Kindergarten Celebration

We had Carter's Kindergarten celebration this week.  It was beautiful and so bittersweet.  Mrs. Snyder, Carter's teacher, is just an amazing educator and loves her kiddos so much.  We can only hope Davis is lucky enough to have her, too!  The kids created a special book and video to share with us.  Mrs. Snyder created a video gift of the students' progress throughout the year, set to music.  Let's just say I should have brought a box of Kleenex.  I cannot believe our Carter is getting so big.  Where does the time go?  We are SO proud of him and all that he has accomplished this year.  The choice to keep him in Kindergarten was one of the best things we've ever done.  He has gained so much by being surrounded by his age peers and learning some valuable social skills. Academically, he continues to blow us away...he is reading at a level 26. (The minimum standard for Kindergartners, by the end of the year is level 3 and the test only goes to level 18, so Mrs. Snyder had to modify it a bit for Carter.)  Great job, buddy!

Here is a link to the Kindergarten video  It is kind of long, but very cute.

Getting a round of applause from all of the proud parents. 

 Grumpy and happy faces sharing the special book he made.

 Mom & Dad love you so much!!!!

 Mrs. Drake, the class Para, is so awesome!

 The wonderful Mrs. Snyder!

Davis got to hang out with the big kids & eat cupcakes!

Preschool Drive-In

Our Preschool teachers never cease to amaze me.  Today they put on a "Drive-In Movie" experience for our kiddos.  Another mom & I helped provide the extra hands needed.  Davis and his buddies got to pick out "cars" and decorate them and use their money to buy movie tickets, popcorn and water for the show.  Of course, they watched Frozen.  It was such a fun morning!  

 Getting his car ready for the Drive-In!

 I was the ticket taker.  These guys were so excited to buy their tickets.  Too cute!

 Getting their snacks before the show.

 This crew had a blast!  Thank you teachers!

 Did I mention we got to take the car home?  ...it has a red Solo cup for a cup holder.  Everyone needs one of these!

Elementary Field Day

We had a full day of field day last week.  It was really cute to see the kids do all of their events (one was dance party--hilarious), and kudos to the amazing teachers who pulled off this event without a hitch.  Seven hours was maybe a little painful long, but definitely worth  it to see Carter so excited to have us there.  We wouldn't have it any other way! Carter, we love you enough to spend 100 field days with you (but I am looking forward to Preschool field day next week...it's 1 1/2 hours).  

Three-legged race

Hurdles

Mrs. Snyder's class

Brothers!

Fun & games with Daddy at lunch time.

Birthday Festivities

My birthday fell on a work day, so we decided to celebrate on May 16th this year.  Aunt Christy stayed home with the boys so that Sean & I could have a night out on the town.  So fun!!!  We had dinner at Linger, in the Lower Highlands.  It is such a cool place and the food is amazing...it is one of those places where just being there makes you feel hip (which is certainly NOT the case).  

 Pre-date photo

 After dinner we discovered that D-Bar, our previous favorite dessert place, was in the midst of relocating so found a new great place at Crave (downtown).  It has a great ambiance, complete with old movies playing for diners to enjoy--love it!  We had a great night together just being a couple.  Thank you Aunt Christy for watching the boys!

 Our family party was last night with the Hutchs.  Taylor & I celebrated getting older over pizza, beer & chocolate.  Awesome!

 Tay Tay & Davis enjoying birthday dessert.

 Sean & Kelsie Rae

 The Hutches and Carter

 Playing Apples to Apples after dinner.  What a fun time...I WON!

Ski Date with Daddy

Because of the incredible snowfall the mountains have had this season, Sean took the boys back up for one last ski day!  They went to A-Basin with our neighbors and Sean said the weather was perfect.  So happy that Carter & Davis are getting old enough to have these fun outings with Daddy and work on their ski skills!

 Going up the magic carpet.

 Go Davis, GO!

 My ski stars!

Nothing says Spring Skiing like a pink flamingo!

Disney Sweetens the Deal

We were hoping to take the boys to Disney World this Fall anyway, but when I got the offer for the FREE dining promotion, we went ahead and made our reservations!  We won't be going to see Mickey until November, but I am already SO excited!  We all still talk about our trip to Disneyland last Fall and what a wonderful time that was.  The boys will flip when we tell them we're going to visit Mickey's house in Florida! No, Carter & Davis do not know about the trip.  We will tell them when it gets closer to avoid a daily "Are we going to Disney World today, Mom?!" question. 

If any of you are thinking about a Disney World trip this year, it's worth checking into this dining plan offer. For our family of four, it is a value of over $850.  Considering how expensive it can be to eat in the parks every day, this is a huge convenience and money-saver.  *The extra-good news is that Grandad & Grandma Nancy are going to be vacationing with us, so we will all be able to enjoy the magic together with plenty of of adults to help keep track of the boys. Can't wait!

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Happy Mother's Day!

I got a surprise call to stay home from work on Sunday morning due to low census--what a treat!  I got to sleep in, wake up to a nice breakfast made by Sean AND gifts from my boys and Aunt Christy.  Best. Mother's Day. EVER.  I am so beyond blessed to have these two little guys in my life.  Being their mom is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me.  Even on the tough mommy days, they add so much love and happiness. What a blessing motherhood is. 

 Thank you everyone for the sweet cards!  And, thanks to Sister for the really nice cutting board!  I promise I will use it, even though it is so pretty & made in Italy...

Sean blew me away with his thoughtfulness this year. I got a fully cleaned, polished and vacuumed car (if you have ridden with me, you know my SUV is a mom-mobile, complete with food, random clothing and Legos strewn out all over the place.  This was no small task!), a gift card to my favorite spa and a Pandora bracelet with a charm for each of my boys.  I am a very lucky girl to be married to a man who not only loves us, but who sets such a great example for our boys of what hard work, loyalty and responsibility means. Thank you, babe!  You are amazing & I love you so much.

We had an outing to the mall on a very cold, snowy May 11th.  What a great day!  Happy Mother's Day to all of you awesome moms out there!  You know who you are...  

*I can't wait to celebrate with my own mom later this month!