Weekend in Review

 Watch out for the lion - Mr. Liam borrowed a costume from daycare.

 Jack attended his last soccer game of the season. Here is standing tough with a friend.

 Jack was a busy boy this weekend. He had fun with classmates at a friend's party on Sunday, then we zoomed to his party.

 I don't know how kids do this - going 'round and 'round would make me sick to my stomach.

 We were blessed to have many members of our family, including Jack's birth family and foster mother, attend Jack's party.

Jack received cowboy boots from his birth mother. He can't wait to wear them to school!

 A little embarrassed by everyone singing to him.

 Jack and EE, his foster mother. We were so excited she could make it!

 Jack's birthday had a dinosaur theme. Maggie took one of the dinosaur eggs, split them apart and modeled them on her chest. Maggie, be grateful that you're too young to strap on the chest girdle. Enjoy the freedom while you can.

 Me and my little man.

 Mom and Maggie. Miss Maggie was a bit spoiled by grandma and grandpa yesterday.

Kindergarten Field Trip!

 Jack and one of his buddies!

We traveled to a pumpkin patch today. I don't know who was more excited - me or Jack. It was cool to step into the role my mom always fit so well into when I was a kid. The kids had so much fun selecting a pumpkin, going on a hay ride, walking through a straw maze and visiting the many animals on the farm.

 This rabbit found God.

 Jack's Kindergarten class - a great bunch of kids!

 Say cheese!

 

 Took this myself - not too shabby!

 

 Cool straw horse with a relay race in the back.

 

 How tall is Jack this Fall? Pretty tall!

 

 Cute little pumpkin looks like it needs some love.

  Jack and the pumpkin he selected.

 Making our way through the pumpkin maze.

 Peacock! My past keeps returning to me.

Birthday Boy!

 King of the Birthday!

I brought treat to Jack's class yesterday - ice cream and juice boxes - the kids were thrilled.

 Jack and his teacher.

 Did he want birthday hugs or spanks? He chose hugs!

 His teacher gave him seven hugs - one to grow on.

 Jack got exactly what he wanted - a dinosaur and a man that rides it. Momma done good.

We celebrated with pizza, cupcakes and (more) ice cream!

I can't believe it's been six years since I watched my little man enter this world. That was the most exciting moment of my life - one that I will never forget and always treasure. I am a very blessed momma.

Summer Flash Back

 Jack, Tee ball, 2013

I just received a couple of pictures from this past summer's tee ball session. Someone with a slightly more expensive camera than me was kind enough to take individual and team pictures of the children and their coaches.

Tee ball team, 2013

Looks like there are some potential players for the St. Louis Cardinals here - after all, you gotta start somewhere.

Weekend in Review

 We had a fun weekend - me especially. On Sunday, I attended the baby shower of a friend and past co-worker. I had a great time visiting her and and another co-worker and friend. Miss Amy has the cutest baby bump. I can't wait to see her as a mommy.

 Last night, we painted nails and boy was that fun! Miss Maggie is so good and tries to be so still when we play nail salon. She went for hot pink on fingers and toes.

 "Are you kidding me?"

Matthew wouldn't sit still.

 Jack, well, I'm relieved he didn't want his nails painted since he's in school. I wouldn't want him to be teased. He did have a turtle tattoo on his arm so we'll see how that goes.

"Don't hate me because I'm cute."

Going Goth - black on finger nails and pink on toe nails.

 "Seriously cute!"

 Stink bug look.

"Mom, put that camera away!"

Wow, I love that age.

Soccer Buddies!

Road Trip!

Scene from a McDonald's parking lot: I bet this thing gets great gas mileage.

 
On Sunday, my mother and I took the four kiddos to Illinois to visit one of my best childhood friends. She is a FSGM, Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. I am lucky if I get to see her once a year in the summer. Well, that didn't happen this year so we arranged for a visit on her home turf.

The kids quickly got over any shyness. Sister Mary has a way with people.

Matthew touching a statue of St. Francis.

Jack went on these bars a dozen or so times, trying to prove how strong he was. He actually made it over a few times, better than me. I couldn't even make it over once.

And that's about as far as I got.

I helped Liam get across the bars.

"Momma, when you coming down?"

Momma will go almost anywhere for a good picture.

 Thank goodness the Sisters operate a daycare. I don't know what mom and I would have done without the playground. It helped keep the kids happy for a few hours.

Miss Maggie shoots me a sly smile.

Liam on the move!

Sister Mediatrix and Maggie!

After playing outside, we went inside for snacks - cookies, crackers and cheese. Oh, and lemonade. The kids were pretty happy. I was too until the big boys decided to take both of the brownies. I thought brownies were for adults!

Chillin' with Sister. It was a beautiful day - perfect weather to be outside with the kids.

Temper tantrum #? 

Matthew was a little crabby on Sunday and had quite a few meltdowns, at least this one wasn't on concrete.

Our goofy picture, 2013.

Miss Maggie and Sister Mediatrix.

Our friendship goes way back - I say Kindergarten. Sister says First grade. She reminded me of my obsession with video cameras from a very young age. I reminded her of our common bond - not being allowed in the toy house in Kindergarten. Thank goodness, we eventually grew up - including those snobby girls. So easy to forgive but not so easy to forget. :)

I was grateful for my mom's help with the kids on Sunday. She's been on some crazy adventures with me, aka snow blizzard, etc. I couldn't have made the trip to Illinois without her.