Hawaiian Luau

I am working on catching up on our blog, and next up is Jayne and Tillie's trip to visit us!

Our property owners association must have heard they were coming in town, and decided to throw a welcoming Hawaiian Luau for them!

So they got into town, rested up for a minute, and then we were off to start the party!

These three were ready to get the party started!

Alex and Grace always talk about Tillie, and love every minute they get to spend with her and their Auntie Jayne.

At one point, Tillie and Grace looked so cute together, it was an 'almost' perfect photo opportunity. So I said, "You guys, turn around so I can take your picture!"

This captures my love of how literal young children are.

As you can see, they obeyed and did exactly what I asked:

Turned around!

That's better!

My two men.

A natural talent.

This little one was, well, to say the least, content with this superman body paint.

As a matter of fact, for a moment, he turned in to Superman himself!

I don't know about you, but I see the resemblance.

Tillie with her rainbow and sun on one arm, and moon on the other.

Grace with her pink momma dolphin.And we can NOT forget the Hula Hoop Contest.

Here are some of the contestants:

I'm not trying to brag or anything,

but my niece was crowned

'Miss Junior Hula Hoop Champion'.

It was a pretty big deal.

And then there was the adult round.

I think the lady in the backround won.

"Is there something on my head?"

"It feels kinda itchy?"

"No?...Okay."

"It does feel itchy, though, are you sure?"

As the sun began to set, we all held hands and walked into the sunset,

falling/crashing into our beds,

dreaming of dolphins, rainbows, and hula hoops.

A-hem...and SpiderMan!

Practice First Day of School

This adorable big kid went to SCHOOL for the first time TODAY!!!

Actually, it was VBS. But still, it counts.

He was super excited, had a blast, and can't wait to go back tomorrow.

This is excellent practice for this fall when he will be going to preschool for real.

And I was right.

There was a struggle getting out of there.

But it wasn't Alex struggling...it was me!

I almost couldn't leave!

Luckily, I ran into one of the organizer's, and she eased my mind by telling me there was no way he could escape, he most likely wouldn't get hurt, and

he definitely was going to have a great time.

What a day. Phew. Sob. Deep breath. Brace yourself for tomorrow!

Alex's Helicopter Ride!

We made an agreement a long time ago, that when he was completely,

well, uh, let me start over.

Alex thought an excellent reward for 'taking a huge step in becoming independent' should be getting to go on a helicopter ride.

Unfortunately, this milestone was reached last fall after the helicopters had left for the season.

Chris and I decided that Memorial Day this year would be

a perfect time for him to take the ride!!!

So Chris, Aunt Anne, and Alex all went for a little ride.

Mom, Grandma and Grandpa, all stayed safely on the ground.

Grandma Pam and Grace stayed at home and took naps.

A safe landing!

Everyone had a great time, and it was a great reward.

Now Grace is really looking forward to getting to go on the helicoptor!

Alex's Birthday Party

Alex's Toy Story, or more specifically, Buzz Lightyear party, was a blast!

We had lots of family in town, including Aunt Anne.

And super fun friends!

Daddy and Alex jumping in together.

Marcia and Grace

Grandma

Friends, friends, friends, and smiles!

It was fun singing Happy Birthday to our son who turned FOUR!

Cleanest mouth award went to Colton!

Happy

Birthday

Alex!