Summer Haircuts

Well, it must officially be summer because Joel gave the boys their summer haircuts today. Thomas was so excited to get his buzz again and Sammy joined in on the excitement. They love their haircuts and they love to rub their heads. Sometimes I will find them sitting next to each other doing something and they are absent mindedly rubbing each other's heads. It is really cute.

Spring Recital

This morning Thomas had his first piano recital. His teacher is Julianna Pace, a young woman from our ward. Thomas is her first and only student; however, her mother teaches piano so his recital was combined with her students as well. He was so cute and so happy playing. It was fun to watch. He played three pieces...Bells of Great Britain, Bugle Boys (duet with his teacher), and We Thank Thee, O, God for a Prophet. He has worked really hard with the piano and has such a love for it. In fact, we can't seem to keep him off the piano. He will walk by to do something else, but he always ends up at the piano bench playing. When we were gone from home last weekend for a couple days we got home and he immediately sat down at the piano and started to play. He said to me, "It feels so good to be back at the piano!" We love to see the joy he gets from playing the piano.

Last Day of 1st Grade

Today was Thomas' last day of 1st grade. He came home so excited for all the fun plans he has for the summer. I decided to take a picture of him before school today so we could compare his pictures from the first day of school to his last day of school. He has grown up so much and had some wonderful opportunities and learning experiences. I am grateful for a great school and a wonderful teacher that helped to reinforce the things he is taught at home.

End of the Year Ice Cream Party

Thomas' class had an ice cream party as part of their end of the school year party. I was asked to come in and help which was so much fun. Thomas' teacher told me to bring Spring as well so she could be part of it. This made Spring's day. Thomas was really excited for her to be there as well. He is so cute with her and he includes her in all the activities. She loves to come in his class because the girls give her so much attention and she feels so special. It is hard to believe that tomorrow is his last day of 1st grade. He is sure growing up. We are excited for a summer to spend time together and have lots of fun. Thomas' goals this summer are to learn all the state capitals, get lots faster with multiplication/division facts, add/subtract improper fractions, and learn more about space. I am sure he will get it all done! He is also excited to have more time to play the piano! He and Spring have been talking and have decided that he is going to teach her piano and she will have weekly lessons with him. They are so excited for the summer and so am I!

Storytime at the Firestation

There was a special storytime presented at the firestation this afternoon. Spring, Sammy, Mary, and I walked to the firestation. Joel picked Thomas up from school and met us there. There were some stories read about firetrucks and then the firemen took the kids on a tour of the firestation. They were able to see the offices, the sleeping quarters, kitchen, living room, and work out room. They also were able to see the fire engines. Joel had just as much fun as the kids did...if not more!

Walks and Picnics

Spring really wanted to go on a walk to the park and take our lunch for a picnic. Now, a walk for Spring means riding her bike. She has been riding without training wheels for a few months now and she just loves it. So, we went to the park for the kids to play and have fun together. They love to be outside. Then we had a picnic lunch, played a little more, and headed home for naps. It was fun to watch them together but I also really missed having Thomas there with them. I am so excited for summer vacation to start so he will be home and able to be with us when we do these things as well. I know it is important for him to go to school and learn life lessons and learn to be an example and stand up for the things he knows are right. At the same time I really look forward to the times when he can be home with us because everything just feels more complete when we are all together.

Memorial Day Weekend

We decided to visit Grandma and Grandpa Biggs over Memorial Day Weekend. We went to a play, "The Pirates of Penzance", with them. Spring really enjoyed it-especially all the music. Thomas had a pretty good time with it; however, at one point about 8 girls were on stage dancing and singing. He buried his head in my shoulder and told me he couldn't watch because there were too many girls. Then he asked me to tell him when the pirates came back on stage! The kids had fun painting aprons with handprints and footprints with Grandma and helping get the BBQ ready for Monday afternoon. We made homemade ice cream which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially Mary. It was fun to be with them and spend that time together.

