A Couple of Monkeys...

Jack and Natalie were dying for something to do. It has been so hot outside that they've been unable to go outside and play. So we took them to Monkey Joe's. It is an indoor playzone with the blow up bounce slides and play areas. Jack and Natalie LOVED it!! There was a toddler area for Natalie too. There are plenty of chairs, internet service, and big flat screen TV's for the parents while the kids play. You can also have birthday parties there. We were there for over 2 hours. The kids were exhausted and had a blast. Jack can't wait to go back! It was hard to get him to leave of course. We played "one more time" for about 30 minutes! :)

Splish Splash in the Pool

On Father's Day we got the kiddie pool out and let the kids play!

We grilled some hot dogs and had strawberry shortcake for dessert!

It was a very hot day (90 plus degrees!) but we stayed pretty cool in

the shade.

Preschool Graduation!!

Processional to Pomp and Circumstance

Kindergarten and Preschool graduating class.

Jack is front row 2nd from the left.
Jack getting his diploma!
Jack walking back to his seat after receiving his diploma.

Recessional

Jack and his teacher Miss Darla.

Jack at the reception after graduation.

Proud parents and Jack.

We are so proud of Jack!! The graduation ceremony was very nice. The preschool classes sang a few songs and the kindergarten class said Bible verses. They received their diplomas and they showed a picture slide show of the preschool classes throughout the school year. Afterwards there was a reception where the children received gifts and the parents received a scrapbook of the photos in the slide show and a DVD of the slide show presentation. Our family celebrated by going to eat ice cream for a special treat!!

Last Day of Preschool!

Jack climbing the rock at the park.
Jack and his class at the petting zoo at the park.

Jack, Natalie, and Dad at the petting zoo at the park.

Jack and his friends playing at the park.

Gift for Miss Darla. Jack helped make the card. :) Inside

the card said..."Thank you for helping me grow!"

May 29th was the last day of school for the preschool and kindergarten classes. They went to school at 9:30am to practice graduation then headed to the local park for a picnic lunch, playing, and visiting the petting zoo. Graduation was later that evening. It was hard to say goodbye to his friends and Miss Darla. Jack loves school and had a wonderful teacher.

Mother's Day Tea

Jack's preschool class singing a Mother's Day song to us.

Jack bringing me the Mother's Day bonnet he made.

The children serving us sandwiches, chips, cookies, and lemonade.

Jack's preschool hosted a Mother's Day Luncheon for their mothers on May 8th. They made invitations to the luncheon, set the tables, prepared the menu, and made our special bonnets for us to wear. They also performed a Mother's Day song and served us our food. It was so sweet and special. I will remember it forever!

Easter 2009

Sam and Jack hunting for eggs...

Natalie on her first Easter Egg Hunt!

On the hunt for eggs!

Jack and Sam decorating eggs.

We celebrated Easter at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Jack and Sam decorated eggs and made a Easter craft. Natalie was amazed by Clara. We had a nice dinner and an Easter Egg Hunt in the yard. On Easter Sunday we went to church.

We're an Aunt and Uncle again!!

Amanda and Clara
Tiny little Clara.

Clara at home.

Clara and Aunt Heather.

Clara and Aunt Heather

Amanda and Jason became parents to a little girl on March 25, 2009. She joins big brother Sam.

Clara Jayne

7 pounds 4 ounces

20 inches long

Arrived at 8:28 pm

She is beautiful and so tiny! She has tiny fingers and long skinny toes on her feet! She loves to be swaddled in a tiny ball. She is a good little baby so far. Eats and sleeps mostly and only cries when being changed or hungry. She is very sweet!! Mommy and Clara are doing great!

Natalie's Pigtails

Natalie looks so cute in her pigtails! Grandpa couldn't wait until Natalie's hair was long enough to put in pigtails! Unfortunately they don't last long. She likes to pull them out and say Uh-Oh!

She looks so grown up with them in. :)

Jack's 1st Trip to the Gateway Arch

Jack's first ride on the Metrolink!
Jack on the Arch grounds.

Jack and Dad looking up at the Arch.

Jack looking out the window at the top of the Arch.

Mom and Jack looking out the window at the top of the Arch.

For Jack's 5th birthday he had a special day with Mom and Dad. We took him to the Gateway Arch for a ride up to the top. He was so excited!

We rode the Metrolink over to the Arch grounds. Jack had never been on the Metrolink and had a ball riding over. He loved going over the bridges, highways, and the Mississippi River.

Jack loved riding in the little "pods" all the way to the top of the Arch. He thought it was cool being up at the top. He looked out the windows and the first thing he saw was the baseball stadium. :)

We had a great day together!

Jack's 5th Birthday Party!

Now can I eat my cake???
Because of all the dark green, black, and blue icing...we all had stained lips and teeth!

Jack opening his presents, with Natalie and Sam watching.

Jack, Sam, and Natalie.

Jack and all his presents!

Hard to believe that Jack is 5 years old already!! Time flies.

Jack helped plan his birthday party by picking out the Disney Cars theme for decorations and wanting pizza and chocolate cake (with ice cream!) for the meal. He had fun opening all his presents.

Jack and his Preschool class sang at church the morning of his party. He did a great job singing and doing the hand movements. :)

Snow Day!

Jack standing on top of a snow pile!
Family photo minus Natalie.

Jack loves the snow!

Our snow covered house.

We got a winter snow storm that dropped about 8 inches of snow on us! Jack didn't have school for 2 days. He had a ball playing out in the snow. Natalie was inside taking a nap so she missed out on the fun. It was cold!