It's Summer!! June 2011

I love when they roll around and wrestle like this. They remind me of a litter of puppies- boundless energy, pulling on and nipping each others' ears and tails. I think they're ready for Summer.

Abbey's also ready for Summer-- she's had enough of her carseat with our crazy school schedule. Take Audrey and Josh to school at 8, then Caleb to school at 10, then pick up Caleb at 1:30 and hang around for an hour until Audrey gets out. Abbey is still in a carrier, so she'd be in it or in my arms all that time. And then there's the rest of our schedule with piano, violin, Activity Days, dance, and errands. Poor baby!

On June 6, Caleb brought his daddy to school for "community helpers" day. He dressed up as an artist (like Daddy:)) and shared that artists help our community by making it more beautiful. Love that boy.

June 15 was the last day of school! The big boy with Caleb is Ben, our neighbor and dear friend! He also happened to be Caleb's book buddy all year. My boys ADORE him.

Mrs. Schweer was an excellent teacher. Audrey and I will miss her.

What better way to kick off Summer Break than with some pool time?? We started up swim lessons and went swimming almost every day.

This is how Caleb passes the time while waiting for his siblings' lessons to end.

This is how Audrey does it.

A fun pack meeting at the Lagoon. It was a chilly evening- good thing they had a fire and s'mores!

May 2011

On the 2nd was Audrey's "Walk Through the American Revolution" with her class at school. What an amazing fifth grade she's had! This was such a fun way to learn about our nation's history. Audrey memorized a short speech in the voice of Martha Washington. And she executed it perfectly, accent and all. I need to get this girl into drama classes.

This month was highlighted by two events we will never forget. First, my brother Jakey came to visit. Here he is on the morning after he arrived. Caleb is beside himself waiting for him to wake up :)

His lap was never empty.

Josh was spotlighted in his classroom this week, and he brought Jake to school as his "special person." We were so lucky that Jake's visit coincided with the spotlight!

We did Balboa Island Fun Zone one day,

The beach another day,

And the San Diego Zoo another. Jake wore his tiger shirt in honor of the outing.

Abbey wore her elephant shirt.

Everything was in bloom!

pitcher plants

Audrey got some great up-close shots of a peacock:

Here's Jakey striking a GQ (-that dates me, doesn't it? Is it called an "Abercrombie" now?) in a green nightcap. I miss my little brother. Thank you for a wonderful week, Jake!!

The second (but only chronologically!) highlight of May '11 was Justin's graduation! He walked and was officially done with his Master's. Yay!!!

The best part of the day for the kids was the live band. They were really good.

We're so proud of you, Baby!! You did it!

The boys being silly :P

-- and the kids being imaginative

and Josh being the "critter whisperer." I can't believe that wild skink that lives on our patio is letting Josh hold him!

Abbey's talking to her agent-

Josh and Aryan again. I miss that boy.

May 26 was the Deerfield open house. My favorite parts were the chicks that Caleb's kindergarten class had been nurturing, samples of Joshy's writing, and Audrey's molecule finally complete!

We wrapped up this packed, wonderful month with a day at the beach with some close friends. Tonya and her kids were in town and spent the afternoon in the sun with us.

:)