8

Jackson blew out 8 candles today!

Well, actually more if you look above!  And he got every single candle in one breathe!

We're celebrating this birthday at the beach, and both babies are having fun!  Um, well, we did learn today that Katherine is a little jealous of Jackson's big day!  I guess she forgot about her birthday a few months ago!

HAPPY 8TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR BIG BOY!!!

The Zoo was Hot

Our friend we haven't seen in a while asked if we wanted to join them at the zoo yesterday.  It's nice to see friends, but it was HOT.  Unbearably hot.

 As soon as we walked in, Katherine was ready to hit the splash pad.  I didn't blame her.

 After the splash pad, we changed clothes and looked at the rest of the animals.

 I look at these pictures and can't believe how big Jackson is.

We enjoyed catching up, but it sure was nice to get back in our vehicle and turn up the air conditioner!

Happy 4th!

We spent the 4th in Alabama.  Zach and I arrived Thursday evening and on Friday, we woke up to this cute pool boy!

 We also had special visitors this year!  Leslie, William, and Anna drove down and spent the weekend there.  Jackson had been asking all week when William was going to get there.

The boys ganging up on Katherine.

Leslie and I only get to see each other a few times a year now, so it was great getting to spend several days with her and all four of our babies.

 Katherine was pretty excited there was a baby around!  She wouldn't leave Anna alone and I'm sure she drove Leslie crazy.  :)

We spent a lot of time by the pool!

 This is the first year either of them wanted to go down the slide and they loved it!

 Austin and his friend, Nick, were there and the kids love both of them.  There were plenty of high throws all weekend!

Zach snuck up on Austin with the intent of throwing him in the pool.

 But Austin wasn't giving in that easy.

 Zach was able to get free and staged a comeback.

 In the end, Austin won the battle!

We all had a fun and relaxing holiday weekend!!

For Love of Water

The water hose is still a favorite around here.  Last week, Jackson and Katherine attacked Zach with it.  In the midst of the attack, Katherine took time to pose.

 Katherine walked away for a few minutes to play with a roly poly.

I peeked over at Jackson and found this

These two have enjoyed their summer afternoons and evenings!

Hello Summer!!

We have officially welcomed summer!  Jackson had his last full day of school last Thursday and was more than happy for school to be out!

His end of the year pictures-- 

 I was really shocked when I put these side by side.  Obviously, it's been 9 months and he's grown, but I wasn't prepared for how much older he now looks.  He started the year off with baby teeth on top and now he's lost both top front teeth, and I guess that makes a big difference.

He's not looking forward to 2nd grade.  We were chatting a month or so ago on the way to school and he was asking how many grades he had.  I told him 12 and quickly added college was after that.  Of course, he told me he didn't want to go to college, and when I asked why, he said there isn't a playground at college.  Sweet little fella!  He also asked if I could go to college with him.  I just hope he'll still want me around at that age.

Kindergarten Bound

I just love this little picture of Katherine from yesterday,

so I'm putting it at the top of the blog again!

Katherine had her graduation ceremony this morning, and of course it was so sweet.  After hearing their songs, now I know why in October she kept talking about witches' brew (sung to the tune of Row, Row Your Boat) and singing Rockin' Robin last month.  The little stinker never mentioned they were singing these songs at school!

Katherine is still so little, especially compared to all of her classmates.  The majority of the students didn't have any problem with their class shirt fitting.  We got the smallest size and had we not tied it up on the side, it would have hung below her shorts.  It's tough being little!

Katherine receiving her Key to Kindergarten from her 6th grade reading buddy, Catherine.

Remember I mentioned on her birthday that I took her to my office after school and she went into the hallway and started signing Rockin' Robin?  Here they are!

Following the ceremony with my proud girl!  

Kindergarten, look out!!