Ryan's 33rd Birthday

I tried for several weeks to get an idea of what Ryan wanted to do for his birthday. I gave him all kinds of suggestions including Rodizio Grill or a movie. But he said he just wanted to "stay home and relax, have a quiet dinner and play games with the kids." 

 Things started out pretty well. The kids each made him a nice card and he got to open his gifts.

 Sandals

 Socks

A hat, and the kids even wrapped up some money from their piggy banks.

But then came dinner and the kids started whining, refused to eat their food, and started fighting with each other. Then came cleaning up and on and on... There wasn't much relaxing to be had. So we made up for it and went out to Rodizio's a few nights later and left the kids with a babysitter.   

I think Ryan looks super handsome in his cake pictures. Thirty-three looks really good on him. We had his family over that Sunday for a barbecue and cake and  ice cream.

Happy Birthday, Ryan! I love you.

Bouncing off the Walls

Preston's preschool field trip was at a big bounce house called "Bouncing off the Walls." The kids ran around like they were chickens with their heads cut off. They had a ball.

Preston challenged several other kids to air hockey. He was surprisingly good for being a first-time player. I finally had to take the paddle from him so the other kids could have a turn.

Teagan is one of Preston's good friends. He was impossible to keep track of, but at least I found him before we left so I could drive him home. :)

Preston went down this super slide over and over and over and over and over and over...

Barratt Dance Festival

The first graders did a really cute Western dance for the dance festival this year. I got really lucky and was sitting in a perfect spot to see Adelyn. She sure did a great job.

Preston: Preschool Graduate

Preston graduated from preschool the end of May. He was kind enough to pose for me a little before we went to his program.

 What a handsome little guy I get to hang around with all day.

It was great to watch them perform the program. They each got to do a speaking part and a nursery rhyme to show-case all they'd learned this year.

Preston has really come a long way in nine months. In September, he couldn't hold a pencil, write a single letter or number, use scissors, or name half the alphabet. (He disliked anything that resembled work.) Now he can write his first and last name, all his numbers, cut, and read small books! And now he thinks it's fun! I am so proud of him for his progress and determination to learn.
  

The only thing Preston would tell me about his preschool program was that he would get a candy balloon when it was over. He was pretty excited for this special treat.

Preston with his fabulous teachers: Mrs. Rawlings and Mrs. Pulley. They were so good to him and loved him despite his rambunctious ways (at the beginning of the year, he was always climbing on top of the tables).

Here's Preston's favorite buddy, Stanley, with the teachers too.

Adelyn's Gymnastics Exhibition

Adelyn had the opportunity to perform in her gymnastics exhibition meet last month. She was quite nervous and didn't smile a single time while she performed (she was all business and focus). But she did a great job on the skills.

 All the gymnasts in Levels 2 and 3. Adelyn is right in the middle.

 On the bars, just before her handstand.

 Adelyn coming out of her backward roll in a perfect plank position.

While doing her bar routine, her coach Andrea stood by to spot her. But she didn't need it; she nailed the routine! The bars are her favorite.

 Adelyn on the beam with her ribbon. Finally smiling when it was all over with.

Adelyn with Whitney, her gymnastics coach.

Zoo Field Trip with the First Grade

I got to go with Adelyn's class to Hogle Zoo on a field trip. We had a great time. Here are four of the kids in my group: Grace D., Ammon, Adelyn, and Jesyca.

The tigers were really active. The kids laughed at this one because it liked to swim.

 The girls looking at the elephants. 

They each pretended they were one of the gorillas. Adelyn was the infant.