Opening Day at the Pool

Today was opening day at the Leahy Pool ... our backyard kiddie pool, that is. Luke was away at a playdate this afternoon, so Reid was the first pool patron of the season. He was as happy as could be splashing around in the water!

Reid loved helping to fill up the pool.

He didn't mind that the water was c-c-c-cold!

Basking in the sun on a pool break.

Field Day

It had to be rescheduled twice due to uncooperative weather, but a very important day at Luke's school finally arrived -- Field Day! Luke and his classmates had a ball playing all the different games. Luke reported his favorite activity was tug of war. What a fun day for the kiddos ... and the spectators!

Luke gears up to throw a wiffleball.

Luke with his #1 fan ... little brother.

Tag ... you're it!

Let's just call this relay ...

Pass-a-wet-sponge-backward-over-your-head-

using-only-your-feet. It was hilarious to watch!

"Hold-hands-and-step-through-the-hula-hoop-

and-pass-it-down-the-line" Relay

Reason #217 Why We Love Living Here...

There are so many reasons why we love living in Colorado Springs, but there is one tradition every May that is always entertaining and inspiring to watch. For the Air Force Academy graduation, the Thunderbirds perform a special air show. The pilots show off their finest flying maneuvers ... and we just so happen to be in the flight path. What a perk of the neighborhood! So for several days up to the graduation, we are able to stand in our backyard and watch them practice overheard. Or if you are Luke and Reid, you jump on the trampoline and yell at the jets, "Go, Air Force!"

For the main event, the entire neighborhood stops what they are doing to pull up a lawn chair outside and watch the air show. Being that they are directly across from the Academy stadium, Scott's company sponsors a big family BBQ. We all bring our blankets, lawn chairs, and side dishes (to accompany the grilled hamburgers and hot dogs) and we have front row seats for the show. Here are some pics from this year's show. The clouds make it a bit difficult to spot the jets...

The guys eat ice cream.

The field between office buildings

is a prime spot for watching the jets.

Summer ... Summer ... Summertime.

We have finally packed away the winter coats and boots ... and the shorts are here to stay! The weather lately has been wonderful, and we've been soaking up all the sunshine we can. The boys can't get enough of the Great Outdoors. Our favorite activities lately have been riding scooters/bikes/etc. in our driveway and jumping on the trampoline.

Green shirt. Green shoes. He LOVES green!

Thanks to Old Navy for having these green shoes.

All serious ... until you see his shoes! Reid is notorious for wearing

his shoes on the wrong feet but insisting that's

the correct way to wear them. Always good for a giggle!

1, 2, 3 ... JUMP!

MOMS the Word!

A while back, Jami joined our local chapter of MOMS Club as an opportunity to meet some other mothers in our area and connect with children Reid's age. This group has provided that and so much more! Whether it's weekly playgroup outings or field trips or service projects, we really appreciate what MOMS Club has brought to our lives and the many friends we've made along the way. Not only do we see these families at club gatherings ... but also at local community events, the YMCA, even the grocery store! Being a part of this group has certainly helped to build our sense of community here.

Tonight, the MOMS Club gathered for our End-of-the-Year Banquet. What a fun evening celebrating our club and the many wonderful families involved!

Our MOMS Club all dressed up for a night on the town!

Our first Tooth Fairy visit...

It's been a long time coming, and that tooth has been a-wigglin' for a while. A lot of his kindergarten friends have been losing their pearly whites, but Luke had yet to join that "club." Until last night. After dinner at Papa's house, Luke showed us that his tooth was ... well ... let's just say it redefined "flexible." Luke was fiddling with it a bit, and the tooth just popped out. No yuckiness about it either. He thought it was pretty cool to lose his first tooth. And this morning, he thought it was even better that the Tooth Fairy brought him 4 quarters!

Happy Luke with his Tooth Fairy pillow

Spring Projects

Now that the weather is warming a bit and it finally feels like spring (thanks to the green grass and blooming flowers), we have been all about doing some spring cleaning projects. Here's a sampling of our to-do list from the weekend...

In preparation for a garage sale in June,

we cleaned and organized the toys

in our basement playroom. Luke helped

to make the signage!

Our tulips finally bloomed this week ...

and the rain finally stopped long enough

to stain the wooden playset in the backyard.

Scott was hard at work with his paintbrush in hand!

Mother's Day Memories

Mother's Day brunch on Friday with Reid's class.

Since it was a "fun day," the kiddos

got to dress in their pajamas.

With our friends Melissa & Jack

The boys treated Mom to brunch at the Broadmoor.

Oooh-la-la! Quite the royal treatment for Mama!

OJ, a pancake & a donut ... Reid was all set!

Luke's favorite part of brunch was

the chocolate fountain. What's not to like?!

Desserts galore ... goodies from the chocolate fountain,

bananas foster, a pear cupcake, and cashew brittle!

The beautiful brunch!

Our family in front of the Broadmoor.

Gorgeous weather + 2 lil' helpers = a clean car for Mom!

Our Mother's Day finale was playing badminton

in the backyard and enjoying the nice evening!

We enjoy teaching the boys to play new sports.

This was Luke's first time playing badminton,

and he loved it! We may have the net up and the

racquets & birdies out a lot this summer!

:::::::::::::::

"The art of mothering is to teach

the art of living to children." -- Elain Heffner

Still Snowing

Happy May! It is still snowing here.

In fact, our latest snow was graupel (snow pellets).

Oh, our funny spring weather in Colorado!

Luke checks out the spring snow.

Monday morning view from our kitchen window.

A snowy Pikes Peak is far off in the distance

in the center of the photo.