Kindergarten Graduation - May 2011

It is kind of a funny thing that we make such a big deal out of kindergarten. It is as big of a production as high school graduation. Well, okay, not as big, but almost. I guess it is good that the kids actually graduate from kindergarten and move on to actually school.
Having said that, it was a really cute production the kids put on for all of the eager, picture taking, families. There were songs with actions (of course we got all of that on video), spoken parts (many of which could not be heard because the microphone wasn't working at first), cute faces, and a whole lot of pride in the production!
We are so proud of Tyler though. He has been such a great kid at school. His teacher tells us how well behaved and kind he is there. We know he is a great kid, but you never know for sure what is happening when you are not there.
Great job, Tyler - we are so proud of you!! Onto 1st grade!!

The fight! - May 2011

Have you ever seen a sadder face in all of your life?

Talk about break your heart!!

Tyler was outside in the backyard playing with Bryant and Ty (his best friend). They were playing baseball - which is their very most favorite thing to do. Then, it happened. Tyler was trying to score and decided that he probably couldn't make it home, so he turned around and raced back for 3rd base. On the way back, he got into a terrible fight with the stubs that were left of a dead bush right in the middle of his path. I think the bush won that fight. He came inside covered in blood and scared me to death.
After briefly cleaning it off of him, it was apparent to me that stitches were probably necessary. So, I called Nick. He came home. Then, Tyler and I went to the doctor's office. The rest can be seen in the pictures! He was in a lot of pain and the doctor told us that we were very lucky that his eye was not damaged. Obviously, it wasn't just luck. If you look at the pictures, you can see that there isn't a good explanation for his eye being undamaged! Thank heaven for tender mercies and guardian angels!!
He ended up with stitches and a very sore face.

Bye Bye Tonsils (and adenoids, and strep)

Tyler had his tonsils and adenoids out today. He is such a trooper and handled it bravely! He is home and resting comfortably now.
I have decided that I really don't like leaving my kids for surgery! It is so hard to watch them wheeled the other way. Tyler did great though. We are so glad to be on this side of it all!
The Doctor thought Tyler's tonsils were so amazingly huge that she put them in a baggie and brought them out to the waiting room to show us. It had the attention of everyone there. I just wish I would have had the presense of mind to take a picture of it!!

One is Such a Lonely Number!

We decided that we are very thankful for Maggie's temperment. She so much prefers to be around other people than left to her own peaceful moments! It was so fun and funny to watch this little scene unfold the other day at our house. Her brothers and sisters really love her - wholeheartedly!!
Maggie started out all fed, changed, dressed, rested, and comfortable on the couch...

Then, Emma came over to give Maggie her proper morning greeting- with hugs and kisses, ooos and aaahhs, and lots of love that only Emma can give...

Of course, seeing and hearing the fun Emma was having with Maggie caused Grayce to experience an immediate drop of her toys and a quick sprint over to the couch (luckily she bounced off of the cushion and not off of Maggie when we arrived at full speed) so that she could join in the fun. That quickly started the outpouring of hugs and kisses that only older sisters can manage to give..

After a minute of that and watching the twins be a little more rough with Maggie than Tyler is comfortable with, he came over to supervise and join the fun...

Oh Maggie - we wish you luck in your perfect little role as the youngest member of our family! We hope you endure it well and know that we love you!!

Swimming

I finally got to spend a few minutes with the older kids. So, we all went swimming. We had a great time - as you can see. I have decided that my kids are waterbugs - they love to be in the water (I guess I have known that for a while).