Pooltime!

These kids were so very excited yesterday when I pulled out the kiddie pool.  All three of them excitedly put on their swimsuits and headed to the backyard.  Luke insisted on getting all ready just like his big brother and sister.

You can see Caleb and Abby's joy on their faces!

Luke on the other hand wanted to just sit on my lap and take it all in.  There is really no surprise there.  It takes him awhile to get his bearings in new situations.  I imagine that when we get into the triple digits, he will be in the pool.  I guess that I will be in the water too then!  He may not have swam, but he was dressed for the occasion!

Abby's Last Day of School

Abby finished three year old preschool last week, and she is quite proud of herself.  She has been constantly telling everyone that she has zero days left of school.  She had a great year, and we are so very proud of her!
Abby and Mrs. Phillips, one of her two teachers (Mrs. Howard was not able to be there on the last day.)

Last day party festivities

Abby the Ballerina

Luke is TWO!

Luke had his two year old birthday several days ago.  Somehow in the business of life, I chose to skip a big birthday party this year.  Hopefully he won't remember this little fact when he is older!  However, we still celebrated with presents and cake and family time.  Happy Birthday Sweet Luke!

Beginning to open his present from Jon and me.

Getting the first look at it

Waiting for daddy to open it up

A set of airplanes and an airport!

Everyone is excited about this!

Some more present opening...

CAKE TIME!

Yard Time

I am sure that as the Texas heat settles in and revs itself up into the triple digits, we will be staying inside a lot, but right now we are enjoying lots of time in our backyard.  We just bought some sand for our sand and water table, and that has made it all new to the kids again.  With their enthusiasm, I am trying to ignore the gritty feeling under my feet when I walk onto the tile kitchen floor.

I have been trying to work a little in the yard everyday.  This yard came with a lot of great landscaping that requires a good amount of upkeep.  I cannot tell you the amount of leaves that we have picked up this year.  It may not even be quantifiable!  As I have lived here, I have realized more and more how much time my mom spent working in her yard.  She enjoyed gardening, so I have been thinking of her a lot as I work in our yard.  Overall the yard is looking good, and we are all enjoying it, and of course I am taking pictures of everything too!

Abby looking glamorous in her pink sunglasses

Abby helping me make a strawberry pie, which is a process that will need a bit more tweaking.  However, I did manage to eat the pie quite quickly!

Luke and Abby fighting for the coveted "kitchen helper" spot.

...and the winner is Luke!

Luke knows that he won, and he is quite proud!

Lastly a little Capron Crew Computer time.  Caleb mans the controls, and the other two pull up their chairs.  We will see how long this lasts so peacefully.

Abby at 4 years old

Life has been busy.  For my own memories, I have been meaning to write a blog post on each of the kids, since they are now a year older.  Abby is first on the list.  She is four years old.  She has loved going to preschool this year.  She seems to be fairly reserved in her class, but I can see that she has made some friends throughout the year.  She often proudly tells me that she never has to sit in Mr. Frowny Chair, which is their classroom's timeout spot.  She also comes home very proud each preschool day with stickers on her hands for being a good helper in class.  She is writing her letters and name very well and loves to do all things crafty.  She is always very proud of her school artwork.  Abby loves to play "Sunday School " with me.  She makes sticker name tags for me, for Caleb, for Luke, and for each of her stuffed animals.  She sits us in a circle and tells us a Bible story.  Yesterday we passed the Bible around and everyone in the class got to pat it.  I love to see Abby imitating her teachers and telling me the Bible stories as it is wonderful to see her internalizing them.  Abby also loves playing with her Strawberry Shortcake dolls or My Little Ponies.  When Caleb is home,  Abby and  Caleb play well together with either of their toys.  When Caleb is not home, Abby definitely wants me to be playing with her.  I try to do my best to spend quality time with her, but I am sure that I could do better.  Abby continues to love to go places away from the house.  She always wants to go with Jon or me to the grocery store or track meet or wherever, which is definitely a difference between her and Caleb!  Abby is blossoming into such a sweet big girl!  We love her very much!