Father & Sons Outing

Daddy took Thomas and Sammy on the Father & Sons outing this weekend. Thomas has been so excited for the last few weeks. They had a great time. Thomas chose the menu for dinner and the 2 of them went shopping Thursday to get everything they needed. They BBQ'D hot dogs and cooked macaroni and cheese. Joel said that Thomas and Sammy were so excited to cook their own dinner. Thomas had a great time playing a new game the older boys taught them called, "Dog." Sammy just loved playing and getting all dirty and wet. He once again found the water spicket in the campground which became his favorite toy. Joel said he was so wet and dirty but always had a huge smile on his face. He just loved it. When it was time to fall asleep Joel just stripped him down and put clean clothes on him. Thomas loved that they had breakfast burritos for breakfast the next morning. When they got home we were greeted by dirty faces and hands and huge smiles. What else could you ask for. I am so grateful that Joel enjoys these opportunities and makes them so fun for the boys. He is already talking about how next year he will have 3 boys to take with him!

While the boys were gone Spring, Mary, and I had a good time as well. I always try to make it a special time for Spring. She had ballet practice and then we went out dinner at the place of her choice. Then we came home and played outside for a long time. Mary and Spring love to be outside so it was fun to be out with them. Spring loves to ride her bike. After Mary went to bed we got out the things we had bought earlier in the day for Spring to paint. She loves to paint and this is what she decided she wanted for her special activity. She did a great job painting some really cute magnets. She was starting to get tired but was determined to not go to sleep until I did because that is the treat when the boys are camping. We found out that the movie "Cheaper by the Dozen" was on TV so we made a bed on the family room floor and watched the movie together. We even found Dibs in the freezer to share. She loved the movie and kept telling me that we need to have at least 12 kids in our family! I love the special time I get to share with our children. That is my favorite thing to do.

Summertime BBQ at School

Thomas' school had a family BBQ today during lunch. This morning when Sammy woke up Thomas said to him, "Are you ready to come to my school for hot dogs today?" So, starting before 6:00 this morning Sammy has been asking me if it is time to go to Thomas' school for hot dogs! Thomas was so excited for us to come and was really surprised to see Dad there. Dad got off work early so he could come and surprise Thomas.

The kids were able to buy a hot lunch with Thomas and go through the cafeteria to pick their lunch items. Spring could hardly contain her excitement as she was going through the lunch line and trying to make her decisions. We brought a blanket and enjoyed our lunch on the lawn.

Then Thomas took Spring and Sammy with him and they had fun playing on the playground equipment together. It was so cute to see Thomas walk off with Spring holding one hand and Sammy holding the other as they went to the playground. Spring also really enjoyed playing hopscotch.

After an hour or so it was time for us to go home. Spring didn't want to leave. She told us as she was getting in the car, "I wish I was in school now so I could stay and didn't have to come home." She is so ready to start school. It won't be long before we have 2 in school!

Happy Birthday

Thomas and Spring wanted me to put a picture of the candy gram they made for my birthday on our blog so everyone could see it. I am a bit behind in posting the information...better late than never. Joel said they were so cute about planning things for my birthday. Saturday afternoon I had fallen asleep (which is such a rare occurrence). When I woke up a few minutes later the house was quiet and everyone was gone. They returned some time later and made me keep my eyes closed as they ran into our room with bags of things. Then I was banished from the room. I tried to get Spring to tell me what they were doing but she was very good at keeping the secret. Well, when they finished they had to give it to me right away...they are too much like me in that way. I have the hardest time waiting to give people things I have made for them. I want to give it to them as soon as I am done. So, I got my cute candy gram the day before my birthday. For the rest of the afternoon/evening Spring kept saying, "Mom, aren't you going to have some of your candy? The kisses are my favorite!" We shared it that evening.

My birthday was a nice day as a family. Joel had normal meetings before church and choir practice afterwards but other than that he was home. This seldom happens on a Sunday so we just enjoyed being together. We had a fun dinner and played games. Thomas kept saying to me, "Mom, don't you want to do something special like play a game with me since it's your birthday?" I also was blessed to have my mom, Alanna, Kim, and Joel's mom call to wish me a happy birthday. That is always a highlight on a birthday...being able to talk to family members.

Rub a Dub Dub....

...how many kids can fit in a tub? The kids still love to take baths together but seldom do all 4 of them get in at the same time. Thomas usually takes his shower each morning before school and often Sammy joins him. The girls usually get in the bath in the evening; however, Spring has decided that she likes to take showers in Mom and Dad's shower. Friday night the kids thought it was fun when they all got in the tub together. They are so silly. Thomas was making goofy faces and Mary started to imitate him. I love that the kids love to be together.

