simply summer one

As we do various activities in the summer (and I am certain I will post about some of the others too), I am calling our family summer walks: one.  It’s one of the simple things that I love so much.  There is something special about randomly going on a walk as a family.  During the school year, we are usually swamped due to our schedules and too tired after work.  SO, needless to say, here are snaps of one of those walks I cherish like crazy.

First, let me introduce our newest family member, Joey!  He is certainly post worthy.  I am compiling some sweet snaps to honor him (coming soon).

  

This is on the way to an old pond in our neighborhood.  We think the newly laid trail might have been a Boy Scout project.  The grass has been cut down.  Brayden likes to throw horse apples in.  It makes for a quick walk, yet gives us some time to explore a little bit of nature too!

    

Daddy’s Day 2012

What a happy happy day! Love you Scott!  Thank you for being a great hubby and daddy.  You are loved BIG!!!

My favorite was Nealy’s card….the Snoopy one. 

Happy Father’s Day

to a Dad who taught me what life is all about….

Can you repeat?  I wasn’t listening.

lions, tigers, and bears OH! my!

On  April 27th, in the evening, Brayden had his spring program.  I can’t tell you how adorable it was.  I sadly didn’t get pictures worth posting as the ones in the sanctuary ended up a bit blurry.  However, the memories and few decent photos I did get will certainly last a life time.  I’m sharing a few!…such fun!   The theme of lions, tigers, and bears OH! my!…was most appropriate.  The little ones made their little animal visors and sang the sweetest songs:

Here We Come

Who’s the King of the Jungle

Five Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree

Let All Creatures, Praise the Lord

Spanish Color Song

The Monkey Dance

Friends Forever

This little program just made me “thirsty” for more.  We celebrated Brayden’s first year at school in pre-k.  Both grandmas were in attendance, as were Grand-dad, and Aunt Pia!  Of course, Nealy, Scott and I were there. Duh? :)  Seriously, what  a wonderful night it was!!!!

my handsome boy!

  

One Bean

 

This book by, Anne Rockwell is a great way to introduce the plant life cycle to children.  One Bean is one of the books I purchased in Brayden’s Scholastic Book Order.  He actually picked it out.  It was perfect for a little experiment too!

We followed the little steps in the story so (hopefully) B would end up with his very own Bean Plant!

 

We found an old pot & plate, some soil, and we placed the little potted bean in direct sunlight after watering it.  We checked on it every day.  After about 4 days…

 

LOOK!  The bean started to sprout!  Brayden was super excited, he came running to tell me as soon as I arrived home from work one day.

 

Soon, we had a lovely little bean plant.  In a week or so, we may very well plant it outside.  What fun it was to read and reread One Bean and actually have B plant his very own bean.  I would totally recommend, One Bean for little ones taking an interest in nature or just a sweet read about the steps of the plant life cycle told in story form. 

Easter Egg-citement!

In preparation for B’s Easter party at school, I found a “bunny hoppin” cute idea…of course on Pinterest!

I can’t even tell you how egg-cited B was to give these to his friends.  He loved the idea and told me Cheetos were his class’ favorite….score!

I added a cute little tag and ta-da! …some serious carrot cuteness!

 

B leads our prayer at home before meals and almost every time, I get a little lump in my throat.  To see 11 little ones pray so sweet and accurately was simply heart-warming.

delivering the goodies to the cubbies

B giving Mrs. York an Easter goodie!  He ADORES Mrs. York.  She has a darling personality..peppy and sweet.  She is the perfect teacher for B.

The class made these precious little Easter Bunny bags for their egg hunt.

Some egg-cellent artwork!

This is the class (B is hiding behind Mrs. York), listening to directions before hunting for eggs.  Each student was assigned a number that was written on the bottom of his/her bag.  Parents sent in eggs numbered 1-13 (number of students in the class).  It was a really cute idea and it ensured that each child get the same number of eggs total.  Two friends were absent so Mrs. York collected their eggs.  ANYWAY, it was so dang cute to see all the kids running around hunting for eggs!

Yep, that’s Nealy.  I sure did take her out of school to attend this special time with B.  Scott recently attended Dad and Donuts Day, so he wasn’t able to make it this day.

So super proud of this picture!  I know he will outgrow me some day and this photo (though, I’m kneeling and he’s standing) gives me a little “visual” of what a photo in future of us might look like.  …lump in my throat again.

Gran came too!

umm, ladies man?

cute. right?

After the egg hunt we came back to the classroom for craft time!

B had a variety of stickers to put on his dyed hard-boiled egg.  He chose one. …a soccer ball. Fitting!

What a wonderful afternoon!  It certainly was a great start to get us excited about Easter.  Along with the egg-citement and fun, I was able to observe my little guy in a structured learning environment!  He was calm (trust me, isn’t always), obedient, sweet, and social.  I was content, proud, and know we are one blessed family!

Books, Books, and more Books!

 

A Scholastic Spring Order!  Oh the fun we will READ this spring!