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.

Ethan Turns One!

One year ago today sweet baby Ethan was born. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life. I always say after giving birth, I wish I could capture that time and feeling and relive it often. The excitement, the anticipation and then finally the overwhelming joy of getting to meet the precious little miracle that has lived inside you for nine months. What a wonderful year it has been. I get so nostalgic when the boys have a birth day, especially when it's their first one. I keep remembering what I was doing at that exact time one year ago.
Ethan you are such a delightful boy and you bring so much joy to my life. You are playful, curious and silly. It's so fun to spend everyday with you. Your sweet smile warms my heart every time I see it and your beautiful blue eyes are full of wonder. You love to play ball, army crawl everywhere (incredibly fast), dance and play peek-a-boo. You love your big brothers Tyler and Ryan and get excited when you see them.
Today we celebrated your birthday by having your friends Harrison, Audrey, Andrew, Shelby and Savannah come over to play. Grandma came over too and got to watch you enjoy your birthday cupcake.
Thank you God for blessing Rob and I with three amazing sons. I am truly thankful for everyday I get to spend with them and so blessed that You have made it possible for me to stay home with them.

40 is the New 30

Rob threw a dinner party for my 40th (wow...it feels strange saying that) birthday. We had a great time dining at Maggiano's with my mom and several good friends. Afterward I wanted to go dancing but some couples had to get home for sitters, Melissa and Ryan had a long drive and the rest of figured we should go somewhere close to home so we didn't have far to drive afterward. I know, I totally sound like the old 40 but life changes when you have little ones...and you're old. We went to Connolly's. No dancing, just a lemon drop shot for Rob and I from Chris.

Jesus Loves Me

Tonight at dinner we got on subject of the happiest days of my life. I recited April 3, August 17, September 10, July 29 and February 1987. Tyler asked what happened in February 1987 and Rob replied "that's when mommy asked Jesus into her heart". Tyler said "I asked Jesus into my heart too" and then we noticed Ryan was looking up and mouthing something we couldn't make out. I asked what he was doing and at first he was a little shy but finally he said he was asking Jesus into his heart too. I felt that Ryan was ready to do this back when Tyler did but we didn't want to rush him. I asked Ryan if he wanted daddy to help him say a prayer so he could ask Jesus to live in his heart forever and he said yes (while chewing a chicken nugget). When he finished his bite (almost anyway) he repeated after Rob the sinner's prayer. I could feel tears welling up around my eyes and the joy that filled my heart was enormous. Thank you God for loving us and for sending your Son Jesus to die for our sins! We are eternally grateful.