Swimming

Jonathan was off on Friday so we took the kids swimming. It was Charlotte’s first dip in a pool. And Rosemary and Ben had a grand time in the water. It took Ben a bit to get in, but once he did he had so much fun. I think this might be the year Rosemary learns to swim. She seems ready now.

Charlotte at 5 Months

I took these right before bedtime so Charlotte was less than excited to have her photos taken.

Charlotte continues to be calm and mellow. This month she’s started laughing more and rolling both ways so that she can make her way across a room. She’s handling her toys and reaching for them when we hold them out to her too.

And some more photos from the past month:

Charlotte with Ben and her friend Arabella

Library Storytime

We’ve been trying to go to storytime at the library each week. The stories are fun and I think it’s good practice for sitting still and paying attention. Over the last month the kids have gotten a lot better at both. It’s not perfect, but they’re 5 and 2 and I’ve been proud of them. It was so crowded last week that the four of us stayed by the big tree.

Listening to one of the stories

In one of the songs he needed to touch his mouth…I think…Ben may have just been yawning. :-)

Hanging out. Sometimes Charlotte sits on my lap, sometimes she stays in the stroller, just depends on how full the room is.

A Few Pics of Ben

Ben’s sisters have been getting an awful lot of face time on this blog and he needs some attention. So here are a few pictures and fun things going on with Ben right now.

One thing you might notice is that Ben got a pretty major haircut a few weeks ago. Jonathan got the clippers out and went to town. So much cooler for summer.

I mentioned this is the marathon recital week. Well, Ben and Charlotte came with me for the first of the rehearsals. Overall, they really did great, but it’s asking a lot of a two year old to sit still for an hour. This is how I entertained Ben for part of the time. We took A LOT of Ben and Thomas pictures.

Ben still loves his trains. Lately we’ve been building elaborate tracks in the living room. Now, our living is pretty small so it becomes something of an obstacle course once it’s done, but Ben loves them. It’s the first thing he asks for (even before breakfast) when he wakes up.

I have only a few photos of all three kids so I tried to get some today. It was a bust as far as “good” pictures go, but it ended being a pretty good glimpse into life around here. I guess Ben decided Charlotte needed a foot massage?

Two are looking, Ben wanted the blinds OPEN!

Ben’s got a great smile! Charlotte, not so much. Ben’s been a cheeser since birth.

This guy loves his little sister. I am so thankful that he has transitioned so well with Charlotte’s birth. He’s a sweet big brother.

Ben’s started telling us knock knock jokes too. Here’s the one he made up:

B: Knock, knock

Me: Who’s there?

B: Choo-choo

Me: Choo-choo who?

B: Choo-choo track!

He cracks me up.

First Day of Gymnastics

We’re in the midst of the marathon ballet rehearsal and recital week, but Rosemary started gymnastics today. To say she was excited is an understatement.

We got there early to make sure we knew exactly where to go and waited for the other kids to arrive. None did. She was the only kid in the class. For some kids, that might not go over well. Not the case for Rosemary. She thought it was the best thing in the world to have the two teachers and gym equipment all to herself.

She did really well though. Rosemary has very good body awareness (there’s probably a term for that)…like good balance, spatial awareness, and just picks up new things pretty easily when it comes to how her body needs to move. Those of you who know me, know that she completely gets that from Jonathan.

Hopefully we can get her in a class with some other kids. Ben would love to join her, but he’s still too young for the class. Almost though, he’ll be three in less than a month!

Memorial Day Beach Trip–Charlotte’s First Beach Trip

Jonathan had Memorial Day off so we decided that it was time for a trip to the beach. We loaded up the van and headed over to Crescent Beach after a stop at Publix for some subs and Lunchables.

It was Charlotte’s first trip to the beach and we didn’t even put her in a bathing suit. In fact, other than the trip to and from the van, she didn’t even leave the tent, let alone get near the ocean. She’s just four months old so she wasn’t quite ready for a full beach day. The older two however are great fun at the beach and Jonathan and I just took turns playing with them in the water and building sand castles.

Hanging out in the tent, sucking her thumb. I’m failing miserably at breaking her of that habit.

Rosemary and Ben loved playing in the sand. Rosemary wanted to dig big holes while Ben liked knocking down the various sculptures I made him.

When I saw this picture on the computer, my first thought was, “Why did I take that picture of that man with the surfboard?” But if you look to the right and in the water, that’s where Jonathan is playing with the kids.

Playing in the sand while Jonathan and Ben splashed in the waves.

Charlotte slept most of the time in her bouncy seat. That was handy to have and kept most of the sand off of her.

Heading up from their last swim before packing up and heading home to meet up with friends for dinner and pool time. It was a full day but it was super fun! Ben and Rosemary talked about that day for the rest of the week.

Rosemary’s (almost) last day of preschool

Jonathan and I were registered to attend a conference on the last day of school for Rosemary. Janice and Richard graciously agreed to watch Rosemary and Ben for a couple of days up here so that she could go to school her last day while we were gone.

The last day that I took her to school, we walked around a little bit before heading home and Rosemary showed us the chapel then we walked a bit on the nature trail beside the school.

The kids had chapel here once a month. It’s such a beautiful space.

Preschool Graduation

Last week, Rosemary attended her last day of preschool. The Monday of that week, the school hosted a preschool graduation for all of the Pre-K classes. Both grandmas were able to drive up that day to be a part of the ceremony and luncheon and to celebrate with us.

Heading out to school

I dropped Rosemary off then came home, got ready, then drove over with Ben, Charlotte, Janice, and my mom. Jonathan met us there. Having Ben and Charlotte there made things interesting, but the program was short and Rosemary was happy to have the whole family there.

The kids marched in to Pomp and Circumstance

The sang songs that they’d done throughout the year. They even did sign language to a few.

Rosemary sang every word

Everyone in the class received a diploma (Rosemary’s is now proudly displayed on her door) and got a picture with Mrs. Davies and Mrs. Gamewell.

Some of the graduates

Once downstairs, all of the Pre-K classes combined to sing God Bless America. I hadn’t realized they were learning this song until a few days before the graduation Rosemary asked me about “oceans white with foam.”

Enjoying some grandma time.

Waiting to head up to get some food.

It was great to be able to all be there!

Rosemary showed off her classroom to her grandmas

Three generations

A hug for Mrs. Davies

First day of preschool – 9/2008

Graduation – 5/2011

It was a great day to celebrate with Rosemary. I really do think she enjoyed going to preschool and learned so much while there. And it was great for her while I was working at the church.

While we didn’t get teary, it was a bit of a bittersweet day. We’re so excited about the next step for Rosemary, but it’s hard to believe we’re already there!