Mary's Blanket

Mary has a favorite blanket and lately she has not wanted to get out of bed without it. She will clutch it to her as you get her out of bed. After she is up for a few minutes and becomes distracted we can usually get it from her and put it back in her bed. Earlier this week she had it with her on our walk and it was dragging on the ground under the stroller so we had to wash it. She went a few days without it. Yesterday afternoon she woke up from her nap and was playing on the floor. She looked over to see her freshly washed blanket folded on the floor. She got the biggest smile on her face. She crawled over to it and layed her head on it and just smiled. Then she would sit up, smile at us, and lay her head back on the blanket. She kept rubbing her head all over it. Joel layed it out and she didn't leave the blanket for a long time as she played. It is so cute to see how much she loves her blanket. In some of the pictures you will notice she likes to suck her thumb and either play with her ear or her belly button with the other hand. She doesn't care which thumb she sucks...but she hates to have her belly button unaccessible.

The Heat is On

It is getting HOT. Today was in the 90's and we are supposed to be in the 100's for the next 4-5 days. We spent so much time outside today. Sammy, Spring, and I played outside this morning while Mary was napping. Then we went to the park before picking Thomas up from school. He had a minimum day today so he got out and could come home for lunch. Sammy, Spring, and Mary played for a long time at a park a few blocks from the school. Spring decided she was going to run from the park to Thomas' school while I drove. She ran most of the way. She is a good little runner and has quite a bit of endurance.

We came home for lunch and naps. Thomas and Spring went outside as soon as they were up and rode their bikes with a neighbor friend. They went on a bike ride around our culdesac and the one next to us. Their cheeks were so red by the time they came inside. As soon as the babies woke up we put on swimsuits and went to the new waterpark in town by the library. It is smaller than the one we usually go to; however, it is only 3 minutes away instead of 15! We enjoyed a picnic dinner there and the kids played in the water. We had sandwiches on the homemade sourdough bread I had made earlier today.

Then we helped them hurry to change clothes and headed to Thomas' soccer practice. Joel lets Spring practice with them and she really can hold her own quite well. She is a good 2 1/2-3 years younger than the other kids but she is learning so much. Today she was playing goalie and a kid booted the ball from about 3 feet away and it hit her right in the chest. It knocked the wind out of her. Joel ran over to her and he said it took everything he had not to yell at the other boy for hurting his little girl but he composed himself quite well. We told Spring how well she had done and that sometimes things like that happen when she plays with the big kids! Hey, she stopped it and prevented the goal! It was a fun evening. We came home and had orange juliuses and popcorn for dessert before the kids crashed in bed. We are so excited for summertime and the fun things we can do outside as a family.

Daddy Sunday

We read a really neat article in April's Ensign entitled, "Daddy Sunday." In this article a father tells how he uses one Sunday a month to have 'interviews' with his children. He starts them when they are young so that it is not weird for them when they grow older and more important topics need to be discussed. Joel decided to implement this with our children. He wants to do them on Fast Sunday each month but we missed last week so he started today. He told the kids about it earlier in the week and they have been so excited. Thomas and Spring have told me many times this week what they wanted to talk to Daddy about on "Daddy Sunday." They started and ended their time with a prayer and enjoyed the time spent one on one in between. It was very successful tonight and the kids are already talking about next month.

Thomas wanted Daddy to teach him how to tie a tie during his time. So, they worked on this and they talked a little about him preparing to be baptized. When Joel asked Thomas if he had any questions or anything he wanted to talk about Thomas replied, "Yea, I have a question about food storage. What is it and why do we do it? I want to know so I can be ready to do it when I am a Daddy too." So, they had a good talk about that.

Spring wanted Joel to teach her tie shoes for her time. She learned really quickly and can now tie shoes. She doesn't have tie shoes, other than cleats, so she wants to get new shoes tomorrow! They talked about Kindergarten and how she is excited to start school. When he asked her what she knew about kindergarten she said, "I don't know." So, Joel explained some of what she will be doing.

For Sammy, Joel brought him back to our room and read him a story. He loved that. When it was over Joel asked for a hug and Sammy became very worried and replied, "No bed Daddy." Once Joel convinced him that he didn't have to go to bed he happily gave Daddy a hug.

