If you're not on Facebook, you probably haven't seen these pictures. Curt, from Life's a Story Photography, who has taken our pictures several times (and is good friends with Dale and Ellen) came over a couple of weeks ago to shoot these pictures. They were a surprise for Ellen for her birthday. He had them made into prints she can hang on her walls as she is redecorating some of her rooms. He also did Lisa and Chad's boys, so she has brand new photos of all 6 grandkids. Our pictures turned out really cute, so I thought I'd share, since he gave me copies. Believe it or not, these were taken in my garage against a white backdrop. Cute!
I realize it's been a long time since I posted anything but pictures or videos. I do remember saying a while ago that we have been busy, and boy have we! But, it's been a good busy, finishing up end of the year things and giving the kids lots of "firsts". I am looking forward to the end of this week, when things start to calm down! You saw the video of the dance and piano recitals. We also had the kids' last concert at preschool. It was a whole school event, a musical. They got up and sang for one song and ACTUALLY sang this time! We were happy. I'll post that video later.
We had a nice Mother's Day weekend. Our garage sale went well. We got rid of tons of toddler toys, clothes and other things we don't need anymore. I am glad to get that stuff out of my basement. On Mother's Day we had brunch with my family and dinner with Dale and Ellen. The kids and Brian gave me a new jewelry box and cleaned out the inside of my car, which desperately needed it. I think that is a great present, because I don't have to do it myself! We finished up all the classes at the Y this week, also. Will is doing much better in swimming, and I hope will continue to make strides when we can start swimming everyday this summer. Xander enjoyed his art class and brought home a mother's day present for me the last day. I think he really liked doing it by himself.
The kids are really turning into little funny kids lately. They are acting less and less like preschoolers and more like kindergarteners. They are definitely ready for the challenge of school. They are getting good at recognizing high frequency words and are ready to learn how to read with someone besides me teaching them. They still enjoy coloring and doing projects and will frequently disappear for long stretches into the playroom to color and draw. You can also tell their reasoning skills are improving and maturing. They have become good at arguing and rationalizing with us, trying to get out of work or taking the blame for a problem. They still test us, though and will defy us on purpose to see how much they can get away with. I had a conference with Mrs. Thimijan (preschool teacher) the other day. She is really proud at how they've developed socially this year. They have come a long way since even just last fall. She said they play separately some, together some. They are much more social and less shy, all things we like to hear! I think kindergarten is only going to improve their individual identities, next year!
The star chart is still going strong. If I haven't mentioned before, we changed it a little bit. Instead of a $1 prize for reaching the top, they can get a ticket. Each ticket is worth $1 and once they have collected several, they are able to go to Target to buy a bigger toy. So far, they each have 2 or 3 tickets. Will believes he is going to get 5 and go buy a $5 toy, so we will see. We have been using it more frequently for little good (or bad) behaviors in an effort to curb the bigger meltdowns. But, lately Grace has been testing her limits and has been known to lose 2 or 3 stars in one episode (but on the flip side, if she's cooperative she can gain 2 or 3 at a time, too, because when she cooperates, she really cooperates!)
Sorry for the long post (sorry, Chad!), but I had to get in all this info before I forget it! Thanks for checking up on us.
