Finishing First Grade...

The end of another school year is always a bittersweet reminder of how quickly my little ones are growing up.  It's hard to believe that my little guy is officially a second grader now.  These two years of school have passed so quickly, and he has grown and developed so much!  I always love the last weeks of school--looking forward to summertime, class parties, award ceremonies, and of course field day:

Mason also had two award ceremonies during the last days of school.  Here he is with his wonderful teacher, Mrs. Torres.  I really could not have asked for a better first grade teacher:

Here is Mason receiving an award for earning over 100 AR reading points this year:

In addition to that, he also won the award for the most books read (238!), an award for earning A's all year long, and the 'Thorough Thinker Award'.

But my proudest moment came when his principal announced that he had been chosen to receive the 'Character Award' for his class.  Of course we are proud of his good grades and other achievements, but this one honor meant more to me than all the others combined.  More than anything else, I want my children to be known for their good character and Christ-likeness.  We love you, Mason, and we are so proud of the young man you are becoming!

Potty Love...

I don't know what it is about the potty that both my girls, as babies, love.  Once (actually more times than I care to mention) I caught 12-month-old-Ellie eating toilet paper out of the unflushed potty.  This sent chills up my spine every time I thought about it.  Two years later, I experienced a repeat performance when I caught Mollie doing the same thing.  So I shouldn't have been so surprised when I walked into the bathroom this evening, only to find Mollie cooling her toes in the 'porcelain pool'...and back into the bath she goes.

The Makeover...

I think it's safe to assume that Ellie was a little confused about the proper placement of mascara when she decided to experiment with my makeup.  In my humble opinion, I think she may have laid it on a little thick.

Play Ball...

My favorite way to spend a Friday evening--watching this little guy...

Eighteen Months...

Precious Mollie, last week you turned 18 months old.  You started out as the most laid back of the three, but lately it seems that with every month older you grow, the bigger your will and persistence grow too!  And what a big personality you have!  You are learning so much.  Each day is a new discovery and you soak up everything like a little sponge.  You copy everything you see us do, from putting dishes and groceries away to dance moves and attempting to work the phone and computer.

Three months ago you began feeding yourself with a fork/spoon, and by now you've become very proficient at it.  It's lots of fun to see your language developing, in that even though you don't say much yet, you understand and follow through with most simple commands.  To date, your favorite words are "bir" (bird), "hot", "tickle", "dits" (thanks), "Eh yeh" (Ellie), "zoos" (which you use for juice, shoes, and cheese), "ish" (for fish or goldfish crackers), and if you don't know the word for something you just point to it and say "daddy...daddy!" (not quite sure how you made that connection, but it's funny anyway.)  You also 'bark' when you see dogs, 'moo' when you see a cow, and say 'ahh' when you see a cat.  You love playing outside, being read to, drinking slushes, and looking at animals. You also love to collect rocks and other small things in your little hands, and you will carry them around (or hold them in your mouth) for a long time!

At 18 months you weigh 23 pounds and you are 32.5 inches long.  Many days I wish I could stop time, as I cannot quite grasp how fast it seems you are growing up.  I'm holding on so tightly to every single minute of your babyhood because I see it so quickly fleeting.  Every day with you is a precious gift, my sweet baby girl.  I'm so thankful you are mine. 

Ellie's Donut...

The remnant of Ellie's donut with icing and sprinkles.  She is not so subtle in letting us know which part she likes best.

Opening Day 2012...

Yesterday was the Little League opening day for the 2012 season.

Mason was especially excited for this season to begin because this is the first year that he gets to play on the junior minor league, which uses a pitching machine, unlike t-ball, which was the league he played on the previous two years.  He did a great job--he got hits off the machine every time!

In yesterday's game, Mason played 3rd base and catcher.  He was so excited to have the opportunity to play catcher, because that is a position that t-ball didn't have.  He loved getting to wear all the gear too!

 This one almost got away!

The look on Mason's face when his coach announced that he had won the game ball! 

These four brothers are some of Mason's closest buddies.  We're so blessed to be on their team for the 3rd year in a row! We are proud of you Mason...we love to watch you play and have fun!!