Summer Thus Far

Thank goodness summer is finally here! It was only about a week ago that the weather here warmed up enough to actually break out the kiddie pool. But now that we're actually hitting the high 80s on a daily basis we're spending as much time in the water (and apparently drinking contaminated water) as possible.



The kids first thought that jumping on the trampoline with water was the best thing ever, but have recently realized that playing under the trampoline while water showers through is even better...AND Ella can play too.






Just posting this makes me want to slice up some watermelon, and slap on some sunscreen. I am LOVING this time of year with my kids!

Thanks for being a

Waterfall Hiking

New-Baby-Couch-Sleeping

Baseball Playing

Snowman Building

Book Reading

Medicine Giving

Bowl-Hat Wearing

Train Riding

Back-Yard-Tent Sleeping

Two-Kid-Pool-holding

Snowball Throwing

Insect Handling

Always Playing

kind of Dad. We really are the luckiest family in the world. Happy Father's Day!

Photo Shoot

I love to look through, and giggle at, the pictures that Maddie takes of herself when she's on the computer. There are literally hundreds of them. Some silly, some very posed, and by looking at these, I'd say we're adding artistic to the list. Here is my most recent find:

It's all fun and games until I stumble upon some that I forgot to erase:

Baby Birdy

Jude (who is known in our family as a "good finder") found a little baby bird in our backyard. Super cute for pictures....super scary for someone who is terrified of moths, butterflies and birds.

(I'm obviously talking about Rob).



(The third party filming this video obviously had some major issues with speed talking and wing anxiety)

First Love

Jude has a little girlfriend. They were friends first, but it seems that at Maddie's graduation they decided to take it to the next level. When we arrived at the graduation Jude saw her and said, "Mom, I love Chl.." then stopped and looked down like he knew hit was too soon. I asked, "Jude, do you love Chloe?!" He just nodded and smiled.

Aren't they adorable?!



(He just noticed this post and said, "Mom, Chloe is pretty!)

Before:

After:


(What's with the thumb? Is she practicing for her future head shots/real estate agent stock photo?) And naturally we couldn't take a series of photos without her having to do "crazy eyes." It's a trademark move.

How does Maddie feel about it?

"This is probably the cutest I've ever been."

So humble.

Graduated

I cannot believe my little Maddie has finished her second year of preschool, and goes to KINDERGARTEN next year! How did this happen?! I was very surprised that there wasn't an emotional breakdown on her part - she tends to get very attached to things, places, people, etc. So when when we left her last day of preschool - I was really impressed with how composed she was. It wasn't until the next day when she said, "I like summer, but I can't wait to go back to preschool again..." that the waterworks began. I guess she really didn't know what graduation meant...after all, she graduated last year and still came back this year. After about an hour of, "I want to see my teachers! I miss all of my friends!" She got herself together and realized that Kindergarten was probably okay because it had a playground, and because all of her friends would be in Kindergarten, too. (I didn't have the guts to tell her that actually none of her friends would be at her school next year. They all live in the boundaries for the other school. I am an awful mom.)

So now that the drama has passed - here are some pictures of Maddie's graduation:

Maddie and her best friend, Madi.

Maddie with her fantastic teachers. Seriously - if you're looking for a preschool, this place is the BEST!
(Jude also spent the evening feeling emotional - he thought he was supposed to be in the program)

And my favorite part of the evening. Cameo courtesy of Ella Isabel.

Seven Years

Love you, babe!

Love is....

Seeing my baby with her baby.

Farm Country

Does it get any better than an afternoon with baby animals? I think not. I could probably do without the smell - but watching my kids enjoy them (Jude from a safe distance) was good for my soul.

From the Kids

Madelyn and Jude made me a couple of videos for Mother's Day. If you can't tell - they made them ALL by themselves. The first video gets a bit repetitive, but stay tuned for the last thirty seconds where Maddie apparently forgets she's on film.

I received an email today from the "shipping" department of a mystery store. Apparently my Mother's Day gift is going to be late. It read:

Dear Melissa Wilson,

This notice is to inform you that, due to lack of planning on the part of your loving, yet sometimes clueless husband, the delivery of your mother's day gift will be delayed two days. We're sorry for any inconvenience this has caused as we understand the importance of mothers and we wish to honor you for all your hard work and dedication to your family. For this reason, we will be coordinating with your husband to ensure that this Sunday is a very special day for you.

Although your husband may seem remiss at times, keep in mind that this does not mean he does not love you; quite the contrary. He loves you so much that he can’t stop thinking about you all day and when he realized that mother’s day was this week, he snatched up the best gift he could find (within the budget). Unfortunately, for some odd reason, the shipment of said gift takes 6 freaking days to arrive.

At any rate, we appreciate your wonderful motherliness and we strongly recommend giving your husband a big hug when he comes home from work today because hey…he’s trying.

Kind regards,

The Mother’s Day Team

(Isn't he adorable?)