Kindergarten Update

Victor LOVES Kindergarten so far. He is learning so much! He hasn't even been cranky when getting up in the morning! I love, of course, to hear about his day. A close second to this is seeing his artwork. He's been doing some great things at school but he's also doing some great work when he spends time with Daddy. Each Monday and Wednesday Victor gets to go back to Daddy's office until its time to go home. Here he colors with markers and learns what Daddy does! Below are some pictures he has done recently. I can't believe how well he's staying in the lines! Keep in mind Victor said he didn't have anything to go by when he colored these. All the colors are correct and he did it from memory!Notice the "shading" on the flower....I love the detail....he even colored Junior's hat as you see it in the shows!Even Van Gogh slept! (Probably minus the remote)Our sleeping beauty.... Our baby beauty! Abigail is standing now!!! Look at those cute piggies!

Just a cute pic!

They have arrived....

It has begun.....the Notre Dame football season is upon us. Wake up the echoes!!!!

First Day of Kindergarten!!!!

Our baby boy's first day of school. We are so blessed that we have a healthy, happy boy that is so eager to learn! Here are a few pics from the big day.......

Victor was a little more than hesitant on the first day of school. I started with my antics and got a smile out of him. Any cuter Kindergartner? I don't think so! The newest OLPH Crusader Yes Mom you can take my picture.... Our little Mister How appropriate! Victor and his love of trains and this is the theme for the year! We had the pleasure of a lesson from "Mr. Larry Boy". The lesson was all about the day's events at OLPH....we learned so much!!!!

A Day at the Zoo......

Today Meredith and I took the kids to the zoo. We had a great time! We learned quite a few things today. We learned: rhino's horns are made of hair, giraffes are the only animal born with horns (all other animals with horns grow them) and we learned that cotton candy doesn't always cure a fussy child. (lesson for Meredith and I at the end of the day!) Check out the great pics below and look closely at the pic with Sydney, Sam and the gorilla! Miss Lally at the hippos. "Kids in the Mist" I think that's a halo I see. She's not even fully grown yet! Look out WNBA! The Gorilla Forest Mommy and me at the zoo! Our own "little monkey" Hey, I want to see the big monkeys too!!! This was too cool. The gorilla just sat down right next to Sydney and we got Sam to sit with her and check out how close they are!!!Only a pane of glass separates primate and children---amazing! We took the kids to the new water park at the zoo. They had a blast playing with the boat, slides and squirters!

I could take pictures of Maddie in pigtails all day! Partners in crime. Gusher! Little gusher! Thought I'd end on a beautiful pic. I love how beautiful you look here Sydney!!! You look so mature but you'll always be my little girl! :)

School's Almost Here!

Tuesday night we went to Victor's Kindergarten Open House. He had a great time showing us his classroom and seeing his friends from Pre-K. We can't believe our "Little Mister" is almost off to Kindergarten! God is good!!!

State of the art! Right up Victor's alley! Lots of toys to go along with lots of learning. Ahhh.....if only my shelves looked like this. Victor's classmate showing his muscles. So smart. Just chilling by the girls. That's right.....let them notice you.

Daddy showing Victor the "Math Station". Like Father like Son---good with numbers!

Jill's Surprise 30th Birthday!!!!

Well we pulled it off!!!! We had a surprise 30th birthday party for Jill Saturday night. She was totally surprised. After weeks of planning, filming and scheming it all paid off! She didn't think we were doing anything for her and when she got out of the car she said, "You really DO care!" (her actual birthday was 7/16) Thanks to everyone who helped make it a success! Special thanks to Eric, Jess and Chris who put the video together and did a GREAT job! Thanks for hosting too guys!! We're pretty sure Jill had a good time but you can be the judge with the pics below......

We refer to Jill as Wonder Woman because she does so many things. And does them well! Therefore, we paid homage to our Wonder Woman with a BIG pic of her!!!

Our own Spielberg. Great job Eric!!!! (and Chris)

BFF

Cornhole was a big part of the night.

Darren even came out of retirement for a game!

Julia and Jess bustin' a move Tyson doing his best impression of Casey "Jill" and "Casey" dancing. "Eric" dancing. Love those glasses. Dancing was also big part of the night. Some of us had a partner, some of us had... well...sort of a partner. "Misty" working on her routine.One of the highlights of the night......Wonder Woman !!!!!! I love the smoke effect Darren's so lucky to have such a "wonderful" fiance. You can see the excitement in his face. A few Amstel Lights later......... CUTE couple. Mom taking it all in. She must be so proud. Ahhhhh.....all tuckered out. See what happens after you turn 30! Happy Birthday Jill! You're the best sister God could ever bless us with. We love you!!!!!!!! (even through the awkward years :)