Like We Need Another Reason

There are several reasons why Lofton and Landon shouldn't play in the creek. First of all, someone inevitably gets hurt; then there's the laundry because they go through several outfits when playing in the creek; and of course, we come home with "pets" such as tadpoles and salamanders. But, now we have a whole new reason for not playing in the creek, and it is...



the snake skin that Phillip and Lofton found that is longer than Lofton.

Kickin off Summer

We spent the first week of summer at my mom and dad's. We had a great time hanging out with my parents and Uncle Dustin, who somehow escaped a picture. We spent our time finding frogs, playing in the puddles, riding rides at Camden Park, and visiting friends and family.

It's Genes and Attitude

Cousins

Pop Pop with the boys

Landon giving granny her gift; he couldn't wait to open the presents

Landon and me with Micah

Buddies (Lofton and Benjamin)

My mom and Kady with Granny


My granny, who the boys call Nan Nan, turned 85 on Thursday, May 21st. She does so well for her age, and she says it is all "genes and attitude." My mom and Aunt Kady threw her a surprise party at the Marshall Cafe, and the boys and I made the trip to celebrate with her. Lofton couldn't wait to jump out and yell surprise, but unfortunately, we were late (after traveling all day, I had to shower and change), but he still got to run in and announce surprise because she had no idea we would be coming. He kept asking me if we were going to play games. Although there were no organized games, he had fun playing with my second cousins Micah, Abby, Hannah, Alex, Benjamin, and Eli. Who most all have blonde hair for those who always wonder where my children get their blonde hair. Not sure how the whole chromosomal thing works, but there are blonde headed people in our family. It was a wonderful party for a woman so deserving of honor. I have so many fond memories of my granny, and since this is my journal/scrapbook, I am going to use this space to jot down some of my favorite memories of our times together.

Good Times with Granny...
-Playing with my Fisher Price doll house and making things/furniture for it.
- Eating samples and making rolls and pies
-Going to Crown City for icecream
-Falling to sleep by "turning ourselves into jelly"
-Digging wells in her backyard
-Eating the special lunches she made me which consisted of finger type foods
-Riding her bike to Mum's by myself; I felt so grown up
-Riding to Scott Town/Witches' Hollar
-Listening to her spooky stories including "Mary, I'm on the First Step"

Pre-K Graduation

Lofton did it; he graduated from preschool tonight. Of course, he may graduate from preschool again since I am about 90% sure he is not going to kindergarten. But for now, he has graduated from the Caterpillar Pre-Kindergarten class.

He did such a great job at his program, and he looked so cute in his cap and gown. I can't believe how grown up he looked. Before I know it, he will be in a cap and gown, but he'll be 18 (or 17 depending on my kindergarten decision) and graduating from high school. Since, I never even envisioned myself at a Pre-K graduation, I really can't see myself at his highschool one. I hate to see him grow up so quickly; I wish he could be little forever. At least I have the power to keep him "little" and at home one extra year; now if I could just make up my mind.

Summertime

Well, I know that by the calendar it is not officially summer, but since school is out on Friday, it might as well be; well, that and it was 80 degrees today. After we had played out for about an hour, Lofton wanted to get out the pool. We filled it up and spent the rest of the afternoon in the front yard with our friends the Griffins, which is how we spend a lot of our summer days. The kids had a great time, and by the way, Ella wasn't thrilled with her attire, but she also didn't want to wait on Jonathan to get her suit, so what's a girl to do. Gabe also got in on the action; it is amazing that he has grown up so quickly. In fact, it is amazing how quickly they've all grown. Landon's so big that he is no longer the baby; he got to feed the baby. He thought he was big stuff; funny, thing is that "baby" Gabe can hold his own bottle.

It was a good time, and it was topped off with dinner at the Griffins. Thanks, Amy for dinner.

Landon's end of the year program was Tuesday night. I had planned on skipping it since he is so young, and his class doesn't go on stage. But, I started feeling guilty because when Lofton was two and a duckling we went to the program. So, we went. His teacher had taken a cute picture of him for the big screen, and the director read what his teacher Shirley had written about him. I don't remember all of what she said, but she ended with he loves balls; she knows him well.

It was really too bad that Landon's class didn't participate because I think he would've done well since he sang at the top of his lungs with every other class. We finally had to leave because he was so loud, but he was having fun and clapping for all of his friends including Jude! I can't believe another school year is over.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Phillip called on Monday on his way home from work and asked us what we were doing. Landon had just woken up, so he said to get ready and pack some snacks because we were going fishing, and he had a surprise. He told me to drive separately because the surprise was in the back of his van, and he didn't want Lofton to see it until we got to the lake. But, never underestimate a four year old; Lofton saw it on the way to the lake; of course, it was sticking out of the back of the van.

Lofton was so excited, but I don't think he was as excited as his daddy. So, we all put on our life vests, and headed out on the lake while Landon sang, "Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily." By the way, no one was singing "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat"; he came up with it all on his own just like the time he walked in the kitchen while Phillip was putting in the new dishwasher and sang, "Bob, the Builder." He is too funny.

So, back to fishing... I am still not sure how I got roped into the whole thing, but I must admit it was a fun family activity. Of course, it will be even more fun when Landon is older and I stay home while the three of them go.

Al Bundy, Jr.

It is a tradition every night at our house to drink chocolate milk and watch Curious George after baths. The other night, Phillip asked me where the camera was, and this is why.

Don't Drink the Water

Ryan Nicholas Rose

Jana and Jacey Thomas

Reesi and Lofton


It has been a joke at WHCA for the past six years to not drink the water because it seems that every year a new teacher has a baby. In fact, our valedictorian mentioned the "tens of babies" that his class has seen be born to WHCA teachers. I've had two, my friend Becky has had two; Debbie Rose has had two; my friend Jana had one while she taught at WHCA; Joni had one while she too was teaching; Cherie had one, and I am sure more have been born, but it literally was one a year. Well, on Saturday at WHCA graduation, we got to see three new WHCA babies.

Jana Thomas came in town and brought her newest addition, Jacey came, and Debbie brought Ryan. Joni and Larry also came and brought Elye. After the graduation, Joni and Larry came over for a visit, and both boys thought Elye was precious. Lofton of course, wanted to hold her, so monkey see followed suit. Actually, Landon showed more interest in her from the get go by looking at her in her car seat and singing, "Rock the Baby". It was good to see everyone, and as always, it gave me some baby fever, but you will be happy to know that I am starting to feel better!

(By the way, Joni, I stole two pics from your blog; they were better than the ones I had. So, thanks)

It's "Summer", so Let's Swim

Lofton has been asking, "Is it summer yet?" And, though it is not offically summer, we have had some really warm days. This past Saturday, I took the boys to Roanna's because she has a heated pool. It wasn't particularly hot, but it was fine, and of course, the boys didn't mind at all. I even got in the water myself; I must admit heated water is the way too go; I don't usually get in until July. Thanks, Nana.

Fishing Fun

One of Phillip's best friends, Jeremiah, took the boys fishing on Thursday. Lofton and Landon both had a great time. Lofton wanted to "pet" every fish that was pulled out of the water, but Landon wouldn't go near them. He was too interested in trying to get to the cows so that he could "ride" them. Thanks, Jeremiah for taking us with you.