Preschool graduation, Texas style

Today was Ben's last day of preschool. A graduation ceremony was held, along with a little show. The theme was "Texas" and it was great. They danced around on stick horses, sang songs, and stated Texas facts. I had no idea Texas had so many "state" things - the state small mammal? armadillo. The state pepper? Jalapeno. The list goes on and on. Do all states have so many? Maybe they do.

After the Texas show, the kids changed their hats from cowboy to graduation. They each got a diploma and a few hugs, then we all had cake!
Susanna's last day is next Friday. Its already in the 90's here, so its time for summer to really begin!

No girls allowed

This is Ben's first official attempt at written communication:

Pool season

The neighborhood pool has officially opened for the season! We went on the second day (May 2nd) and though the weather was reasonably hot, the water was cold (so I was told.) Not sure if its gotten warmer at all, but of course the kids don't mind at all! We went yesterday for Susanna's end of year Girl Scouts party and she was in the pool almost continuously for three hours. She already has a great tan (despite the SPF 50!)

Karate Ben

Yesterday was Ben's last day of karate class at the Little Gym. All the kids had a chance to demonstrate their karate skills for the parents. Ben had fun in the class and definitely learned a bit, but I don't think he really learned any true karate. Obviously if that is the goal, this is probably the wrong place. But he liked it and had fun with the gymnastics stuff, so it was good for him.

After their little show, each child received a medal and some kind words from the main teacher. They then got to break a board - Ben did it on his first try!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hope all you moms out there are having an extra nice day today!

I felt very lucky this morning to get breakfast in bed - banana pancakes, strawberries, coffee and juice - and a singing card, lovingly selected by Susanna.

We have sort of a busy day planned, but it should be a good one. We might go to a local arts fest, and then we are heading to Grapevine (nice historic-type town) to meet an old neighbor from Brownstown.

Happy Mother's Day!

Ben at bat

Springtime

Spring time is in full force in Texas. Actually, to me, it feels pretty much like summer, but I know I need to enjoy these "mildly warm" days while they last.

On the first day of spring we awoke to freshly fallen snow. Enough to go out and play in. That is long gone now, of course.

The kids are well into their sports seasons - soccer for Susanna and baseball for Ben. We have a few more weeks, and all is going well. Susanna's team is finally starting to score in their games, and has improved their defense immensely. Its so much more fun to watch when the games are close! For teeball, they still don't keep score, which is lucky for all the other teams. Coach Brad is having another great season and loves being in charge of the action.

We are starting the last month of school, and though we're all ready for a break, I know the 11-week summer will be long. We have some trips scheduled, as well as a couple of camps, so we should be busy enough. Its been a few years since we've had a proper summer break, and I think it might be nice not having much to do. And by August, we'll be ready to start a new school year at a brand new school, the 16th elementary school in our city. And I'm already signed up to be on the PTA, so it will be new and exciting for all of us!

Party time

Last Friday we had Ben's 5th birthday party at The Little Gym. He goes there for karate class so it was fun to have his party in a familiar place with one of his teachers. We had 14 five-year-old boys, plus two girls, and a good time was had by all!

I think this was the best part - riding the mat down those rolly things.
Hot dogs for dinner and then cake! (Actually frosting, with just a bit of cake.)