End of the Year Gifts

I think we have started a tradition... End of the Year gifts. We are just so proud of the boys. Thomas did an amazing job in first grade. Every single paper he brought home was an "S" and nearly all 100%'s. He tried so hard and learned so much. We are super proud of Nathan for starting a new school, not crying in the mornings at dropoff, and making such wonderful progress with his speech. Nathan got the new Bubble Guppies DVD and a Leap Frog alphabet writing tablet. Thomas got new K'Nex Mario figures and a new DS game. It's hard to believe that Thomas will be a second grader in a few short weeks. Wow! Time is flying!

Sweet Gift

A little boy in my class made me this frame. His mom used chalkboard paint to cover the glass. I can't wait to use it at home. Although, I think his special message is too cute to ever erase!

Early Celebration

Thomas got to celebrate his birthday early with his classmates. He wanted me to make star shaped rice crispy treats to look like the stars on his Super Mario game. I did the best I could and he was thrilled. Here's also a picture of him at lunchtime. He wasn't too thrilled about me bringing the camera into the cafeteria.

End of the Year Treats for Class

I found this idea online and was so delighted on how cute it came out! I'm definitely going to make these again!

Another New Smile

Guess who lost another tooth??? After some tugging and major wiggling,  the other front tooth finally came out! Thomas was so excited!  His smile looks so different!

Bedtime Stories

We have recently seen a huge improvement in Nathan's speech and we are able to understand more words than ever! We are so pleased! The other night after brushing his teeth I walked passed his room and saw all his "babies" lined up and he was reading them a story. I love how he is showing them the pictures as he reads. He told me that they were in "school". The video I took is just so special since we have never heard him with so much to say without screaming or frustration.

Mother's Day

We were so happy to spend Mother's Day with my mom. We went to Jason's Deli for lunch. It is one of our favorite restaurants. Thomas loves their salad bar! It was very crowded but we still had a good time. Afterwards, we hung out at their house until Uncle Mike, Aunt April and Christian came over after their trip to the beach. It was nice to be together for Mother's Day. The boys had a blast...as always.

Saturday Fun

All I wanted to do for Mother's Day was go down to the outet mall to get some things from the Vera Bradley Outlet store. There are so many little gifts I need as end of the year gifts for teachers, volunteers, etc so I thought it was a good idea to do some shopping and then head down the street to Downtown Disney. The boys love going to the Lego store especially. This time Nathan was old enough to try lego's on his own. I was amazed at his concentration! Then the boys stopped for some ice cream at the Ghirardelli store. We had lots of fun and it made for a quiet ride home. :)

Muffins With Mommy

On Friday, Nathan's school hosted a "Muffins With Mommy" celebration. Nathan chowed down on the muffin. It was fun to celebrate Mother's Day before heading to work. (The director of the center took our picture all together, so I'll have to ask for a copy of it to post.)

Jackson's Birthday Party

Jackson's family used to be our neighbors and he just celebrated turning five! He had an Art themed birthday party. Nathan stayed home with Ken so that he wasn't in the way of the big kids and their artwork. A lady read the book, The Mixed Up Chameleon and the kids did a fun (and messy) art project. The party was also at a neighborhood community pool area. I ended up running home to get Thomas' swimsuit. The water felt too good to not go in. I was a little nervous since I wasn't planning on going in the pool plus it's been a while since Thomas has been swimming. Turns out, he's a little fish! He did great! He swam underwater and even floated on his back. I predict lots of pool time this summer!

Thomas and Jackson painting.

"Pleeeeease...can we go home to get our swimsuit???"

Yay, ready to swim!

Brave enough to even jump in!

The final masterpiece.

Nathan's First Shave

Nathan wanted to shave like Daddy (and Thomas) tonight after his bath. He loved starring in the mirror watching every stroke of shaving! It was so cute.

Shaving AND tattoos! All grown up!

Watching himself in the mirror!

Art Show

Nathan's school puts on an annual Spring Art Show. All the families were invited to attend. Nathan's classroom was trnsformed into the board game, CandyLand. They did an amazing job. All the children made the props and seeing Nathan's eyes light up, I knew he took pride in his artwork. All of the rooms were amazing. It made me sad that it's only up for one night. When I dropped him off this morning the room was back to "normal".

Nathan and Ms. Brittany

"Cheese" with Ms. Angie

Nathan and Ms. Diane

Teacher Appreciation

After lots of searching online I think I found enough cute gifts to give Thomas' teacher for Appreciation Week. She really enjoyed them and it was fun having a crafting project to do after the kids went to bed. Next week Nathan's school celebrates Teacher Appreciation week so it was good to make duplicates of all the ideas.

I covered a pack of microwavable popcorn with cardstock.

Strawberry scented soap, hand sanitizer and car air freshner.

Pencil Vase

"Thank you for quenching Nathan's thirst for knowledge."

Filled with Crystal Light To Go packets.

Mason Jar with slices of lime in the water. I wanted daffodils but they were out of season.