Summer School

 Grandpa Marlene and Grandpa Larry gave Anna this cute school set for her birthday this year and boy has it gotten some good use. Anna loves to to set up her "classroom" and teach. Isaac happily participates as one of her students.

At the end of the school year Anna's teacher sent home all her used workbooks and school projects. It's been a fun addition to her classroom materials. 

Anna now says that she wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Who knows if that will stick, but it sure is fun to watch her pretend. Love that imagination of hers.

Here she is explaining all the different parts of her school set:

 

Mother's Day 2012

It is definitely an honor to be these little ones' mother. I always feel like Mother's Day is good for me because it helps me to remember that little fact. 

Sometimes I forget.  

 I forget how special it is that I'm the first one they run to for questions, comfort, understanding.

 

I forget it is my privilege to bathe and dress each one. 

I forget it is a gift to be able to nurture their unique personalities.

 I forget that I'm one of the lucky ones who gets to spend my days at home.

I forget what a blessing it is to be the first one they see in the morning and the last one they see at night.

I forget that these day will pass, the kids will grow up, and they won't be babies much longer. I am trying to appreciate it. Because heaven knows, one thing I'll never forget is how stinkin' hard it is being a mother. 

Kindergarten Graduation

Anna and Mrs. Chambers

Waiting in line to get her diploma.

Anna next to the Beech mascot, the bobcat.

After the program Jeff and I took Anna out for frozen yogurt. She was pleased as punch to have us all to her self.

Best moment of the graduation: Watching eighty-five kindergartners sing and sign Toy Story's "You've Got a Friend in Me." Adorable.

Worst moment of the graduation: Watching eighty-five kindergartners sing Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA." What the?! 

Slip N' Slide

Summer seems to have shown up extra early this year. It's already humid and in the 90's. I'm not too happy about it. Anna and Isaac, on the other hand, are thrilled that it's hot enough pull on swimsuits and use the water toys.

I was unsure of what Ben and Sam would think of the slip n' slide. Ben was delighted and Sam, cautious. It was really fun to watch them. Despite the heat, I am looking forward to getting out with the kids this summer. The twins were still so little last year that we didn't do a whole lot.

The little boys' clothes came off pretty quick.

Just getting a little drink.

I love how everyone is doing their own thing in this picture. Everyone has such different personalities, but they (mostly) play so well together. I guess that's sort of the point of families, isn't it. Different people, different traits, different needs. But thank goodness we have each other. It makes the experience so rich.

One Year Re-Do

Ben and Sam's birthday was a total fail picture-wise. I had great intentions of doing a little shoot with each boy, but here we are three months later with nothing. 

It was lovely tonight, though, and the little boys were so delighted to be outside. It was a perfect opportunity for a birthday shoot re-do.  

I mean, come on. Have you ever seen a cuter over-the-shoulder shot? (Disclaimer: I'm completely biased.)

Seconds before I took this one Ben and Sam were giggling together about something. Best part of raising twins may be watching their little relationship with each other.

Sam yells when he's having fun. 

SO MUCH FUN!

Ben claps a lot. 

Here's a good shot of Ben's hair situation. 

I caught him mid-geeky laugh. 

Branson: Day Three

Friday was beautiful weather for boating. Jeff spent most of the day taking groups of kids/adults on boat rides around Tablerock lack. 

Joseph, Adam, Ian, Kanon

Isaac, Liz, Lily

I spy a fist pump.

Adam.

Joseph

Eli, Julie, Josh, Taylor

Kelly and her boys.

Gracie, Amelia, Anna