Back to the Ballfield

We are SO grateful for Spring's arrival and with it, baseball! As much as I complain about our crazy schedules and the shuffling involved, once I am at the field, I love it.

I was thrilled when Mason was assigned the "Durham Bulls" b/c if I squint my eyes I can imagine a Denver Bronoco ;) My beloved football team.

Mason has been pitching and catching a lot. He LOVES pitching. Makes me a nervous wreck, but thankfully at this age the games aren't super intense and neither is his personality! He has been a lot more excited about baseball this spring than last year, not sure why, but I am loving his enthusiasm.

He is the cutest!

Owen has been playing soccer this spring. Having them play two different sports has been really great for their relationship. They can both genuinely enjoy each others games with no comparisons. They have also been helping the other practice at home. Hooray for signs of friendship and love :)

Spring Field Trip- Ryan's Last as a Preschooler

He was at home with the farm animals.

 Can you see his hand stroking the goats head?

 His two best buds (this school year)

I enjoyed my time with this little guy. It took a silent pep talk, I won't lie. There was lots on my to-do list and there are only 2 more Mondays of school left. Mondays are the days both are in school. But I am SO glad I joined him.

 

And just for smiles, this was Mason and Ryan, 3 years ago. Be still my heart.

Ryan is FIVE

After we got home from spring break we celebrated Ryan's birthday as a family of 6. Mostly b/c his lame mom forgot the presents at home :( He didn't mind the extension. He is also waited for his "friends" party (of 2) for which I have failed to pick a date.

 Ice cream is his favorite. The more gummy candy on top the better :)

My parents surprised him with a square foot garden. We've been planning for it, but my dad actually built it and installed it while we were gone. Ryan was delighted!

 The next day he personalized it. We have gracious neighbors.

 

Mixing a very special soil concoction.

He and I planted some seeds.

 

5 days later, we had a fun surprise. The beans have sprouted.

 

  He seems to be our "nature" boy. 

On this particular morning, I caught him trying to take pictures of squirrels and birds.

So now he is FIVE and officially registered for Kindergarten. Be still my heart. He was not excited about registration day. Thankfully it was a good experience and he was a little happier afterwards. I also had to clarify A LOT. Like... you aren't starting tomorrow, your preschool friends are going to Kindergarten too, you can still see your preschool friends, etc. No wonder he was sad!

 

This little guy is complicated. It appears (the Lord, only knows) he has been the most affected by an additional sibling. Likely because they are so close in age and he lost his "baby" position. He adores his sister and most of the time they are best of friends! It has mostly translated into him seeming a lot more immature for his age. I expected an initial reverting back (in emotional age) but it's has continued. It creeps in when I am not expecting it. He also gets away with more than the older 2 did at his age so that has natural consequences too :( He does awesome in preschool and I am thankful it's just us that must endure. I am praying there is a lot of growth this summer before KG.

He has so many wonderful qualities. Right now the one that stands out the most is his tender heart. I could stand to learn a lot from his compassion. I can't wait to see how the Lord uses that in his life. He also LOVES to sing, a praise song is almost always on his lips and it's so good for my heart and mind to hear through out the day. We love you Ryan! Happy Birthday!

Crayola Factory

It was determined when our trip was planned that it would include a trip to the Crayola Zoo Factory. We chose Ryan's birthday. Little did we know it would be one of their busiest days. The factory was not prepared, they did not have enough employees working and I began to question our safety :( I am fairly certain fire codes were broken.

The kids had a GREAT time despite the LONG lines. I am glad they won't remember those negative details ;)

The place has great potential, when the whole state doesn't descend upon them all at once.

 

The kids and Mim ;) drew on these tablets and then displayed for a few minutes on a giant wall.

Jill and Ryan

 Make your own crayon label

 

Avery and the giant lite brite

 

Aunt Jill and Ryan waited in a SLOW line for at least an hour to get the birthday boy a glitter tattoo.

 

He was thrilled!

It's basically like a children's museum with movie about crayon making. The actually factory is in another facility in the same town. The kids also made markers, melted crayon molds and played with Crayola's version of play dough.

I am so glad the kids had fun. It was SO nice of Mim to treat us. I wish crowds didn't effect me so much. It's getting a lot worse with age. :(

Spring Break

We spent Spring Break at EJ's mom's house. But not without a quick trip to the Dr. for Ryan :( 

Turned out nothing was wrong and thankfully he started improving the next day. EJ got sick the night before we left and we almost had to delay. Hopefully two rounds of stomach bugs is enough for our family!! He didn't feel great the whole week, but was such a trooper.

While we were visiting, EJ and I spent the day at his paternal grandmother's house looking for keepsakes. She lives at the beach full time now and we hadn't been in the house in a long time. It was nice to be there one last time.

 We celebrated this boy's birthday while we were there. FIVE!!! Killed my heart.

 Mim took care of all their birthdays at once ;)

 Mim made this super cute pinterest special, one morning.

 We ate out for dinner on Ryan's bday.

 Special song and drum playing for the birthday boy!

 We also spent some time with EJ's dad and girlfriend.

My clam lover tried Clams Rockefeller. So sophisticated ;)

 

The kids traveled well. Each time we go we need a few less things. We are done with a pack n play!! We brought it and Avery slept horribly. So the rest of the week, she slept on the floor with no discipline issues. Alleluia, maybe the big girl bed transition won't be so bad after all.