Summer 2012

We had a fun summer this year.  We got to go to Great Escape with Chad's family.  The boys had a blast.  We kept busy enjoying the nice weather and playing with our neighbors.  We also went and visited my parents at the end of the summer and swam in my dad's pool.  The boys always enjoy that.   

Jacob's 4th Birthday July 18, 2012

My baby turned 4!!!  When did that happen?? I swear he was just born.  He has really enjoyed Kung Fu Panda lately and decided that he wanted that as his theme for his birthday.  Pretty easy for me.  When Chad was in China he bought each of the boys a stamp that had their name in English and Chinese.  It was perfect for his invitation.  We had his party on July 15 after church.  Jacob is not the type of kid who likes a lot of attention.  Nicholas loves it but not Jake.  So its hard for him being the center of attention at his birthday but he did great.  We made 2 panda cakes.  Lots of family and friends in our tiny house.  He got a lot of new games which is perfect.  On his actual birthday there was a Primary activity at a friends house.  They had a pool party.  I made cupcakes to bring with me and everyone was wishing him a happy birthday.  By this point he was so birthdayed out he would just roll his eyes!  We ordered Chinese food for dinner (his request) and had a relaxing evening.  He was glad his birthday was finally over and the extra attention would finally stop.  Happy Birthday baby boy!!!  We love you!!

Visiting China, Kindergarten Graduation, Visiting Grandparents June 2012

June was a busy month.  Chad went on a business trip to China for 3 weeks.  We were sad to see him leave but it was also exciting that he was going to get to experience this whole new place.  He LOVED it!!!  Except for the fact that he missed us, everything else was great.  He loved the sights and the food.  Oh yes, I am STILL hearing about the food.  He gained about 10 lbs. in the time he was there.  He tried everything and loved almost all of it.  He was in a small city called Xi'an.  I say small but it has a population of about 13 million.  Crazy right!?  The city has a wall around it and he got to travel on top of it.  He visiting a temple in the mountains.  He got to go to a hot springs which was very relaxing.  He really enjoyed it and brought home lots of souveniers for all of us.  The 16 hour flight (total of about 30 hours start to finish with layovers) was a lot and the 12 hour time difference was hard.  When we were saying goodnight, he was waking up and when we woke up he was excited to tell us about his day before going to bed.  He will most likely have to go back in a few months for more training and is looking forward to it.  June 19th we officially became parents of a Kindergarten graduate.  It was the sweetest graduation.  I can't believe how much our little boy is growing up.  He LOVED kindergarten and is looking forward to beginning 1st grade in a few weeks.  I hope we get another great teacher.  His kindergarten one was so great and we feel very lucky that he got her.  Jacob finished preschool this month as well.  Since he was in the 3 year old class he doesn't graduate until next year.  They did an end of year party.  Of course he wouldn't sing any of the songs they practiced!  He was looking forward to summer.  They both were.  We decided one weekend to go up and visit with my parents for a few days.  The boys loved swimming in my Dad's pool.  They had a lot of fun visiting my side of the family and took our minds off how much we missed Chad.  We were so excited when he came home. It was a great way to end the month.

5K Race May 23, 2012

Cathy and I have been training to run a 5K for about 8 weeks now.  We decided to run one in Mechanicville.  Yesterday was the race and it went really well. Cathy was really fast but she has also run races before.  I wanted to finish and I did.  I was so thankful to have Chad and the boys and Michelle cheering me on every few roads or so.  Jacob would say "Go Mommy Go!!" and Nicholas was saying "Mommy, run faster, there is a bear behind you!!"  It was so cute:)  I have another race in just over 3 weeks so I better keep up the training.  

Science Fair May 15, 2012

 Nicholas had a science fair at his school a couple weeks ago.  Chad and him were planning on making a really cool project.  Chad unfortunately had a lot of late days at work and school that week and didn't have as much time as he wanted.  So Nick and I had to come up with something really fast the day before the fair.  We decided to do a cornstarch and water experiment.  It goes from a liquid, to a solid and then back to a liquid again.  I know it was kind of cheesy but he is in Kindergarten.  Nick and Jake loved playing with the mixture and it was super messy (probably why they loved it so much!)  There was also an ice cream social afterwards so that is always a great way to end the day.

Mother's Day Picnic

Today at Jake's preschool they had a Mother's Day picnic.  When we got there they gave all the mom's a pin to wear.  The kids sang a few songs.  Then we ate a yummy lunch on picnic blankets.  Afterwards, we did a painting craft and planted some flowers in pots the kids each designed.  It was a lot of fun.  Jake has been singing the songs at home all week but of course he wouldn't sing them today.  He was really excited to have me there for snack time and to do the fun activities with him.  I love my little boys:)  

 These were the pins we wore.  Jake kept trying to eat it and as soon as I snapped the picture he had the wrapper off.  Oh well.  It was cute while it lasted.

White board fun

Nicholas got a white board for his birthday from Aunt Michelle.  He uses it everyday.  He likes to write notes to me and draw pictures.  He also practices writing his name and letters.  I write him a note every night after he falls asleep so he will have one to read when he wakes up.  Jake also likes to draw pictures on it.  It is cute to see how creative they are.  Here are a couple pictures I was able to get before they were erased.