Kindergarten Graduation

Tuesday afternoon was kindergarten graduation at school. I went early to help set up and get things ready for the "big" event while grandpa and grandma came to take care of Matthew and get him down for his nap. Yes, I was one of those few parents that is weird and didn't invite a litany of family members to the graduation (just Cory and I went which was plenty) nor did I ever shed a tear. It was a short and simple little program, but quite cute. They sang a few songs complete with motions - one about how much they have grown and are ready for first grade which was super cute. Then each kindergartner received an award. Joshua received the award for Character Education (if you are wondering what that is about, you are not alone, so are we) - the whole school learned about different character traits this year so I am guessing that Joshua got the award because he displayed those character traits. After the brief program we had cookies, took pictures and watched a video with pictures from their year in kindergarten. I am amazed that this year flew by so quickly and I've even more excited to see how Joshua has grown over the course of the year in many different areas. His teacher was fabulous and he learned a lot from her! I can't believe by the end of the week (they have school through Friday morning) we will officially have a first grader in our house, crazy!! The little reception area out in the Kindergarten learning center.


The graduate upon receiving his Character Education award.

Showing off his award.

Joshua with his fabulous teacher, Mrs. Montgomery.

Joshua and his friend Jocelyn.

Good buddies since they were babies!

Joshua with his friend Tyce.

Joshua and Jocelyn, class of 2023!

A picture of the graduate with his mom and dad.

Fishing

While we camping Memorial day weekend Shawn told Joshua that they would go fishing some morning just the dads and the big boys (no little brothers allowed). This sounded like a fabulous idea to Joshua and for the next few days all Joshua did was ask when they were going to go fishing. Since our summer weekends seem to be filling up quickly Shawn and Cory decided to take the boys out fishing Sunday morning. Owen caught two Blue Gill and Joshua ended up catching a Bass. Too bad their fun fishing morning turned into bad news as Shawn found out that something is wrong with the boat that he and his parents own; let's just there were some stories about the dads having to row with an oar and ski to get the boat back to shore.

Memorial Day Weekend

Despite the less than stellar weather memorial day weekend we headed out to Macatawa campground in Holland with Shawn, Erin, Owen and Aiden. It was a bit chilly Friday night when we arrived and that trend continued through Saturday. Saturday afternoon we headed off on a hike up to Mt. Pisgah to see Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. The boys had a blast running through the woods and figuring out which way the trail was going to lead us. Even the little boys hung in there on the long hike. The boardwalk view wasn't quite as breathtaking as it can be due to the overcast sky, but was beautiful nonetheless. Sunday morning we took the kids to the channel to watch the boats and play in the sand which we all enjoyed! Sunday afternoon we spent in our trailer and a little field trip to Walmart (we were bored) due to the thunderstorms that rolled through. Thankfully the severe weather missed us, but it made for a soggy evening for dinner, playing outside and trying to start a fire. Monday we headed back to the beach in the morning so the kids could watch boats, play in the sand and stick their toes in cold Lake Michigan. After a much needed stop to get ice cream it was time to pack up and head home. We had a nice, relaxing time and can't wait for more camping trips this summer!

Owen and Joshua checking the sign to see where the trail leads.

Cory playing Tarzan as he swings on the vines.

Matthew hiking along with daddy.

Stopping to blow the dandelion fuzz.

All the boys hiking up Mt Pisgah to the boardwalk.

We reached to top!!

Matthew spots Lake Michigan.

Looking at the boats on the big lake.

Climbing down the gazillion stairs to the bottom. Thankful we went down, not up!

The maze of stairs.

The boys enjoying the campfire.

Yummmmm! Nothing tastier than a roasted marshmallow!

Joshua was very excited to see the sheriff boat out!

The little boys were more interested in playing in the sand than watching the boats.

Sand monster.

Testing Lake Michigan.......brrrrrr!

Joshua of course had to throw a few rocks in the water too.

Buddies - Aiden wouldn't let anyone besides Joshua hold his hand and help him walk back up the beach.

Our Little Nature Lover Strikes Again!

I found a baby turtle in our backyard a couple weeks ago when Joshua was at school and we kept him for a week before I urged (and then forced) Joshua to return the turtle to the wetlands behind us so the little turtle could live a life of freedom. Joshua wasn't thrilled to let his little buddy go, but relented with teary eyes. After returning the turtle we explored the wetlands a bit more and had a great night enjoying God's creation especially the rainbow we saw while it was raining sunny all at the same time!

