Swim Time

We have taken the kids swimming a lot lately and they love it! Aikman is becoming quite the little fish! He wears one of those vests but he loves to jump in, he holds his breath, he swims underwater--he's great! Pippa on the other hand is a mess! Lol she won't wear a vest, and whines and pulls her arms out until it's off. She wants to swim on her own but of course can't so it becomes a battle of her trying to get away from you and if you let her go, she clearly goes under. Such a strong willed child! Lol but that's my girl! The YMCA pool is the most challenging because you can't jump off the sides and they both love that. The pool in Anson is so neat though and they are both able to do what they want. It is one of those that just gradually gets deeper, like at the beach, so Pips especially, splashes and walks and jumps all on her own. Aikman plays in the shallow parts, but also swims off with Devin into the deeper areas. They both love water so much though and I am glad for that. 

At the YMCA

My Pips

Monks about to go under!

Her new Scooby towel

Coming back from Anson, the kids were so sleepy lol

Stylin! 

Bowling!

One Saturday after naps, we went bowling! We had peelers for buy one game, get one free so we got two free actually! The kids had a great time and they were so sweet to watch out there. 

Okay, so I'm not the BEST at bowling...

My Little Ar-Teest!

Pips loves to color and her skills helped her win a coloring contest! The weekend Tio and Tia were down, we tried a new BBQ place called Sweet Meats. They had coloring pages for the kids and did them by age group. Later in the week I get a call while I'm at work saying she won for the 2-3 year olds! My baby girl! They told us we could pick up our prize anytime. We went that evening and I ran in. They gave her a gift bag with crayons, a sketch pad, a gift certificate for a free meal, and a book. She was sooo excited and proud of herself. I felt bad because Aikman said well what did I win and I had to explain he didn't and we don't always win, we just do our best. He said, "well that's okay, I'm still really proud of Pippa!" Such a sweet big brother! 

Her picture! 

Using her new crayons! 

Fun Filled Weekend

The day after Monks' party, Tio and Tia came to visit! We started our weekend with a zoo trip! 

The kiddos waiting to go in

Brotherly love! 

I love this pic! All the cousins with all the uncles! 

Devin and I taking a break

Late night ice cream run at Mary's Paleteria

Tia took the kids the next morning for doughnuts! 

Visiting G-Bo! This pic is precious. 

All the family! My dad would be so proud! 

Graduation Party

The next day we had a party to celebrate our monkey's accomplishment! We bought some class of 2014 decorations and Devin hung them all up while Phil and I made some food! We served chicken salad on croissants, a veggie tray, nachos, salami, pickles and cheese cubes, chips and dip and a spinach artichoke dip with pita chips! It was delicious. I had Devin pick up some pizzas last minute just to be sure there was enough food! We had a wonderful time eating and talking and laughing. We also had some yummy cake! I had them put Class of 2027 since that will be his high school graduating class! Eek! I can't even think about that. Aikman was so happy and had a great time. He always tells me I am the best mom ever and I throw the best parties. Gigi would be proud! 

You can't see them too well, but Devin made Reese's peanut butter cups look like graduation hats with the tassle! So cute! 

Food! 

Kiki and the kids being silly! 

Lucas found his comfy place! 

Too cute! 

We bought him this Heroes of the Bible book, a daily devotional focusing on real life heroes from the bible and what they did. It has been a lot of fun doing it before bed! 

Special Gifts

Big Tio and Tia Nette mailed monkey a gift card to buy something special for his graduation. He opened his card that day of graduation as soon as he got home. He said, "can we please go to the store now?!" Of course we had to! We get to Wal-mart and he walks up and down every aisle about three times. He wanted to triple check his options. He would find sonething and then we would tell him it was too much, he had enough, or he could get that and sonething else. He took his time and finally decided on superhero Legos! He was able to get two sets plus an Avenger ring pop! He was soooo excited. We even had him pay himself. He thought that gift card was the coolest and he was so proud of himself for doing it all. 

With his gift card

Pips having fun too!

Paying

Starting to build

His creations! 

He loves these! 

Graduation

On Thursday, May 22, my baby boy graduated Pre-K. Words can't describe how precious he was up there and how much my heart hurt with sadness that he has grown so fast yet was beaming with pride and joy at how smart and handsome he is. And he's mine. We had a fun ceremony where the kids sang and got their diplomas and then they had cake and punch for everyone. The kids had the option to go home or stay and he asked to stay with his teacher. He just adores Mrs. Shivetta! Unfortunately, they changed the date AFTER, yes AFTER I had ordered my invites and not everyone was able to come, but it was still nice! Everyone sent their love and he was very excited and knew how proud we were of him. I can't believe he starts real elementary school this fall! 

The arch! 

Mommy and daddy waiting....

That face! 

Singing songs....

Getting diploma

I love he's sitting Indian style lol

With Mrs. Jennifer

With uncle Phil

With Mrs. Sue

With his teacher, Mrs. Shivetta 

With his proud parents 😢 

The cake! 

We made these goodie bags the night before. They all had smarties, fruit roll ups  with a black ribbon tied around to look like a diploma and a trail mix bar. 

Handsome boy eating his cake