Still playing catch up

In an attempt to get caught up a tad more... (WARNING:  it's a looooong one)

The days leading up to the end of the school year were super-duper busy with end-of-the year parties, graduations, ceremonies, etc.

Grant's honors day ceremony was short and sweet. Just the way I like it. :) We're so proud he made all A's all year long. He also received an AR award for receiving 134 AR points. The books he read are 0.5 points so you do the math. That's a lot of books. Proud, yes, but not surprised. Way to go, Professor!

His teacher, Ms. Turnipseed, is retiring to Seaside.
While we're so happy for her, selfishly for us we're sad.
She and Grant grew quite close this year, as did the two
of us. She will be missed. Grant had a really great year.

Mac's Kindergarten "graduation" was held at a local church. Let me say how much I love that our public school has their Kindergarten ceremony at a church. Since there are quite a few classes they had to split the programs up. So like Grant's, Mac's was short and sweet. They sang a few songs then received their diplomas.

As usual, Bueller was smack dab in the middle of the ladies. :)

We love, love, love Mrs. Schweers and fingers are crossed Reid gets her this year

 

Mackey had a great Kindergarten year. They really pushed Accelerated Reader in Kindergarten this year which was new to us because Grant didn't start AR until 1st grade. So Mac was reading and testing on books that Grant read and tested on well into 1st grade. He finished the year with 18 points. He was very excited about it in the beginning. Had the excitement continued through the end of the year he could easily have had 25 or more points. The newness of AR wore off. I didn't push the issue ~ 1st grade will push it enough. ;)

Now Reid's Kiddie Kollege graduation??? That sucker was anything but short. But it sure was sweet. This was our last Kiddie Kollege graduation. Ever. Part of me is excited for him because he absolutely cannot wait to start "big school." Of course part of me is sad that we are now done with preschool. Well, I'm sad until we do things like go to the beach and I realize how utterly fabulous it is that I can finally just sit down and enjoy myself while watching them play and swim. Then? Not so sad!

Pomp and Circumstance gets me every time

Jesus

Loves

Me!

Receiving his diploma and "graduation smiley"
(already signed by his classmates - love) from Miss Morgan

Finding out he got "Most Talkative" in Who's Who haha!!

So proud it was his turn after following in big brothers' footsteps

Mimi and Granddaddy with their boys
Grandmama Norton and Big Daddy were there too
but snuck out before I was able to take their picture. :(

Me and my guys

One of my favorite things about Kiddie Kollege graduation is knowing I will be taking home their scrapbook.

A lot of time, hard work and love goes into those books. There are pictures from their first day to their last and everything in between. Treasures. I'm very appreciative. The boys have fun going through them together. :)

Snuggie was there too. Did I mention it ran a bit long?!? She was ready.to.go. Luckily she came back home with us to stay the night. Once things settled down and we chilled while daddy grilled, we snapped a few more pictures.

"Aint" Dawnie with the grad

It was a good night!

Every morning since we've been out for summer he has asked if it's still summer or time for school. I think it's safe to say he's ready.

Also thrown in the mix has been the last little bit of league ball along with travel ball. Let's just say league ball this year was a learning experience. Chris and I made the decision to let Mac play in his age group as opposed to playing up in Grant's age group. We second-guessed that decision many times. At the beginning of the season only Mac and the coach's son could even hit the ball. They came in second in their division. Needless to say they came a long way. Mac played shortstop and WAS the infield most of the time. Without a doubt we made the right decision. He had a season of being "Mr. Baseball." :) He came in second for the highest batting average in the 5-6 age group (Mac's was .864, 1st place was .875). He loves the game. Loves it. And is a natural. Way to go, Bueller!

Carlile Pediatrics

Grant's team had their share of ups and downs but also came in second in their division. It was fun to see Grant grow and mature into a third baseman. His coach was determined. He has done so well and is playing third in travel ball also.

We were a bit apprehensive at first but ended up really enjoying our high-strung coach. ha!