Long awaited project in progress

So since moving to this house over two years ago Cory has always had a vision of building a playhouse that looks like a caboose for the boys. Since there were so many things to tackle in the last two years . . . settling in, building a shed, dealing with an infant again, putting in landscaping and a lawn, constructing a playground, you get the drift . . . this project has been on the back burner so to speak. Almost 2 months ago Cory mentioned the idea to his dad who immediately jumped on the bandwagon and started drawing up designs. The platform for the caboose was built mid-April and since then the walls and roof have been framed and copula attached, outside siding up. This weekend we hope to get the outside portion of the project more toward completion, if the weather decides to cooperate and quit raining for a couple of days. Amazing what Cory and his dad can come up with when they put their minds together! Cory's dad was even able to snag real, functional, double hung windows from a display they didn't need at work! After the outside is completed the inside will still need some attention as a loft and ladder needs to be built as well as a table and bench, but that will come. To say the boys (and I mean ALL the boys, yes Cory and his dad included) are beyond excited about this caboose playhouse is an understatement! More pics to come as construction progresses.

Joshua is 6!!

Oh the drama. It seems as though for several years now right around the time of his birthday and Christmas Joshua has behavior issues. This birthday was no different so he actually lost all of his presents and had to earn them back with good behavior over the course of two days. Yes, feel free to judge, but we are mean parents and really did take the presents away; he needs to understand that his actions have consequences no matter if it's his birthday or not. Someday I hope that whole "actions have consequences" thing sinks in. He was finally able to open two gifts one day and two the next after earning them back - thus he is wearing different clothes in the pictures below.

I can't really believe he is six already and will be headed to 1st grade is just a few short months! Wow! Along with stubbornness, having an attitude, and having a temper come the more lovable qualities that Joshua has of being a curious kid who likes to learn about things, a science/God's creation/animal lover, an amazing little artist, a good writer, and child who loves to be read to and is learning the enjoyment of reading himself. He loves school and enjoys Sunday school as well. It's been another year of growth in a variety of areas. He is still sensitive, but is learning how to not be overly sensitive. He has learned to be a more caring and kind friend to others and it's really fun to hear about who he plays with and what they play. Joshua has learned so much this year cognitively, it's incredible. He was having a tough time with the whole learning to read deal (specifically blending the sounds together), but we've been working through a book a friend suggested and he has come a long way, reading with more ease and more importantly, confidence! We look forward to seeing you grow and learn more each day Joshua and thank God for blessing our family with you . . .I'm sure God has big plans for you!

A Playmobil pirate set.


He wasn't groovin' on it, but I made him take a second to smile for a picture.

The Hot Wheels RC car he so badly wanted!

Yeah, more Hot Wheels stuff!

A new track for his cars.

A Nerf Bow!

The Boys' Birthday Bash!

A couple of weeks ago, between the boys' birthdays, we had our families over to celebrate. We loosely did a train theme for the party/cake due to the fact that both boys LOVE the freight train that runs right behind our house. I made the invitations to their party which included a couple of pictures of the boys on one of the engines that can often be seen chugging through our backyard (I even got permission to take the boys down to the train yard and take some pictures). Thankfully the afternoon and evening of the party turned out to be quite beautiful so the kids were able to take full advantage of the toys in the backyard. The trampoline, a gift from our neighbors when they moved and didn't want to take it with them, was a huge hit with all the kids and a few of the adults too! After a full-on taco bar meal the kids got to open their gifts; once again they were spoiled with many nice things - thank you families! Then it was on to cake and ice cream. My friend Tammy came through once again with a fabulous train cake complete with an engine, milk and cookie car, a coal car and a wood car! She does amazing work and the boys were beyond thrilled with her creation! It was a fun-filled evening of celebrating!

The kids were happy to play outside!


Jumping and bouncing!

Matthew and I having a turn on the trampoline.

Even grandma braved the trampoline.

The cousins eating dinner together.

A new shirt from Papa for Matthew.

Joshua and his remote control loader from Grandma and Grandpa.

Checking out Matthew's new wheelbarrow from Grandma and Grandpa.

Joshua gets one of his favorite movies.

A new "Queen" umbrella for Matthew from Uncle Phil.

Lego in one hand, Playmobil in the other makes for one very happy Joshua!

Playmobil Noah's Ark from Papa!

A new picnic table/water table from the aunts and uncles.

The train cake!

The front view.

Side view.

Singing happy birthday to the birthday boys.

Blowing out their candles.

Trying out his new wheelbarrow.

Putting together his new speedboat from Papa.

A picture of all the little train engineers who came to celebrate!