William, the Preschool Graduate

How did we get from this in September . . .

  To this now?  It just doesn't seem possible that my little man in the middle is an elementary schooler now - or at least he will be in just a few months.  Time needs to slow down!

Today we headed to his school for his special end of year celebration.  These two ladies, Mrs. Howren and Mrs. DelRio, are his teachers for four days of the week.  He has grown leaps and bounds under their care.  He knows all his letters - capital and lowercase (although the lowercase i and l give him some trouble).  He can write all his letters - even if lots of them are still uppercase.  He also knows his numbers, shapes, and all that other good stuff.   As Mrs. DelRio says - he is ready for the big leagues!

For the past two years Will has spent one day a week with this amazing woman - Mrs. Dolson  - for math and science enrichment.  She has nurtured his curiosity and sparked a love of experimentation that I hope follows him throughout his life.

 Our sweet boy had quite the cheering section in the chapel today.  Nonno, Nonna, Great Aunt Carm, and Aunt Anna all joined Mommy and Daddy for the big event.

 He looked so cute up on those risers all dressed up.  The theme for the program was What a Wonderful World - and seeing all those little ones up there reminds me that it truly is.

 After the program we headed to his classroom for cookies and drinks.  Will was so proud of himself and all of us were ridiculously proud as well.  I have now doubt that there are great things in store for our middle man.  Today he announced that he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.  This is a change from the trash man he has said every other time I ask.  Whatever he does, it is my hope that he will be a happy, healthy, kind individual that is working in some way to make our world a better place.

The Old Oak

Friday night we had just put William and Jack to bed and were in our room reading to Max when we heard a loud crash.  

Never in a million years did I expect to see this.  A huge black oak tree in our back yard fell over. It wasn't storming, there was no wind - it just fell over.

All I can do is thank God that no one was hurt.  It terrifies me to think that just two hours earlier I was playing right there with the boys.

 We knew the tree was old and not in the best of shape, but it had all new growth this season and we never in  a million years thought it would just fall over.  Now that it is down we can see just how unhealthy it was.  The roots are pretty much completely rotten and the entire tree trunk it hallow.

The boys thought it was pretty crazy, although they are sad that they can't play on their playset right now.   I just can't wait until it is all cleaned up and out yard is back to normal!

Mother's Day

How did I get so lucky?  I feel like I ask myself this question all the time and today was no exception.  I love planning fun family outings for Mother's Day and today was was extra fun because Nonna was able to join us too!

 

 We loaded up and headed across the river to our favorite pick your own farm because the strawberries were ready!  It seems a bit early this year, but I'm not complaining!

 Once we were in the fields these guys got right to work.  Will must have asked 50 times if a strawberry was ready while holding up a completely green one.  Jack got the hang of it pretty quickly and loved it!

 Before we knew it Will was finding the best red berries for his bucket - I mean look at that haul!

This guy was all about finding the funny shaped strawberries.  He was telling Nonna all about the star shaped ones he found last year.  Next thing I know he is running over to tell me he found a strawberry with a butt.  Eight year old boy humor at it's finest!

My big boys were too funny showing off their pickings.  When I directed them to take a bite the guy behind them couldn't help but turn around and laugh.  

I loved spending time with my grandma when I was little and it just warms my heart so much to watch my boys spend time with my mom.  

We followed up our afternoon outing with dinner at Nonna and Nonno's house. I couldn't imagine a better way to spend my Mother's Day than with my mom, my hubby, and my boys.  It was a what every Mother's Day should be.

Max's First Holy Communion

What an incredible day.  This big guy made his first holy communion and it was cause for great celebration.

It warmed my heart to see an overflowing pew of family and friends that were there to see Max receive this special sacrament for the first time.   He is lucky to have these wonderful people in his life!

 

Each pew was marked by a banner made by the child.  Max and I had a great time making his banner a few weeks ago.  I'm not sure what part he enjoyed more - the hot glue gun, or the glitter glue pen.  

Max looked so cute with his prayer hands as he entered church.  Even if his shirt tail was hanging out.  The kids were with us in our pew and I was right behind Max as he received the sacrament. I didn't get a picture of it, but I promise I'll never forget that moment.

 At the end of mass the kids bestowed a blessing on all of their families.  It was super sweet and I'll admit that I shed a tear or two.

After mass we headed to a local restaurant to continue celebrating over Max.  It isn't often that I get a true smile from Max for a picture, so this one with his godmother, Aunt Anna, just melts my heart.

All the grandparents - and even Great Grandma - were there to celebrate too.  Along with aunt, uncles, and lots of cousins.  I'd post all the pictures, but I'd be here all night :)

 And last but not least our little family of five.  It's hard to believe these boys are now eight, five, and three.  They are growing so fast!  I know I'll blink and it will be Will's turn to get his first communion.  I just need to soak it all up!

Bubbles and Baseball

Spring days really don't get any better than today.  Jack actually took a nap and was super excited to blow bubbles outside with Will before we got Max from school.

 After dinner we headed outside for some baseball.  Will was happy to chase the balls after they were hit.

 Jack was bound and determined to use the Mizzou bat to hit the ball.  He was so stinkin cute wearing one of the batting helmets from Max's team bag.  I couldn't take it!

Max was so patient and took such care pitching to his littlest brother.  

Dad got in on the action as well.  Notice that the batting helmet was a little bit small for him :)  I love playing outside with my boys and I hope this weather holds out so we can spend more hours playing!

Granting Dreams

 Max is  part of the MOSAICS program at school.  This amazing teacher has done more for him in the past year than we thought possible.  She forces him outside his comfort zone, which is exactly what he needs.  Every Tuesday is Mrs. Klohman day and it is his absolute favorite day of the week.

As part of her curriculum, she has all of the students fill out a grant application that is funded by the district alumni association.  Max wrote his grant to attend the morning chess session at school and his grant was funded!  Monday night we attended the awards ceremony and he was so proud.  He looked so old crossing the stage to receive his award.  Can't believe how much our oldest is growing up!

Three

Because I just had to share one last birthday picture of Jack.  He was so excited ab out the fire on his brownies.  Love him beyond measure.