Summer Nights

Every night we find ourselves outside with the neighbors having a baseball game. The dads get involved and us moms sit and cheer them on and chat. It's been a lot of fun! The weather has been wonderful (even a bit chilly) at that time of day and so it's just that much better. In this picture we are missing a few kids (they hadn't made it out yet), but it gives you the idea. I'm so glad we live at the end of a cul-de-sac and have such fun neighbors. Here's to summer nights!

Class of 2010

We are officially done with paying for preschool. Woo hoo! Devin's little graduation was last Wednesday and I have to say it was darling! His teachers went all out and combined the 2 classes that are going on to kindergarten and put on a program that was just too cute for words. Devin was front row, center and did an amazing job! He knew his line and performed all the actions and songs perfectly. I think we were a little in awe at how well he behaved and performed. At the end he got his little diploma and was so proud. I can't believe he's starting kindergarten in the Fall! Here are some pictures from his performance.

Last day of class - Ms. Carol and Ms. Melissa

The proud graduate

Victoria, Campbell, Devin and Mallory

Whirl Wind Trip

Last Friday was the last day of school. We picked the kids up, dropped all their stuff at home and headed to Mesa, AZ for less than 48 hours to spend some time with my sister and her family. Her kids are grown and 2 live there, but she, her hubby and her daughter live in CO, so having them all in one state and a driveable distance was too tempting to pass up. We didn't get together until Saturday morning when we met up for some pictures. My camera and stand were the photographer. Too bad my favorite photographer wasn't around for this (allysonrandlephotography.com), but we made do.

Cousins

3 generations

Dad and Mom

Kirk and me

Dave and Sandi

Matthew (19), Steven (21), Sandi, Dave, Jessica (19)

Me, Justin (9), Avery (7), Kirk, Devin (4)

After photos we headed to lunch at Chili's and then back to the hotel for an afternoon of swimming while my sister and her husband headed to his high school reunion. We couldn't have asked for better weather. It maybe hit 90, but was comfortable enough that I didn't need to get in to cool off. I just enjoyed taking some pictures and visiting with my feet in. It was so good to spend so much time with my niece and nephews and for my kids to get to know them better. Devin and Steven (her oldest) have only met once when Devin was a baby, so it was especially nice for me to watch our kids play and hopefully make memories that won't be forgotten.

Devin took a special liking to Steven. He couldn't get enough of him. :-)

We then headed out to dinner to a place Kirk had seen on the Food Channel that wasn't too far away. It was yummy and we all had a good time. Then Steven had to leave, but Jessica and Matthew joined us for a drive by over to their old house. I miss them living so close in AZ. I used to go there a lot when they were younger. Many memories. :-)

Sunday, we got up, drove over to where Sandi and Dave were staying to watch Avery's baseball video and then we all met up with Jessica at our old favorite restaurant for brunch and our last hurrah together. It was a quick trip, but well worth the effort! Can't wait until Christmas when we will all be together again!

On our way home

Congrats, Justin!

Today Justin received another award for Honor Roll for this trimester. Go Justin! We are so proud of you and love you to pieces!

Closing Ceremonies

(Avery with Coach Jeff and Coach Jeff)

Yesterday was Avery's baseball league's closing ceremonies complete with free bouncies, free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and sodas. They had an awards ceremony where every team was announced and the players received a trophy. She had fun a lot of fun. But the best part was right after. The team headed over to one of the players homes where we had a BBQ and swim party. The coaches parents put together an awesome DVD of the entire season including video and slide show set to music. It is beautifully done and each player got a copy. They also gave her a framed photo they had taken of Avery with Kirk and I. We feel really lucky to have been on such a great team and had the best coaches ever. It was such a fun season and the parents and kids really helped that. Unfortunately, we had to leave the party a bit premature when Avery suddenly felt sick. But we were there for a good 2 hours and she was able to have a great time!

At the carnival...

Swim party...

The end

Devin's last day of speech and language was this morning. I know he'll miss it. He really enjoyed going every Tuesday and Thursday for the past 8 months and his teachers, Mrs. Juli and Ms. Heather (seen above in that order) were wonderful with him and helped him a lot. They really love him and asked me to bring him to visit next year, if possible. They say he's a joy and a love. It's always a plus when a teacher genuinely loves your child and enjoys them. He will continue to receive speech only twice a week when he enters kindergarten in the Fall (Yikes! Kindergarten already?!), but has made a lot of progress this past year. We are very proud of his work and behavior for all his teachers. He saves the "good" stuff for us when he comes home. Lucky us. :-)

Memorial Day Weekend

We went camping over the weekend and had a great time! Just in Riverside, but it was a nice campground with a lake, miniature golf (that we didn't use), 3 different park areas and bike riding. We had a fun time with our bikes, playing catch, playing at the playgrounds and Kirk even caught a couple of tiny Bluegill. Saturday was incredibly windy and the power at the park went out that evening, but we still had a really fun time. I think the photos speak for themselves.