Preschool Graduation and More

We had a first at our house.  We attended our first graduation for one of our children.  A little earlier than we expected, but a graduation none the less.  Kate graduated from preschool and they had a cute little ceremony and program followed by dessert. 

Kate with her teacher, Mrs. Frey.  Preschool teachers are amazing.  I don’t know how they do it, but I’m thankful that they do!

 

The Grandparents and Nic/Amanda gave up their evening to watch Kate graduate and she was thrilled. :)

 

The kids really got into riding their bikes this week.  Lincoln even learned to pedal a bike. 
  

The kids were playing nicely (so amazing when this happens) outside.  It was some mix of memory and go fish.  I didn’t quite get it, but they were having fun.  Yes, there is a blanket in the background, but it had been on the ground for Creighton to play on, nobody was wrapped up in it. :)  I have no idea what Kate is.  She has a basket cover on her head, a handkerchief tied around her stomach, and monkey dress up pants on…..

 

Aunt Joyce blessed us by spending Monday afternoon here so we could work on some projects.  We got SO MUCH DONE!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!  The kids started washing things and Aunt Joyce even took pictures.
 

I love this picture.  These 5 kiddos are the best of friends.  I love it.  Lincoln and Max sometimes join in as well. 

Pictures

One day this week my friend, Melissa, graciously helped me get some updated pictures of the kids.  I’m pretty sure she snapped all the good ones while I was dancing around like a crazy person trying to get the kids to smile.  She also did all the editing, pretty fantastic, isn’t she??!!  As talented as she is, she’s an amazing friend, and I’m blessed to know her.  THANK YOU, MELISSA!  There are many more, but I will have to post them later.

Kate – 4.5 yrs

Creighton – 9 months

Lincoln – 3 yrs old

Flower Shopping

Last Saturday, Mom, Tessa, Kate, and I went flower shopping as part of Mom’s Mother’s Day present.  We spent the morning wandering around Growing Grounds picking out flowers for our pots and then ate lunch at Culver’s.  If you know my Mom, this will not surprise you in the least.  Flowers and Ice Cream.  These pictures are from my Mom’s camera.

 
If you have ever wondered about my love of summer and everything related to it, this is a sign out at my parents pool – I come by it honest. :)

Glimpses of Summer

 

 
Kate posing in her new outfit from her Grandma.

Happy Boy
 

In between the many rain showers, we’ve enjoyed the few glimpses of summer.  The kids have been playing in their water table and in their little pool every day it’s even a little bit sunny.  We are plugging away here, enjoying being outside, and trying again to keep up with all the extra things that come with the warmer temps.  I’ll take the extra work over the cold and snow any day!  We are currently working on Kate and Lincoln’s extreme fear of bugs and spiders.  So, pardon the bouts of yelling you hear coming from our way, we are working on it. :)

The destroyer :)

Creighton is still army crawling all over the place and he is FAST.  The kid is getting into everything.  One day last week I actually thought I lost him (yeah, pretty sure I get Mom of the Week for that one) turns out he was under Lincoln’s bed.  Here are a few pictures of his other antics this week.
  
Creighton takes after his sister and brother in that he loves to be outside, last week he would go over and sit and the door and bang on it and whine until somebody caved and took him outside. :)

This pool is really rather small for 3 kids. :)

We had cooking night and Kate was so happy that she had an apron just like Aunt Tessa.

Lincoln let Kate zip him up in this bag (left) and He tried to go to church dressed in this get-up Sunday morning (right)

 

Playing in the rain
  

Lastly, we celebrated April/May birthday’s (Nic, Jacob, Seth, Max, Linc, Ellie) with the Rassi fam, but I didn’t take many pictures.

  

Sashay 4 Sacha

I feel so blessed to have been able to participate in Sashay 4 Sacha.  In the end, at least 470 people donated to the cause and over $13,000 was raised for this family.  One of the most awesome things to think about is the fact that 470 different people gave a little bit, there were no five thousand dollar donations, just individual people giving small amounts.  It rained on Saturday, yet there were people there with their umbrellas, ready to walk to show Joe and Sacha their support.  To me, it was truly touching.  I admit to wondering if people would show up when standing at the registration table and at 7:45 not that many people had arrived.  However, not 15-20 minutes later I looked up to see people with umbrellas coming from every direction and Sacha herself walking up.  It was a sight I don’t think I will soon forget.  Thank you to each of you who has prayed for Sacha, who gave a donation either because you knew her or because you know me – THANK YOU!  You made a difference. 

Sacha – it was such an honor to participate in this event, to watch the community and those who know you show up and attempt to show you what your ever present smile and joy and courage has meant to them, not only in the last few months, but for many of us for years.  You and Joe are inspiring and watching you walk this path has been truly life changing.  Still praying for far more good days than bad.  Thanks for being someone that I can without a doubt say has touched my life and challenged me to be better and think bigger and to remember what really matters.  Love you.

Pardon the fact that I look like a complete drowned rat – but I treasure this picture.

Mother’s Day

We were able to enjoy a beautiful Sunday celebrating Mother’s day with my grandparents, parents, Aunt Joyce, and neighbor, Lou.  We are looking forward to seeing Mike’s Mom this Sunday.  At one point, the kids found a frog/toad (I don’t know the difference) and had Popsy out in the yard looking for more.

    

Our sweet kiddos (with much assistance from their dad) got me flowers and my favorite candy and tea for Mother’s Day.

 

Picture with Mom on Mother’s Day

Like Father, Like Son

Sprinkler Fun with the Neighbors (I did not think it was warm enough, but the kids could not be swayed) :)