Weekend Highlights; Where is Summer?

Though a weekend with weather such as this one would have been great in April or May, it is now three days into June, and we are scratching our heads wondering when summer is going to show up. I absolutely adore 70's and windows open, but my kids are begging to go to the pool - while our pool passes remain unused in our pool bag. We missed out on the hot air balloon show due to rain this weekend and had to wear coats for the first part of our bike ride. I'm trying not to complain - because after all, this really is my favorite type of weather. However, I am learning that I much prefer it in Spring and Fall. I'm ready to get some tan lines.

We still made the most out of what we were given the past few days and have some cute memories to show for it.

Weekend highlights included...

...an easy-going Friday night.

We ate French dip sandwiches on the deck, and they are heavenly...

...and then we packed the kids up for a late-night trip to what is now their favorite park. Which just so happens to also be my old elementary school stomping grounds.

It was a gorgeous evening, and while the kids ran excitedly from one monkey bar to the next, we watched the sun set and casually peeked into my old classroom windows. Some things never change...

 

...we took a tour of Jaden's new elementary school, and after visiting with the principal for almost an hour and seeing the facilities that Jaden will be spending so much time in, I am so excited for him. He is going to have so much fun and learn so many cool things. And after seeing the gym, music classroom, art classroom and computer lab... he's really excited, too!

...we had Cassi and James over for a fire after the boys went to bed. Four hours of talking and a few beers (or more)... and it didn't matter all that much that we struggled to get the fire as big as we wanted it due to wet wood.

...we went on our first bike ride of the year -- and Brandon's first bike ride ever. He still struggles to pedal a little because his legs are still so short, but he did so good on the trails, loved riding over the bridge and looked so stinkin' cute on his little three-wheeler - taking his time and enjoying the view and the freedom while more avid bikers zipped by him.

Jaden has gained a lot of confidence on his bike since last summer and was often times a long ways ahead of us. Cody told him the goal would be to try it without training wheels by the end of the summer. We do need to work on pedaling up hill though...

By the way... the sky was made for picture-taking...

...at the end of our bike ride, a park. All these kids really need... is a park.

Hoping for 80's, no rain and tan lines in the near future! This week... Brandon's first dentist appointment. Wish us luck!

Friday Photo Drop

Here to share some of my favorite Instagram pics lately. I'm creating quite a collection of these sweet pics, and my next project involves getting them printed and creating something like this in my home office:

 

****

There are several memories of my childhood that stand out, but one of the most vivid involved Maryhill Dr., Casey, James and Amanda, a bunch of bubbles, and the Newbern's front yard. On that summer evening, we filled Kevin and Patty's grass with bubbles. It looked like it had rained bubbles, and though I'm certain no one else has this picture stamped in their heart quite like I do, it's one of my favorite childhood memories from growing up in that special neighborhood. Maybe it's because tragedy struck a few years later and Kevin and Patty are no longer with us, but when I saw Brandon creating bubbles on our grass this week, I went right back to that childhood evening in my mind and felt grateful that God hasn't allowed me to forget that special picturesque moment from all those years ago.

Lucy... this little lady has turned me into quite the cat lover. I never thought I'd see the day. She is such a soft little bundle of mischievous sweetness that I'm okay with holding off on a puppy for a few years yet.

My favorite date with my favorite boys. Coffee, books and a rainy day.

A wedding in Maucker Union. I'd never attended a wedding reception there, but the place looked beautiful.

A perfect summer night. We haven't had enough of these yet, but I'm certain the next three months will be filled with more pictures like this. Citronella candles lit, our fire pit burning and a game or two on the deck. With wine. (Or some Bud Light Lime).

Nothing keeps these kids entertained like this simple little water table. Sensory play is the best kind of play.

Putting the kids to bed early and taking some time for me. No TV. No computer. Just my Nook and a beautiful candle courtesy of Target and my parents.

They love to help Daddy water the flowers. I'm hoping they inherit his green thumb. Unfortunately, I haven't developed one yet.

Saturday morning in our bed. ipad. And Lucy.

Hoping this little one gets to see a real rainbow in the sky very soon.

Here's to the weekend! I hope the weather cooperates because we've got plans -- plans that include hot air balloons, game nights and a picnic or two.

our little graduate

Last Friday, Jaden attended his last preschool class at Blessed Beginnings Preschool. After two years and a whole lot of growth, he is officially a "school ager."

I will admit that I cried a little bit the day before. I had just come from his new elementary building, filling out kindergarten paperwork and checking out the playground (an element I know will be important to him!), and I unexpectedly "lost it." This new adventure we're about to embark upon came at me out of nowhere. His new school looks so big, and to me, he's still so small. As his mama, I want to protect him from everything, keep him under my wings and shield him from any outside influence that might counteract the morals and values we have been trying to instill in him since the day he was born. But I also know that I have to let him spread his wings - that there is a lot that he can and should learn from other people and life's experiences, and that those same experiences shaped me and his daddy into the people that we are today. We've given him a foundation that we continue to build upon, and we will always be there for him at the end of the day - with shoulders for him to cry on - or ears eager to listen to whatever exciting story he wants to share with us.

We're so proud of you Jaden - and so honored to be your parents. And since I can't promise that I won't cry again on your first day of kindergarten this August, I am very grateful that we aren't shipping you off to college just yet!

Saying goodbye to his classroom... and its butterflies...

For a special treat his grandmas and I took him out for a special lunch after class, and he received his first graduation money. ;)

First day of preschool two years ago...