Odds & Ends...

The Fun Run (or not so fun run...) always signals the end of school.  Gavin's nerves got to him right before the start (I think it was actually this medication he started a couple days before the run that gave him tummy aches) and he saw me and quit.  I saw Kesley only once and barely caught her before she passed me!  Next year is going to be our year--and I am going to run too.  

Gavin's class has been writing an Opera for months.  The kids come up with the story, the words and they design and make the sets themselves.  It was called "No Rules!"  Totally cute.  Gavin had a part as a parent and was excited for all of us to come see it.  His Teacher, Mrs. Lee, has been the best.  She is so talented and patient.  Gavin had a great year.  Kesley did too--but I think her teacher was a little burned out by the end.  It was her first year teaching and I think reality set in about Christmas time...

Kesley lost her first BIG bottom tooth.  It was a pretty big landmark!  Jenna captured and narrated it all on my phone--sure wish I could post the video--but I cannot figure out blogger. boo

Jenna graduated from our little neighborhood co-op preschool. 

Brent went on a 5 day escape to the Oregon Coast with his dad.  I had been saving a little money on the side and had a few surprises up my sleeve.  First: SOD for my front yard.  The garden was great last year, but the mud and dirt situation was not ideal.  Plus, the kids love to climb and jump off the retaining walls--so why not make it enjoyable?  Emily came and helped me and we had it all in, in about an hour.  AWESOME!

I also bought this jungle gym climbing thing at Sams Club.  It said you needed two adults to set it up.  I was too impatient to wait, so I had the kids help me.  Let's just say it was EXTRA FRUSTRATING and everyone wanted to help with the same things.  My patience level was not where it should have been and instead of being a fun project it turned into a nightmare.  We eventually got it up, but when I went into the house and looked out the window, I saw Gavin push Jenna--then Kesley started yelling at Gavin--then Gavin pushed Kesley--then Kesley attacked Gavin--then they broke out into an all out FIST FIGHT!  The first fist fight ever!  I was SHOCKED.  I also felt a little guilty because I knew it was mostly my fault for letting tensions run too high.  I went and broke things up and then they all had to come in, sit at the kitchen table and hold hands for 10 minutes.  Love this pic!

 Mothers Day!  Love this pic too.  The kids wrapped my new vacuum under blankets and pillows and Jenna had 2 very special gifts for me (all of her precious jewels hidden in her toy baskets and covered in her scarfs!)  Love my kiddos!