Cool in the Pool!

Maybe it's because we're in the midst of a rainy week. I'm looking back through photos from twelve days ago, hoping we soon get sunny days like this one back.

It was Saturday, May 15th -- we returned home from a morning of garage sale treasure hunting on a toasty warm day. It was definitely time to get the new backyard pool up and ready to splash in!

After Gordon and Gary worked up a sweat, pumping air into the swimming structure, Grayson willingly helped to fill the pool with not-so-warm water.

Brrr...that's chilly water!

But it didn't take long before both boys were splashing and playing in the cool, new pool - from Auntie Lassa and Uncle Doe-Doe.

Clearly, this will be a favorite pastime this summer....

Hopefully, our rainy season will subside soon so we can jump back into summertime fun!

Come on, sunny days -- we are ready for your return!!

Congratulations, Graduate Gordon!

Yesterday was a landmark day! Gordon graduated from Preschool!
Lucky for me, it was also my parent helper day, so I got to enjoy the last day of school and ceremony preparations right along with Gordon, his teacher, and the class.

Their project for the day was making their graduation caps, complete with tassels.

Gordon's face lit up when Daddy showed up from work - a happy surprise for our little grad.
For their program, the class joyfully sang some of their favorite songs, and enjoyed a special visit from a special Kindergartner guest (who had an uncanny resemblance to Miss Bonni). Then they received their diplomas, special books, and handmade cross-stitched bookmarks from their wonderful teacher, Miss Bonni. It was a delightful celebration of two fantastic years in Preschool. Many friendships were established these past couple years (for parents and kids), which will last well into the future.

Congratulations, to our big boy - Gordon!!

Mommy & Daddy are so proud of our Graduate!

We love you dearly, Gordon Henry!

Family Day at the Museums

Sunday afternoon was Free Family Museum Day at the Old State Penitentiary. Museums from all around the Treasure Valley were represented, handing out information and providing activities for kids of all ages. Gordon has especially been enamored with rocks and minerals as of late, so naturally, the Geology Museum was his favorite. That's where we started our tour. After perusing a wide array of rocks that glow in the dark when exposed to black light, the boys sported these mining helmets and marveled at all the historic memorabilia in the museum.

Cute.

Discussing the details of a replica camp for gold prospectors

So many sparkling & magnificent rocks and minerals!

Captivated.

Hands-on archaeology

After wrapping up an inspiring tour in the Geology Museum, we wandered through many of the historic buildings that make up the Old State Penitentiary. (For those who may not know, it is no longer housing criminals).
Gary demonstrated the strength of prison bars, and why it's important to make good choices - to avoid such a horrible fate. ☺ (Is it ever too early to use fear tactics when it comes to prison time?)

Enjoying Daddy's impromptu and animated (also humorous) teachings on avoiding prison life.

The boys also relished a rare treat - they each got an entire can of Sprite.

Peering into the ruins of a burned, crumbling old building. I love this picture.

Food is never too far from Grayson's mind, so it didn't surprise us when his first question involved what may have happened to the food in this building when it burned and collapsed.

Here Gordon studies a real live peregrine falcon and red-tailed hawk on display, courtesy of Idaho's Birds of Prey Museum.

Boise Art Museum was also represented - they were handing out information on summer art programs for kids, as well as clipboards, paper, and pencils for children to sketch the nearby birds of prey. Grayson gave it a try, but got distracted by the birds' squawking and requested that I finish his drawing for him.

Here's the red-tailed hawk,

...and the peregrine falcon.

And here are my guys - the LOVES of my life!!

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon together...!
Needless to say, our outing was a well-received family field trip by all.

Costco Trip

Sunday afternoon, we made a quick trip to Costco. Fortunately, I keep my camera handy at nearly all times and captured this sweet photo of our boys, so lovingly and patiently enjoying our shopping spree. They could be heard singing and laughing joyfully as they rode side-by-side in the big ol' Costco cart. How I absolutely LOVE them!

Final Preschool Field Trip

We've reached Gordon's last week of preschool - tomorrow is his final day. Last week his class enjoyed its year end outing to the MK Nature Center. Here Gordy and his friends listened to their tour guide as she explained some of the plants and wildlife surrounding us.

The boys were happily surprised when Daddy was able to take a little break from work and join us for part of the field trip. Here, Grayson is saying good-bye to Gary before he returned to work. We all enjoyed his special surprise visit!

It's astounding! Our sweet little preschooler is soon to become a Kindergartner!
He is ready and oh, so excited to meet new friends and learn new things this fall.

It was a beautiful, sunny day for our field trip - we saw many plants, fish, birds, and animal habitats on our tour. We always love to visit MK Nature Center. (The boys and I were just there, the Sunday prior to this trip).

Can you guess what Grayson is saying while his face pokes through the owl cut-out?
He's had that owl call down since before he turned one. ☺

After our tour and some snacks while visiting with preschool friends, several of us remained for a couple hours to play in the nearby park, enjoying the perfect weather and friendship.

It has been another enriching year of growth and joyful learning for Gordon in preschool. Our entire family has been blessed these past two years with great experiences and some wonderful new friends that will surely remain in our lives. This fall, we'll begin the preschool journey with little Grayson -- he is beyond excited to start!

Spring Smiles....

What an incredible time of year! We just love getting back outside in our shorts and t-shirts.
These were taken during a carefree outing to our neighborhood park last week.

Best Buddies - I'm so happy to see the boys like this so frequently now!

Little Speedster