Flash Forward

Today marks the end of Cade's first year of "real" school. I had to endure the likes of a slideshow and kind words from his teacher intertwined with music that generally makes me cry on any given normal day. Today? Too much to handle. Lucky for me, Rhett decided to just drop the hammer (that is Bobby Terminology for making a really horrible #2) just as the lump in my throat became unbearable and I was quickly brought back to the here and now and able to supress my need for tears. Cade received his little diploma and a thoughtful gift from his teacher. And for the record, I have absolutely adored his teacher this year. She couldn't have been a more perfect match for him. Thank you, Lord for answered prayers! She has taught him to read, to write, and to do math. She has also taught him to follow directions and to be a good helper. And she taught him songs........a song for everything under the sun, songs about letters and seasons, and songs about songs! I've learned that each year just seems to move more quickly than the last and for the moment I just wish it would slow. For now though, I'll just keep up as I can and take it all in.........and then I'm going to blog it. Because, as some of you know, with each childbirth I lost a significant portion of my brain and unfortunately my memory was in one of those chunks. Thank goodness for whomever invented this handy little tool!

Job well done, Cade. I am so proud of you!

SLEEPOVER!!!

Cade has his first friend sleep over this past weekend. This picture was taken after a full day of running hard and playing non-stop so it was pretty easy to get them to go to bed. All went well through the night but I was wakened by the sound of gunfire (pretend, not real) WAY too early in the morning. Apparently there was a Star Wars figurine war going on. Both of them had a great time and I welcomed the extra playmate. Good times!

Alternate Usage

I had no idea there were so many uses for umbrellas. I knew of the usual to keep yourself dry. I've heard of using them as weapons in case of an attack. And maybe you could use it for a walking stick if say, your ankle was hurt. I have found out recently that they also make for a great fort in the driveway. You may be asking yourself, "Why do they have so many big umbrellas?" Can't answer that. I have no clue. But we do. And the boys love it. I think they played in the driveway for a good solid hour at least playing under these umbrellas. It was all great. All fun. Until I poked my head out and saw the stiff wind come through and start carrying them all over the neighborhood. I ran outside flailing and yelling for Grant to help me but basically he just stood there aghast. I did rally all of the umbrellas back and I was unscathed. Good times. I'm sure I provided as much entertainment for the folks on my street as the umbrella fort did for the boys.

Splish, Splash!

Mother's Day Out and Kindergarten both had Water Day today. I spent my entire free day running between the 2 schools trying to take pictures and make everyone feel special. It was a bit frigid outside for water play but no one seemed to mind too much. Rhett didn't want to take his shirt off because it was "coldie" outside. He was trying to walk through some little floppy sprinkler things that they had going on and I was just cracking up at his face! He was working so hard to keep it out of his eyes.....

"Bllllahhhhkkk!!!! "
"Ggggeesshhhh!!!!!"

"Ahhhhh. Finally. I'll just relax and let my tongue do the leading."
Grant had no idea it was cold. I snapped this just before he yelled "CANNONBALL" and jumped in the kiddie pool. Then, I headed to Cade's school to catch him in action. There were sloppy, wet kids everywhere and a crazy person with a water hose so I didn't get a ton of pictures there. I could just see my camera getting drenched and then me being on the front of the newspaper for tackling the crazed hose lady. This was one of my favorite pics. Cade and his best bud. How cute.

Like Father, Like Son

Cade was given an award last week by his guidance teacher. I just chuckled when I looked at it because it was the award for honesty. I laughed because in high school Bobby's buddies all called him "Honest Bob". Looks like Cade is not only monopolizing Bobby's physical genes but his personality traits as well. Good thing he's got such a good model to follow!

Way to go, Cade!

Mother's Day Photo

One quick snapshot to commemorate the day. Maybe next year I won't be the only brown haired, brown eyed girl in the picture!

Pimp My Ride

Are you allowed to use the word "pimp" on a family blog??? Not sure. But anyway, Grant had to make a car to WEAR to school. That translates as "Sonja had a project to complete while Grant played downstairs with his daddy". I spent the better half of a couple hours scouring my pantry and craft box and eventually came up with this. A little duct tape and aluminum foil can be your best friend when you have procrastinated and are in a pinch. And, please. Take note of the rims. If only I could have figured out a way to make them spin. That would have been the greatest.
Decked out with a license plate and everything! Grant thought it was the coolest thing ever. I guess that's all that matters. I must say that I was feeling pretty good about myself and my project until I walked into school with that kid who's parent apparently spent the last 3 weeks constructing their child's car and if I hadn't looked closely enough it could have been beside me on the interstate and I wouldn't have had a clue it was cardboard.
Let's just say my pride was quickly deflated............ but then, as I was leaving, I spotted a car way worse than mine. So, I didn't leave as humbled as I could've been. Nothing like having a preschool project try to teach you life lessons.