P is for Pop

I ordered some new alphabet materials for kinder and first grade classrooms last week. The box arrived at home and the boys were very curious about what might be inside. When I opened it, I asked Mighty if he wanted to do an alphabet puzzle. He was quite interested, so we enlisted his two older brothers to assist as needed.


When we got to the letter "P,"our conversation went something like this:

Mom: P is for Pop and popcorn. (two of his favorite things)

Mighty: What letter is for my Pop?

Mom: P is for Pop.

Mighty: My Pop that walks with shoes on?


"The Brothers," as Mighty calls them, thought that was pretty funny! I love moments like these.

Floating

J and I were leaving swimming lessons a few weeks ago. There was a gentleman out in front of the main entrance. He was sitting on a towel listening to his ipod. His eyes were closed and his legs were crossed (criss cross applesauce). His arms were on his knees in meditation kind of pose. I noticed the man, but I didn't think much of it.

J said, "Mom, what is he doing?" I responded that I wasn't sure, but I assumed he was waiting for his children to finish swimming. J immediately started giggling. I asked why he was laughing. He said, "Mom, I think he forgot to float!"

His mental picture of how this should look surely comes from cartoons! Sometimes I forget how literal children can be, but moments like these remind me.

Visitor at the Pond

Recently we added a small pond in our backyard. This has been a plan in the making for quite some time. J and K like to dream with their Daddy about little projects like this one.

The pond work was done in stages. First we needed Pop to help us get electricity for the pump and filter. Then the hole had to be dug in just the right place. Finally, we needed to make a trip to Louisiana. Although fish are sold in Texas, our boys wanted fish from Grandma Betty's pond. No other fish would do.

Somehow the fish survived the long car ride home. We put them in our pond and life was pretty good. One day, however, we noticed that one of the fish seemed to be missing.

The boys have a theory and it goes something like this...

Time with Cousins

We made a quick trip to Winnie for my cousin's baby shower. The boys are always thrilled to steal as many moments as they can with their cousins. This day was no exception.

Boys will be Boys

First Communion day was a day of many firsts. K made his First Communion, J rode a bike for the first time, and they made paper cigarettes for the first time.

Learning to Ride a Bike

J has been very patient about learning to ride his bike. It was a super busy Spring, and he had asked several times for assistance with this goal. Finally the big day arrived!

After all of our guests left from First Communion festivities, we headed outside for a little quality time with J and Mighty. Daddy took the training wheels off the bike and they headed out into the cul-de-sac. It only took a matter of minutes to figure it out.


Going...


Going...

Gone!

Woo hoo! I did it!

J posing with Dad a few minutes after the maiden voyage.

K's 1st Communion

K's celebrated his First Communion in April. We were fortunate to have Mer and Pop, Nan and Gran, and Aunt Brooke, Carter, and Hollis at the ceremony. It was a very special day for K. I know he was thrilled to have family members with us to share in his excitement.

Our church hired a professional photographer to take pictures of the children before First Communion and during the ceremony. We sure are glad they did...these pictures capture what we weren't able to see from far away.


K with his classmates


K receiving his First Communion from Deacon Barry




Proud Parents

K with Aunt Brooke, his Godmother

K with Pop and Mer

K with Granny and Nan

K with his friend, Simon

Mighty's Recycling Party

Before Mighty's birthday, I mentioned that we were having a party for our "trash man." Several people on different occasions gave me a funny look and said, "really?" One person even said, "I don't really know my trash man that well." I had to laugh...I hadn't realized what I was saying, as it is pretty common knowledge at our house that Mighty is our trash man.

This year we found a way to honor what he loves most - recycling. We were able to celebrate his big day at the Recycling Center. We learned about the things that can be recycled and even had the opportunity to sort the items in our own recycle bins from home.




Our friends began to arrive and the adventure began.




Mighty helped Daddy carry in the recycle bins.




Can you tell that he likes recycling just a little?



Andy checks out the trash cans.

J was a willing participant for the trash bag "sack" race.

The zip line was a hit.

Cake time!

We have the best friends in the whole world. They really went out of their way to get Mighty new trash accessories and earth friendly gifts. His new trash can sits proudly next to ours.

Harlem Globetrotters

We took our guys to see the Harlem Globe Trotters in the Spring. Unfortunately we did not capture the best moments on camera. K and J laughed a lot while Mighty danced in his seat. It was great!

Bluebonnets

Somehow the bluebonnets and other wildflowers came and went before I could do anything about it. Luckily, Nan and Gran were able to capture a few photos of the boys.

Kindergarten Field Trip

For J's Kindergarten Field Trip, we went to the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm. I remember going with K when he was in Kinder, but somehow I don't remember it being quite so beautiful in the spring. The wildflowers were quite impressive! Unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures of them. I think I was too busy enjoying my time with J.

The children learned about the plants and animals on the farm. We went on a hayride that ended on a fun playground, complete with a boat and tether ball area. A good time was had by all!


J building a plant model.

The boys enjoyed time on the boat...literally.

Mighty's Birthday

Mighty's 3rd birthday began with a bang. He woke up that morning and announced that he wanted to wear big boy undies. Woo hoo! We were all thrilled with his news, and he has been a changed man ever since.







I think he practiced all day to get his fingers to show the number 3. Not bad for a little guy.

Alas, the big boy undies for all to see.

Grandma Betty sent some new tools and accessories. Needless to say, they were a big hit!

Mommy and Daddy gave the Duplo farm set, as Legos and all things about trash and recycling seem to be Mighty's "thing."

Happy 3rd Birthday, Mighty Moo!