this year (thanks, Mom and Dad!) with family.  It was so much fun to hang out with my sister and her growing brood, as well as my Mom and Dad.  Its been a tough summer for them.  With my grandparents requiring more and more assistance, my grandmother moving to a rehab center after breaking her hip, and a health scare with my Dad, we really needed to just get away for a bit and spend some fun time together.

 

 

 

 

 

The cousins definitely had their ups and downs getting along. 

 

But overall, I'm so glad they got to spend some time together.  We piled the three older kids in one bedroom.  Hannah and Ty had a blast jumping on beds, playing Wii, and really had fun playing in the water together when they were fully clothed, at night, and we told them not to get in too far.  Much more fun than having bathing suits on during the DAY. 

 

 

 

B learned how to boogie board this year and he tore it up! 

 

 

  

Most of our nice relaxing walks on the beach turned into a race.  But the weather was beautiful and the water was amazing. 

 

Why yes, those are Nun chucks.  Doesn't everyone walk on the beach with weapons?

 

 

 

All my guys.

 

 Both boys loved the water this year.  They really had fun playing in the waves.  It was great to see my Dad and Mom relax and enjoy themselves.  They needed the break.  Tough few months for them.

 

 

I mean, T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

My niece Hannah is such a loving and friendly little girl.  She is going to do great things for Jesus, I just know it.  She can talk to anyone and make a best friend in ten minutes.  She is such a good big sister and helper for her mama.  When Joshua was grouchy and wouldn't go to anyone, he would go to Hannah.

 

Battling the waves.  On one day, the ocean was pretty rough and the kids stayed out.  My Dad and I went in and rode a ton of waves.  We got rolled, knocked around and swallowed some water.  It was just like when I was a kid.  We had a BLAST!

 

Granddaddy and Joshua.

 

This little guy is awesome.  He finally warmed up to Uncle Justin's beard and loved playing with the big kids.  He looks so much like his Daddy.

 

And my cute prego sister.  Due in October with another handsome little man!  She is such a good mama!

 

Ty's birthday was the Monday we were at the beach.  I think he really believed we went to the beach FOR his birthday.  We had a little party before we left, but everyone MUST have cake on their birthday!

 

 

Emerald Isle is my favorite beach by far.  Its very family oriented and quiet, but still has Go-Carts (which we did twice!) and stores.  Next time we will find the hidden seafood restaurants that I know must be around there somewhere.  The best part about the house was the covered deck.  I sat out there in the heat of the afternoon and listened to the ocean, and read my book and felt the breeze without getting hot.  It was wonderful.

 

The beach is my peaceful happy place.  I don't know if its the sound of the water or just the wide open space.  We came home and I felt very rested and recharged.  So thankful!