How our coach, David Law, (back middle) never had a
heart attack on the field is beyond me. He's intense. :)

 

Grant loves the game as well and works really hard. He is tougher than tough and as sweet as they come - a winning combination.

One of my favorites from the season. Both boys got a game ball the same night.

Travel ball is really just getting started. We were forewarned when Chris was getting the team together that it would take a while. That we would surely have some growing pains. We have played in a few tournaments and boy have we had our share of growing pains. Yikes! It's hard watching our boys get stomped after working their little baseball booties off and looking good at practice. But we're improving with every tournament and finally had our first win a couple of weeks ago. It was awesome! Pardon the pun but travel ball is an entirely different ball game. I wish I had more pictures but things move so fast I don't even think about it.

Headed out early

Pep talk

Now that's how you watch a ball game

Daddy/son talk ;)

Baseball buds
Dawson, Grant and Davis

We will play through July then will take off a little while. As much as we love it, I think we will all enjoy a little breather. ;)

That's still not everything, but I'm getting there. In the meantime we are soaking up and thoroughly enjoying our summer.

Until next time...

Checking in

Hi. Anyone still here?

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Mac always cracks up when I say that since his nickname is Bueller although he has no idea where it comes from. ;)

I cannot believe the last time I posted anything was three weeks ago. Who am I?

Whoever came up with and included "vacation" with summer obviously did not stay home with their children. Heavens to Betsy. ALL I WANT TO DO IS UPDATE MY BLOG. WAAAAAAAH!!!!! ;) Oh, and maybe pee in peace too. That would be nice. I do love summer but my goodness it's a busy time.

School is now officially out for summer although we decided to start our summer a few days early. The last two and a half days are a joke. Two little birdies (a/k/a Grant and Mac's teachers) let me know that grades were in, report cards were completed, and attendance the last week would not be an issue. That was all I needed to hear, especially since we decided at the last minute to head to the beach for Memorial Day. We had a great, relaxing time. Of course since it was a holiday it was crowded, so we ventured out a little during the day and for the most part stayed close to the camper at night. I dearly love the beach. Emerald Coast RV Resort has become like a home away from home. We enjoy our trips and look forward to a few more over the summer.

How can I love donuts like I do and yet have never been to DD?
Their original glazed donuts don't quite compare to KK in my book,
but their coffee is THE BEST. Some of their original blend
along with blueberry cake munchkins make for a great start.  

Fun lunch at Tacky Jacks! They were STARVING until
we realized they had a pool. :) It was nice to kick back with a
drink and good lunch while the kids swam.

Outside of TJ were a few vendors. They had the most yummy
kettle corn. We also got soft-serve ice cream, and of course
the boys spent the most time at the booth with the gator heads

Fun times with Daddy

This little boy has been waiting a long time to be tall enough
to ride the Kids Cars at Race City. FINALLY!!!!

They were the only 3 on the track. Competition was fierce. :)

The only picture I have from our day on the beach and Chris took it.
Sunscreen+sweat+sand=phone stays in bag

Our evening view of the pond at ECRV

Good times. We missed B but she was having her own fun on JUG beach trip not far from us in Grayton Beach.

B and Molly

Molly, Evelyn and B

Lanier, B and Julia

B and Lanier

I totally stole those pictures from Bethany and/or Ellie's Instagram. :) They were gone from Saturday to Saturday. This was the first time she's been on a trip like that for that long. She had a great time but let's just say she wasn't sad it had to come to an end. ;)

I had every intention of getting fully caught up on everything but duty calls. Although, my duties have been lightened a bit these past few days.

Reid has gone to his Rara's for a few days. His brothers have baseball so he went alone, a first for him. I thought he would last a night, maybe two. Well last night was night three and when I talked to him yesterday he was no where near ready to come home. I said, "REID! I miss you! Are you ready to come home?" His response??? "I wanna stay for a lot of days." Poor thing. He misses me so bad. He is living it up and being spoiled rotten by the minute. I'm missing my Turbo, though, so Mommy Monster may have to be a killjoy and insist he come home today. Otherwise he would probably be ok with changing his address. :)

I hope to be back real soon...