A Surprise Gift

A few days ago we came home to a little surprise sitting on our front porch.  Myles friend from school, Ralyn, missed him and wanted to make him a little present.  It was the cutest thing ever.  She had decorated a box and scoured the house for small objects that Myles would like.  What an awesome girl.  I love her.

 

This says "Myles I miss you".

 

She drew a picture of Myles and her holding hands.

 

The contents of the box.  5 M & Ms, coins, a button, a fuzzy ball, a hemlock cone and a few beads.  How sweet is that?

 

Myles was delighted to get this unique gift from his sweet friend.

Field Day 2014

Field Day is Grady's favorite day of the year at school.  The theme of the day was WATER.  The kids ran from station to station playing water games and enjoying the sunshine.  Myles and I came to visit and checkout the festivities.

 

 

Grady's class made shirts based on the book "Swimmy".  It was easy to spot them while running around the field.

 

Alex, Josiah, Grady and Myles

 

Tug of war

 

Slinging wet towels

 

The teachers were super nice and let Myles participate with the class.  He is not one to sit by and watch others have fun.  This was perfect for him.

 

Dance party and Popsicles.  I think they were doing the YMCA

 

What's wrong with Grady?  He always has to do things a little differently.

 

The teachers opened fire.  Water was everywhere.

 

Trying to dodge the water guns

 

Heading to the bouncy house

 

They are already looking forward to next year's Field Day.

Pre-School Graduation

Where has the time gone?  My baby boy is finished with preschool and headed to Kindergarten in the fall.  It is going to be strange not taking anyone to Montreat Morning School next year.  Little E won't be old enough to go in the fall so we will have a year without Montreat.  I can't say I miss working there.  Working in a preschool was hell on earth for me but I was able to be with my kiddos.  It was worth it but I would never go back.

Myles began MMS in the two year old room.  He would pitch a huge fit everytime I walked out the door.  He was so stubborn that he would cry hours on end until I went in to get him.  I was working in the school and would have to duck past his classroom so he wouldn't see me.  How he has changed.  He is so confident, barely saying bye to me in the morning.  He walks in like he owns the place.  He has grown to be a leader and well loved by his fellow classmates.  So long, mamas boy.  Hello, big kid.  I am so proud of you and always will be. 

 

 

Myles with his beloved teachers, Mrs. EJ and Mrs. Jamie, on the last day of school.

 

 

He looked so serious in his cap and gown.

 

On stage

 

When they each got to say what they wanted to be when they grew up, Myles shouted "a Park Ranger".  Be still my heart...

 

I love this kid

 

Posing with his teachers. 

 

I can just see him graduating from College.

 

Anika and Myles at the reception

 

The fab four

 

Grady and Josiah were very well behaved during the graduation....you never know

 

E was not so well behaved.  Josh had to chase her around for most of the ceremony.

 

My little man, holding his new bible.  Mimi swears he is going to be a preacher.  Good Lord, lets hope not.

 

Watch out world, Myles is moving up. 

Boat Season Begins

The warm weather brings with it warm(er) water.  We took the boat out for a spin around Lake James a few weekends ago.  It is still way too cold for me to even think about getting in the water but that doesn't stop the kids.  They will stay in until their lips are purple.  Give it a month or two more and I will think about putting my toes in the water. 

 

The boys can't get enough of the boat and the frigid water.

 

Baby doll enjoys a cruise

 

Hanging with Dad

 

She got her sea legs

 

Exploring an island

 

Brothers

 

What a view

LEAF Festival

This was our first time going to LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival).  It is a three day extravaganza held here in Black Mountain.  Usually, it is out of our budget but this time we scored free tickets.  The after school program that I work for was preforming so we got hooked up.  It was so much fun.  Like Asheville on steroids.  Picture hippies, artists, music, circus folk, fair food and beer.  I love where we live because of the open-minded, liberal vibe.  All are welcome, bring on the freaks, artists and carnies. 

As another huge bonus, my great friend Kelly and her family were going to LEAF as well.  They camped at the festival and we were able to hang out all weekend.  It is always great to catch up with old friends.

 

 

The boys had so much fun and saw all of their friends.  It was a big party.

 

Folks swimming in the lake, zip lines flying overhead, and a HUGE paper mache turtle swimming around. 

 

There was no shortage of people on stilts

 

Watching some games

 

Costumes galore

 

Trying their hand at yoga

 

 

How cool is this?  It was a jungle gym with ropes, scarves and swings.

 

Of course the boys found a naturalist that had a booth.  It was complete with reptiles of all kinds

 

The corn snake was their favorite.