First Day of School, 2012

Remember the old days, when school started after Labor Day instead of the end of July?  We're still on that schedule.  Since this blog is part family scrapbook, I've included the obligatory 'first day' photo.  Lucas is in 4th grade, Nichole is in 2nd, and Keandre is officially a Kindergartener.  No backpacks or school supplies to purchase for their Montessori school -- they keep it nice and simple. :)

Nichole celebrated her 8th birthday on the first day of school.  The class sang her a special song while she held a globe and walked around the 'sun' (a candle) eight times. 

The kids are excited to be back in school with their friends.  Andy and I are glad they're back in school, too. ;)  Really, though....we are blessed to know our children are together and have caring and motivated teachers. 

Summer Fun

In August, we made a last-minute trip to CA to visit family.  You know the kids are growing up when you arrive more refreshed instead of completely exhausted, and actually enjoy yourself while there. :)

Andy and his parents took the kids to La Jolla for a day
while I enjoyed a little R & R.

 

Then Andy and I headed back out to La Jolla for a date night, complete with a walk on the beach under a full moon.  Wish we could do that more often!

 A little cousin time and a birthday celebration
rounded out the week.

And we can't forget the caterpillars.  Classic Lucas.

We finished out the week with a trip to see Auntie Elise and cousins Claire and Kyndra on the way home.  We'll definitely be heading back to that river.  Maybe we'll visit Elise and the girls while we're at it. ;)

Summer fun!

It's great to be five!

    

Keandre is a big fan of Bill Cosby's 'Little Bill'. If you are familiar with the show, you'll recognize the saying, "It's great to be five!"  March 10th was Keandre's big day, and he shouted it with pride. :) 

His breakfast of choice was a plateful of hash browns.  Can you see his excitement?

Keandre asked for an easy-going party at a local park.  He requested that everyone wear his favorite color, green, and that we serve only foods that are safe for him to eat.  I gave all the parents a heads-up that this party would be a little unusual....

It worked out great!  The kids all had great attitudes about the food.  We called it an 'eat like me' party, and served fresh-sliced apples, rice cakes, roasted garbanzo beans, and green beans. 

There were meaningful conversations amongst the parents and kids about how these are foods that are safe for Keandre, and that he can't eat most of the foods that they eat.  Empathy grew. :)

 Face painting was the highlight of the party.  My creative sisters-in-law came up with some great ideas, and the kids were all impressed.

Artan and Lucas contributed to the animal theme that caught on well with the boys.  (Most of the girls were princesses.)

Dessert was rice crispies made with homemade marshmellows. Keandre ate at least five of them, and wants me to make them again soon.

We all went home tired and happy.  Our little tiger declared the day a huge success! :)

Is was a cool morning....it was a happy morning!

After Destany's party yesterday, we invited Arjay and Dedrick to stay the night.  Thankfully, naptime was next on the agenda, and all but two kiddos slept, so even Mama was able to catch some Zs!  That was a great start to our time together. :)

After naps, first on the list was a snack and a nice long walk at dusk, followed by dinner, showers, and stories and prayers before bed.  Everyone was *wiped out*, and soon it was quiet.  Peaceful and quiet.  Blissful. 

And then....bright and early the pitter patter of feet, a 20-month-old who had forgotten where he was, kids excited to go outside and play.  And with the weather a cool 75 degrees, we lived it up!

Sorry - no pictures of the sleepy Mama. ;)  And Daddy was long gone, miles away, biking.  But, amazing Daddy that he is, he was soon home and took over so I could take a little break.  I can hear them wrestling out there right now.  Love it!

Happy Birthday, Keandre!

Happy Birthday, Keandre! 

We cannot believe you are already three!  It is amazing to think of all you went through in your first 2+ years, and the healing we have seen in you in such a short time.  Your doctor thinks you are a little miracle!  Now that we have your reflux, asthma, food allergies, and eczema mostly under control, no one would guess how much you struggled to get to where you are. :)

We love you sweet boy, and are delighted with the way you are growing up.  You are so friendly, creative, and cuddly.  You adore babies, and love to keep them entertained.  And you work so hard to keep up with the big kids when you are all out front playing.  We are so thankful God brought you our way, and cannot imagine our lives without you.  We pray often that you will continue to grow up healthy and strong, and will someday want to serve Him with all your heart. 

Some friends and cousins who came to your 'out front' party.

Helping Daddy grill up some hot dogs.

The bikes, trikes, and wagons kept on a-rollin',

with hardly a pause to eat.

Until it was time for 'happy cake', that is!

(Daddy made allergy-free cupcakes.  Hooray! 

You requested suckers on top, and they were a hit!)

Wait......how many fingers?

We can't wait to see what the next year holds for you, Keandre.  We love you!

~Mommy & Daddy

ps - A funny little story I want to remember..... 

The day we had your party was my actual birthday.  You were quite confused by this, and became concerned every time someone wished me a happy birthday.  You were quick to remind them, "It's my 'happy party'."  Of course, just minutes after your friends and cousins went home, you were the most enthusiastic singer when your brother and sister gave me a gift and sang to me.  You had finally had your 'happy party' and you were ready to share the day with Mommy after all! :)