Adam's turns 3 and the end of a road.

Two weeks ago, Adam turned 3. We made our usual trip to the Chuck-E-Cheese where the kids had a great time and I watched. They just love going there and it's kind of become a tradition I would love to break, but hey - it's not my birthday so I roll.

We had some cupcakes for Adam back at home and presents with Grandma and Papa.

Adam's favorite gift from us was his remote control helicopter. He was so excited. I can report that now, 14 days later, both of his helocopters are broken.

Grandma and Papa one upped us, as per usual, with a Lightening McQueen Hot Wheels. He does love it, but can't steer for anything. It's going to be a fun toy for years to come. (note to Grandma and Papa - you have set the bar high by buying the kids their first cars. expectations are high for 16th birthdays. consider yourselves warned.)

Adam flying his helicopter.

We had a small party on Saturday for friends and the kids really enjoyed it. Adam just wanted his Cars cake!

And he loved the attention of people singing to him.

Later we roasted smores and played with the 2000 glow in the dark bracelets we bought.

We think it was a very special birthday for our little man.

Adam's 3 year checkup was last week and he weighed in at 32 lbs (50%) and is 40 inches tall (97%). He just answered all the doctors questions and said ouch when he got his flu shot. He is such a big boy. Potty training is next and he has little to no interest. Remember we bribed him with a Mac to poop in the potty? And he did and he got his Mac? Well that was it - he got what he wanted and earned it fair and square. We had failed to explain that he had to continue to poop on the potty. We will be smarter next time.

This post marks the end of a road with this blog. I plan to update occasionally (maybe). No promises.  The kids just don't change that much and I find I don't have the time or energy to keep up anymore. We are a busy family of 5 and with all the ways we communicate with people now, the blog seems a little outdated. I don't take daily or weekly pictures of the kids like I used to. They are all super cute, I just don't think of it as much anymore. I am sure the 17 books of pictures I have so far will prove I loved them lots.

It's  been fun. 4.5 years of memories captured, printed and waiting for my kids to be embarrased about later.

Bye for now.

Melissa

School for All

Everyone started school this week. They were looking adorable and were super excited. This was Adam's first time being dropped off alone - ever, and he did great. Layla was ready to get back to her friends and her school.  

 Adam went right to the trains and kept his backpack on, but didn't fuss or anything when we left. It helps that he has the world's sweetest teacher. He is getting used to the routine of school and has even been using the potty there. Apparently their potty is cooler than ours because once he gets home, he is over it.

 Wednesday, Hannah started the first grade.

 She was excited and ready to go back to school too. These kids had a super fun summer and are ready to be apart from eachother for a while.

Hannah loves her teacher and her friends at school. There are some old friends and new kids in her class and it is a good mix for her.

So far so good!

School Tomorrow!

Layla and Adam start school tomorrow! They will be going 3 mornings a week. Hannah starts on Wednesday. Time just flew by this summer. Back to school pictures are coming this weekend.

Here is Adam after a day of swimming. He crashed at 3:30 and this is what he looked like at 5 when we tried to wake him up.

We also started the potty training this weekend. Adam pooped twice on the potty which was exciting. We know it is going to take a while, but every poop I don't have the change is great.

What are we up to?

We had a nice visit from Mark and Abbey this past weekend and it was really fun. 
Friday night we let Aunt Shelly babysit and she allowed this to happen.

But it went better than the last time I tried it last year (and everyone got hurt). A good time was had by all.

The girls all went to gymnastics on Saturday which was super cute. Adam went to the doctor for a double ear infection which was not as cute.

 

We went swimming and Abbey and Layla both learned to jump in the pool. A little peer pressure and competition and it was go time for these girls.

  

 Look - Adam can do it.

 You giant babies.

 Hannah can do it.

 There she goes.

 And again and again and again.

 Next year we loose the wingies kids.

 Layla was previously scared of putting her face in the water, so this was huge.

It was such a lovely time and I am really looking forward to Mark and Beth Parson moving to St. Louis in the coming years. I know it's going to happen, just a matter of when.

Adam visited his pre-school room today for the first time. He is going to be just fine when he starts in 3 weeks. He loved the toys and was itching to go play outside. Layla is ready to head back to school too. She visited her class and talked their ears off for 30 minutes.

The girls are scheduled to go with Grandma and Papa to Branson next week which they have been looking forward to all summer. Matt will be in MN all week, Adam and I will be hanging out doing something fun every day.

Fourth of July Fun!

Tons of fun was had over the fourth of July. We had our neighborhood parade, a long day of swimming and fireworks. Adam was so excited to see the firetruck, but when we finally got to get in, he was suddenly shy. The girls stayed to watch fireworks with Matt while Adam and I came home. Layla hated the loud fireworks and went inside to watch TV with Grandma. Poor girl. Next year we are planning to attend a big show, so hopefully she is less scared. My pictures are out of order, but I'm feeling a little lazy so here are a few of our favorite shots.

Smoke Bombs are fun.

The girls and their Grandma.

Sparkler fun.

Poppers.

Adam's favorite pool game.

Layla putting her face in the water. She's getting closer to being ready to swim.

Blue cupcakes.

 

Big guy in a firetruck.

Layla waved that tiny flag the whole way.

Parade time.

Sweet sisters.

Swimming in the dark.