Mom's 60th

Friday was my mom's 60th birthday. Rob and I had been trying to plan a dinner party with all her friends but she decided she would rather not have a big party and celebrate with just us instead. We went to Tutti Santi and had a wonderful time. It is such a beautiful restaurant with excellent food and great service. The boys got a little crazy but it was nice to celebrate together. Ethan loved the bread and couldn't get enough. Come to think of it, Ryan did too. He kept getting out of his chair and coming over the the bread basket to get another piece.
Saturday mom and I met Susan at Arcadia Farms for lunch. I love Arcadia Farms and love catching up with Susan so we all had a really nice time. Almost 3 hours later, we hugged goodbye and headed off to shop. Mom joined us for dinner again tonight too so we could continue celebrating.

Tyler's Swim Party

On Saturday we had Tyler's birthday party. This year we decided to scale back and have a small, mostly family, pool party at the community center. Friday night Desiree called to say her littlest ones had a bad case of pink eye and they were so sorry they wouldn't be able to make it...bummer. Tyler loves swimming with his cousins. Rob said Heath mentioned earlier in the week that his kids were coming down with something. When Rob called to see how they were feeling on Saturday morning...another bummer. Nathan and Haley were very sick and wouldn't be coming either. Tyler figured out who Rob was talking to on the phone and when he put two and two together, he started to cry. He really looks up to Nathan and was so excited to have him at his party.
The party still turned out to be a lot of fun for all! Andrew, Audrey, Harrison, Sydney and Graham all made it to help celebrate and they ended up swimming for hours. We had pizza and cake and ice cream and the grown-ups even enjoyed yummy margaritas poolside. It was so hot out it was crazy but after the sun went down it was awesome. Note to self: next time have a pool party in the evening.

Ryan is a Frog

Today was Ryan's first day of pre-school in Ms. Tina's frog class! He had a great time. Totally laid back, no drama, just left him playing with dominoes. He's so happy to be in a big kid class now. I was pleased to see a lot of his friends in his class. Sweet Savannah came up to give him a hug and welcome him. I had to pick him up early so I could make it to Tyler's school in time. Ryan wasn't ready to leave and told me he wished he could stay at school forever. :)

Tyler Turns Six

Today was Tyler's sixth birthday. Yesterday after we got home from school he complained about a headache, had the chills and a fever. He got so delirious when I tried to give him Tylenol that I got worried and had Rob take him the urgent care. He turned out to be fine (thank goodness) but because of the fever we kept him home today. What a nice, unexpected treat to spend his birthday with him. We also kept Ryan home today from his first day of preschool because we thought he might have pink eye. Tyler and Ryan and even Ethan all played together like they did all summer.
Tyler scored with 2 Nerf guns, a Nerf dart game, basketball and portable basketball hoop. He was so excited. We finally decided it was time he could have a play gun. I know the boys are going to have a blast with them.

Tyler's First Day of Kindergarten

Today was Tyler's first day of kindergarten at Valley Academy. He looked so adorable in his uniform. I could tell he was really excited. When we arrived at the school, his excitement turned to a bit of anxiety. I thought parents would get to go in the classroom and help get our kids settled but they kept the doors closed until the first bell rang. Then Mrs. Christopher warmly greeted the children and asked them to form two lines. When she told them about what they would do once inside the classroom, it hit me that parents weren't going in at all. I quickly put Tyler's supplies in his backpack and kissed him goodbye. It was so quick. I hated not being able to linger in his class like I did in preschool but I understand why they do it. No tears, although I'm not sure how. Rob said he was really surprised.
When Ryan, Ethan and I got home I missed Tyler already. I could tell little Ryan missed his best buddy too but he made the best of it and played with cars and Magna tiles and complained when Ethan wrecked his ramps. Then we were off to MOMS group at Peter Piper. Ryan had fun playing and eating pizza. Before we knew it, it was time to pick up Tyler. Grandma came over to pick him up with us so she could see his classroom and hear about his day.
We enjoyed our first day of school ice cream tradition with milkshakes at Sonic, picnic in the minivan style. Tyler excitedly told us that he made two new friends - Ian and Connor. He said Ian was pretty crazy. Then very matter of fact Tyler said "Oh and I'm the smartest kid in my class. You know that Fellowship Preschool was a really good idea." Oh my precious little T-man, you are such a wonderful delight. I'm excited for all this new school year holds for you.

The Last Weekend of Summer Break

I can't believe tomorrow is Tyler's first day of Kindergarten! This summer has flown by. We ended summer break on a high note with a fun filled weekend. Friday started with meet the teacher at Valley Academy. Tyler's teacher is Mrs. Christopher and I think she will be a wonderful teacher for him. She seems very sweet, engaging and nurturing.
With school supplies to purchase, we headed to Target but little Ethan fell asleep on the way. So we went through the Jack in the Box drive thru and had our last summer picnic in the minivan while Ethan took a nap.
Then it was a back to school pool party at the Nystroms'. The boys had a blast going down the slide and jumping off the edge of the grotto. Even Ethan had fun in the pool.
Saturday we attended two birthday parties. One for sweet Shelby Katz and one for the boys' cousin Haley.
Today was promotion Sunday at church and Tyler started in the kindergarten class. He loved going to Kids' View Theater. He even earned $4 big city bucks. He was so excited he wanted to buy something right away but we suggested he hold on to his money to buy an even better prize later. We ended the day by having grandma come over for dinner and a back to school pizookie party...a new tradition at the Levin house.