Sun Fun!

Yesterday we had a glimpse of some warm, sunny weather.  First, we went to a park that had some water sprinklers shooting out water.  Later, we went over to Grandma's house and the boys swam for about 3 hours!  It was a great day to be in the water!

Daniel at the water park

Jeff is focused on keeping Simon afloat!

Sam, in his "raft"

Fathers

Last Sunday, being Father's Day, I was reminded how lucky I am to have 3 wonderful fathers in my life.  First is my dad.  As I look back over my life, I realize just how much he has taught me.  Maybe it was the teacher in him, or maybe it's just what fathers do.  He taught me how to drive.  He taught me how to work out my problems and not always fix things for me.  He taught me what it means to give. 

Another important father in my life is my father-in-law.  He has helped me at times the past 10 years.  I feel lucky to have him in my life.  He always listens and is willing to lend a hand when we need it.  He spends time with our boys.  He is always friendly and kind to everyone. 

Jeff is also a very important father that I feel lucky to be sharing my life with.  Not only is he a great husband, but he is always a great father.  I think one of the things I value the most about him as a father is that he takes time for the boys.  He takes them on hikes.  Or spends time with them at home either in the garden or reading a story or playing a game or cooking.  He teaches them things.  When the boys ask a question he pushes them to think not only about the question, but about something else tied in with the question.  He encourages them to think.  He is also very patient with the boys.

Kindergarten Graduation

Last Friday night was Daniel's graduation from Kindergarten.  What a milestone in his little life.  And now we have a 1st grader in the house!

Getting Ready to Walk In

All The Kids Together

Receiving His Diploma

Afterwards

With his Teacher, Mrs. Crider

With one of his Buddies/Classmates, Nicholas

With his Diploma & Cross

The Close of a Chapter

Daniel is finishing Kindergarten this week.  For some reason, I find myself getting emotional knowing that he will be done with this and will be moving on.  I thought I wouldn't get emotional until my last child went through all of his "lasts'.  But I find myself thinking back to the beginning of the year and seeing all that Daniel has learned and become.  He has accomplished a lot, and I am very proud of all he's done.  At the beginning of the year he wrote his name in all caps.  Now he has learned to write in lower case too.  And he can write his last name as well.  He has learned to tie his shoes.  He has learned to read.  His penmanship and coloring skills have gotten better.  Here's a look back at the year.

First Day

Singing for the Fall Concert

His Turkey Project

Christmas Concert

Mother's Day Tea