My baby boy is 5?

Can it really be that 5 years ago we were holding our "pouka" for the first time? (That's the name Bill chose for Garrett when he was swaddled in his sweet baby blankets.)The name is long outgrown, but nevertheless-still etched on my heart.
The pictures are in random order but....anyway-

here's a few pictures of Garrett's annual pool party. I had letter beads and yarn for each kid to make a bracelet with their name on it when they first arrived. It was fun to see him play with all his friends and neighbors. He got a "motorcylcle bike with shocks" for his birthday from us. It's been a long time awaitin' for that one. He's rubbed his skin raw on his hand from riding it so much the past couple days. I remember him doing that with his first light saber too. BOYS!

The other pics are of our block party on Sunday night. It was quite a happenin' party. We had 3 grills, TONS of food and lots of smores! Of course, macy was the only little girl-but she got some special attention from the teenage girls of the cul-de-sac. It was so fun and I'm looking forward to spending this summer with our neighbors. It's like one big campground. "Refrigerator rights and long bike ridin' nights."

Here's a picture of Garrett and Macy brushing their teeth before school and a picture of how Garrett was being so helpful as to do Macy's hair for her!

First of Many

It was a busy weekend! And as much as I long for the times when the hubby and I can date alone, I love being at home with my kids too. So, sometimes being scheduled with adult things leave me longing for the child-like things. For example, I love to listen to Garrett play in his room with his "guys" and "stuff". I captured this moment and hope to capture many more, because in about 3 years I probably won't be privy to see or hear this kind of play. I could be wrong. However, here is the first of many more "just playing" pictures I hope to capture. Note: garrett in his garage sale cowboy boots playing in his room with his tub of Toy Story toys before church. P.S. I'm especially sweet on the "koooshshhhh sound that's coming from his mouth".

Macy is full fledge into the "pouring" stage. Pouring water from one cup to the other, pouring into an ice chest into a bucket, into the flowers. I'm so glad it's warm enough (some days lately) that a bucket and some water=fun for Macy!

These are some pictures of her doing just that.
I love my "mae mae".

Another Ordinary Day,

Garrett's been fascinated with David and Goliath lately. He has 1 Sam: 17:49 pretty much memorized and we act it out constantly, taking turns being David and Goliath. It's really cute. However, when we read of Moses parting the Red Sea the other day-it was on! So, I whipped out some of my spontaneous teacher skills, a Nemo boat, a straw, and some army guys and we decided we could act this one out too. And here's the result: Garrett is parting the "Red Sea" with his straw and using his army guys to act it out. I'm pretty sure he'll remember this story too. Hmmm, any suggestions on how to teach "love my mommy and obey her always?".

On the other hand, when we're not inside, sleepily eating chips or acting out violent stories, we're out playing with the neighbors.

Mother's Day

Garrett skiing in Angel Fire, Jan. 09

Garrett and Macy deciding to take a nap on the trampoline (it lasted 3 seconds)

Macy wearing Garrett's sunglasses (because anything he owns is "aweshum") and giving him a kiss
Although my family may celebrate me on Mother's Day, I'm pretty sure I'll be smiling because of the two beautiful faces that gave me that title. Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

Derby Days~

I thought it'd be fun for the kids to watch the Kentucky Derby today and root for their favorite horse, so I came up with some fun little things to do to get them excited. I knew since the race was only 2 minutes long, it would hold their attention!

Thirty minutes before the race started I had them do a little "obstacle" course in the yard. It was really cute. They had to hula-hoop, do jumping jacks, bounce a tennis ball with a racket and sing "if you're happy and you know it". They traveled to each station while riding on a stick horse and Macy was cracking me up! She wants to do everything just like Garrett, it's so stinkin' cute.

After the obstacle course (and after the pizza delivery guy left) we picked our favorite horses. Of course we know nothing about the races so we just picked our favorite names. Everyone had $100 (fake!) to bet on their favorite horse to win (Nothing beats a lesson in gambling at the age of 4 and 1, eh?) None of our horses won, but Bill's horse placed. So, he got to treat us all to Orange Tree (bomb dot com, btw). It was a great way to end a crazy day.

The last two pictures are ones that Garrett took of Macy before school last week. He's not a bad shot!