Swimming... Check!

Well, we can check swimming off the list (of my previous list from my last blog including zoos, parks, and swimming), although, I'm sure this isn't the only swimming venture we'll have this summer.

Today, we had a family night with our church which consisted of swimming and dinner together afterward. The kids had a great time with Daddy (I stayed out of the pool with Landen)! Emerson can wrap herself in the noodle and swim like a fish (well, not really like a fish, more like a drenched skinny preschooler paddling with all her might, but she's good at it!) all around the pool. Braeden, my little daredevil, wants to do it all himself, without any help, which is very scary sometimes (Ok, go ahead, Braeden, throw yourself into that deep spot right over there. I know you're only two and can't swim, but it'll be fun! Sheesh!).

Anyway, here are some snapshots (sorry Matt, you made it into one. Hope that's ok! Don't worry, I'm pasty white, too).































This is Braeden saying "Look! I'm smiling!" after I threatened to take him out of the pool if he didn't smile for me. I know, great "mommy-ing" right there, but that's how it gets done! :)



























And this is an extra, but too cute not to share. She wanted to be a princess today, so I let her take her fancy tiara she wore at my sister's wedding (see that little thing on her head) from my jewerly box and wear it to play outside today. She really is a princess, though, you know, at least to me and Jon. :)

Graduation Day

Ok, so it really wasn't a graduation, but Emerson just had her end of the year program at her preschool. It was so cute to see her up on stage reciting her Bible verses shyly with her class while smiling and waving a little wave at us every once in a while. She's made a new good friend, a sweet girl named Macy, this year. Her mom and I exchanged phone numbers so we can continue to let the girls play this summer.
So she is officially in 4-5 year old class now, even though she'll turn five right at the beginning of the school year (her birthday is right after the kindergarten cut off date). Which means I have all three kiddos for another year, which, to be honest, is a little overwhelming sometimes. I am, however, thankful to not be giving up my sweet Emerson to school all day every day. It will be a tough day that first day of kindergarten. I don't know that I'd be ready to give her up to her teacher every day.
So summer has now officially begun for us. By the way, I just love the summers in Laramie.

Bring on the zoos, parks, and swimming pools!
















Emerson waving her shy little wave from the front. Below and to the right is her friend, Macy.























Emerson and Braeden!














Emerson and another of her best friends, Aliyah, who actually graduated to Kindergarten today (of course, BOTH their eyes are closed! :) ).


And last, sorry the video is so grainy, but here is Emerson's class performing a song with bells. I loved it.

Cutie Patootie!

May Update

I think I am officially the worst blogger in the world! I believe it's been close to two months since the last post! And I think this one will be short and sweet!
I'll begin with the great fact that Jon got a job at the end of February that he is enjoying very much (and that we are so thankful for!). He was quick to make friends with all his coworkers and they seem to love having him there (not surprising, being Jon!). And this weekend and past week we celebrated his 29th birthday with our families, which was great fun and Jon loved that there were technically three days this week to celebrate him (one day with my family, one with just us, and one with his family)!
Landen is growing up so very, very fast. He's HUGE already, but is just the sweetest baby. He is a talker, for sure. And the doctor was impressed with how much he was talking, squealing, and laughing at his two month check up.
Emerson and Braeden are keeping us busy, tired, and laughing every day. Emerson is just about to finish up her first semester of preschool, which she has come to love and has made some good friends. And Braeden is just developing more of a great personality as he's growing!
Otherwise, we're gearing up for the summer, which will hopefully include some of our favorite annual summer activities which include a trip to the zoo, a camping trip, and endless days at the park.
Here are some recent pictures. And here's to more current and updated blogging in the future!