Swimming Fun

It was so hot today. Thomas had an early soccer game and it was actually pretty cool for that. Spring's game was at noon so it was really hot by then. When we got home everyone was so hot and the kids were asking if we could get our swimming pool down and put it up. I told them they needed their naps and quiet time for Thomas first and then we would see. Well, their wish came true. I mowed the lawn quickly and then put the pool up for them. Thomas and Spring were so helpful getting it set up and ready to go. It worked out really well because Sammy and Mary didnt' wake up until it was time to get in the pool.

They had a great time and played so well together. The water was cold but they didn't seem to mind. Mary didn't like it too much unless Thomas was holding her. Other than that she just liked to play around outside the pool...close enough to the kids to be a part of things but far enough away to not get too wet! They played out there for so long.

Wendy, our neighbor, surprised the kids with dinner from Wienerschnitzel tonight just as they were getting out of the pool. So, we had a picnic in the front yard with her. Then our other neighbors and their daughter who is 1 year old came over as well. We all enjoyed talking while the kids proceeded to get into a water fight with the hose. They were running all over laughing and getting soaked. It was so wonderful.

Jeff and Marc (neighbors) also helped Joel troubleshoot because he has been trying to fix our van. They finally figured out what was causing the difficulty and Joel is at the store getting the part now to fix it. I am so grateful for a husband that is willing to work so hard and so long to troubleshoot and then fix our cars. It saves us so much money and really helps take a lot of financial stress off our family. I am also grateful for good friends and neighbors that willingly volunteer their time and expertise to help as well. We are really blessed by the many wonderful friendships we have.

I was outvoted by Joel and the kids so we opted to find out the gender of our newest addition during my ultrasound yesterday. We are so excited for our little boy to join our family. Joel is really good at reading the ultrasounds and knowing exactly what we are looking at. The doctor froze the screen and asked Joel to make the call. He called it and he was right! The baby is healthy and growing well. When we came home to tell the kids there was mixed reactions. Thomas said, "Yes! YEA!!! We get to follow our pattern!" Spring was a little disappointed but she tried hard to be happy and said she would be OK with it as long as the next baby after this one is a girl! Sammy and Mary are clueless what the excitement is all about.

Field Trip to the Theater

I was able to go with Thomas and his class on their field trip today. All the 1st grade classes went to a play at the Gallo Theater for Arts in Modesto. This a new and huge theater. The kids were oohing and aahhing as we walked into the lobby because it was so huge. We were able to watch a production of Henry and Mudge. Thomas has enjoyed these stories for years now so it was fun for him to see the production today. One of the biggest highlights of the event though was riding a school bus to the theater. These little kids were so excited to be on a bus. He was also excited that I was the parent his teacher asked to come along. He wanted to be sure I was able to sit next to him on the bus. It was a fun morning and I am grateful I was able to share in this time with him. I am also grateful for our good friend, Shelly, who willingly watched the 3 little ones so I could go with Thomas.

First Waterpark Outing of the Season

This morning I needed to go to the scout shop to pick up some scouting things for Joel. The waterpark is near the scout shop so I surprised the kids this morning and told them we could go there and play. We have been having beautiful spring weather...Low to mid 80's this week. Spring was so excited. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed a few hours at the park.

Mary wasn't so sure of the fountains. She was fine when they just sprayed really low and she would try to grab the water; however, one shot up high right in her face and she didn't like that so much. She was more cautious after that. She loved crawling around the perimeter though and watching Sammy and Spring. Sammy would come to her and bend down, tilt his head, and say in his high pitched voice he uses with her, "Come on E-La. Fun." (Sammy calls her E-La - we have no idea where that came from!) Spring wanted to carry Mary around in the water and Mary was usually a good sport about that. They would get cold so they would wrap up in their towels for a few seconds. Then Spring would say, "I'm going to get wet again." Sammy would smile, jump down and say, "Mom, get wet again." It was so much fun.

After our picnic lunch they decided to get dressed and play at the park for a while. On our way home we stopped for ice cream cones. Then we came home, read stories, and now they are all three taking their naps. The season for the waterpark is upon us and we will be doing this quite often...it will be nice when Thomas is out of school and can join us on our trips!