The End of an Era...

Caroline is still up to her climbing tricks...Anything to get her higher!

Jack has been enjoying his T-ball practices.  He takes them very seriously.

 

Most mornings Jack likes to "check the scores" with Zack...now Fernie has to get in on the fun!  It's amazing how many teams Jack knows already. 

For Jack, the month of May meant the end of an era.

FALL 2014...

SPRING 2015

Jack had his second to last preschool program.  Where's Jack?!?!  Top row, sixth one in.  He had an awesome year at school - academically, socially and physically (he grew almost 2 inches!). 

Jack also had his last AWANA Cubbie program...he will be a Spark next year. Where did my baby go???

On the last day of school, Jack's teacher had a small program of silly songs for parents and then the kids enjoyed cake and ice cream.  What preschooler doesn't like silly songs?!?

I can't believe this little big fella is going to be a kindergartner next year! (weep)

The day Jack has been waiting for finally arrived - the First T-ball game!  His entourage stood still long enough to pose for a picture!

Top of the first inning he played catcher.

Third Base- waiting to catch the ball.

In his second game of the season he had some great hits and good runs!

He LOVES T-ball!

In addition to all the exciting things in May, we were blessed with a new Nephew/Cousin!!  Thanks to technology we were able to meet him at just a few hours old. 

I don't know anyone with a bigger smile. Just the thought of Fernie makes me smile...and this picture brings a huge smile to my face!

Caroline LOVES to color on other people's drawings...

Anyone up for "sledding" on the grass.  It keeps the kids entertained for long periods of time so why not?!?

And who doesn't love to wear their life jacket while playing in the yard.  I really don't think this girl could ever wear enough protective gear at one time!

Our little bookworm.

The joy of reading!

 

All three of our kids thoroughly enjoy their baths.

Jack loves a good game of ring toss.

A spontaneous trip to the park!

There is a pretty big smile behind that nuk!

Who can pop the most bubbles?!

Garden time! 

I think there was some "planning" before they started.

 

Such good helpers.

Everyone did their part.

I'm excited for what this summer will bring.  We are looking forward to hosting some company and taking a road trip or two! 

As the old adage says...

Time flies when you are having fun!! 

I have selected ONLY 41 pictures from a month's worth of pictures on my phone for your enjoyment! 

Miss Caroline says HI!

  She still does her "exercises".  She has added "swimming" to the mix but I haven't caught that on camera...YET!

 Caroline is our little monkey...she climbs and sits in anything she can...

 

 

Perhaps she learned from the best!

 

Early in April Caroline and I took a little trip to MI to celebrate mother-to-be (like any day now!!!) Aunt Sarah.  I had a great time...Between boarding the plane in ND and arriving in MI Caroline developed a serious case of separation anxiety.  She absolutely would not let me leave the room or let anyone hold her...I have NO clue what happened.  Sadly there are NO pictures of her with anyone :(

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how well Zack and the kids did while we were away.  I received several texts over the long weekend of them going to the zoo, eating ice cream, opening gifts, going out to eat and visiting three different parks! 

 ALWAYS time for reading with Daddy.

 

 

 Every morning Fernie asks if it will be nice outside so she can "twirl"!

 I thought it would be fun to take a walk in the wagon rather than the stroller...I definitely under-estimated the weight of pulling three kids!  It was a short walk!

 Caroline's first time on the slide and she immediately tries to climb UP the slide, Oy!

 Wheeeee!!

Jack and Fernie are such a good siblings to Caroline.

 

 The BEST place to play with play dough...

 AND paint!!

Caroline is quite the little bookworm lately.  She will get a book or two and sit down all by herself and look at them. It is so sweet to watch.

 

It's a good thing we are several years away from a driver's license...for BOTH of them!

 

 One morning while Caroline was sleeping and Jack was at school Fernie and I played doctor with all her animals.  This is probably one of her favorite things to do...examine each patient, give them a bath and wrap them up.  She is so deliberate with each patient.  I'm pretty sure we played doctor for over an hour! 

 One afternoon I came downstairs and thought it seemed pretty quiet so I immediately went looking for little people...this is what I found...

 PRECIOUS!

I feel like there should be theme music playing as they walk! 

 Caroline loves being pushed on the swings. 

 Getting kissed by Daddy.

 I'm pretty sure people pay money to get body in their hair like this. 

 Peanut sighting!

 Jack attended a birthday party a few weeks ago...I think he had more fun than the birthday boy.

 Last weekend mom and I threw a baby shower for a good friend.  The shower was themed after children's books.

 In lieu of a card, guests brought a book.  We had book plates for people to sign and stick inside the books.  At the end of the shower, each guest received a cup of "book worms"!

 All of the food corresponded with a different book.  I had a great time planning the shower but could not have pulled it off without my mom's decorative skills!

Jack has had a busy last few weeks: 

Three weeks ago he started violin lessons and THIS week we picked up his violin!

And last week he started t-ball.  He has been asking about t-ball since last summer.  Ever since we signed up in February he has been asking when his first practice/game will be!  

 

  Even Daddy got in on the fun!

Caroline has inherited her Papa's love of airplanes. She loves to point them out.

 

As I write this on Mother's Day eve, I just had to share this sweet Mother's Day card from Jack:

I am so blessed to be a mother to Jack, Fernie and Caroline.  My heart overflows with love and joy because of them.  I pray everyday for wisdom, guidance, patience and self-control as I interact with them.  Being a mother is tough work but the random "I love you mommy", drool-y kisses, hugs, cuddles and dandelion bouquets make it ALL worth it!
A special Happy Mother's Day to the TWO wonderful mothers in my life.  My mother who raised me to love God with all my heart, soul and mind and who taught me the importance of a mother's love.   AND my MI mother, the person who raised a God honoring, faithful and loving husband and father to our children.  I love you both very much!