Jonas's Preschool Graduation

Because of our church move, Jonas graduated from preschool in April instead of May.  It was a small ceremony in his classroom with his classmates and families.  Lachlan chose to go to the playground with his friends instead of coming to the ceremony.

Can't believe this guy is starting Kindergarten in the fall!

 I liked my front row seat because these pictures are way better than when Reef graduated!
He was trying not to smile at Troy.

 The whole class sang a song.

 And then celebrated with ice cream!  No one tell Lachlan, though, because he didn't get any.

Goodbyes are hard

At the end of April, we said goodbye to our good friends, Rachel and Larkin, as they moved to Washington D.C.  In the last year, we've really enjoyed our time getting to know them.  They've been such good sports and have attended birthday parties, soccer games, preschool programs, gymnastics, and trick or treating!

Usually we are having too much fun to take pictures, but we do have a few!

 The kids are always up for a wheelchair ride.

 And a silly picture on the monkey bars.

 And don't think you can come to our house at bedtime and get away without reading a story!

Guys, you are already missed here, and we can't wait to come visit you in D.C.!

Sea World, take 1

Our first trip of the season to Sea World was with Rachel and Larkin.

First we fed the dolphins.  Sorry, Rachel this is the best one I got.

Then we headed to the aquarium.

 Poppy had a strong preference for Rachel over mommy.

 They are probably not supposed to climb in there...

 We headed to the carousel while the boys played on the nets and slides.

 Then we were off to Shamu.  We lost Jonas on the way to Shamu, for about 15 minutes.  Those were some of the scariest moments of my life!  Troy found him hiding behind a trashcan with a policeman trying to figure out who he was.  Since then we've talked about how he needs to talk to policeman, and we will now wear special bracelets with names and my cell number to sea world.
He recovered quickly and enjoyed lunch and Shamu.

 Poppy was in love.

 After Shamu, the big boys headed to the river raft ride with Larkin and Troy.  They had a blast and got to ride twice!
Poppy loved playing in the water with Larkin.  She even asked him where the water was when we saw him the next week!

We weren't exactly dressed for water play but didn't let that stop us!

When the boys take shirts off, Poppy must follow suit!

You can't tell very well but this is Troy and Larkin playing on the big nets with the boys.  They asked him to go up with them, and he is always willing to try.  I'm not sure Rachel always thinks it is the best idea!

We had a blast and were so glad to spend this day with the O'Herns!  Can't wait to go back soon!

Morgan's Wonderland...again...

We had such a good time at Morgan's Wonderland in March that we went back in April!

 The craft this time was a crown.  Lachlan was the only one willing to wear it.

 This guy is getting braver and into swinging on things.  I think he will be doing the monkey bars on his own soon.

 KC and Lyla met us there.  We are looking forward to these girls being close friends.

 The carousel.

 Lyla LOVES the "up and down"; Poppy doesn't call it that but loves it just the same.

 We ended the day at the water tables again.  Again they were soaked, but again, they were loving it!

March Dates

March was so busy that we got way behind on our individual dates.  We crammed all 4 into the same weekend!

Reef chose to go on a hike with Troy.

 They wittled this stick, and that ignited Reef's love/need for a pocket knife.

 He had a great time!

Jonas chose a trip to Bass Pro Shop.  I don't know that he really remembered what that was, but he sure was excited to get there!

Look, I'm a moose!

Shooting.

He had a great time and talked nonstop about it.  He even picked out some fudge for us all to share when he got back.
Lachlan chose to go on a hike with Troy.  We were pleasantly surprised that he chose a Daddy date since he is such a mommy's boy these days.
They headed to the green belt down the street.

Lachlan loved it and brought back some nice treasures!

Poppy and I headed to the library.  She loves to rip books off the shelves and is really getting into picking out her own to bring home.

 

Phil Hardberger Park

At some point in March, we decided to try out a new park:  Phil Hardberger.  The kids and I had been to the other playground at this park but never this one.  They had a good time, but I don't think we will visit this one again.

It was a bright day!

 This guy lives for adventure.

 The park had a huge field (wish we'd brought a ball or a kite) with these hay sculptures.  I attempted a group photo...If they're all looking and in the same frame, I consider it a win.

Northside egg hunt

The Northside egg hunt was the Sunday after Easter this year, to coincide with our last Sunday in the old building. 

Because the back of the property was a wreck from moving the portable buildings, the hunt was inside.  The kids didn't seem to mind the change.

This girl is now an expert egg hunter.

 She would shake the egg to make sure she heard candy in it.  No sound= throw it back!

 This guy found the empty tomb egg and was pretty excited.

 These guys hunted together in the auditorium.

 And they're off!

The kids had a great time, and it will be a nice memory of the old building.

Troy's Birthday

For Troy's birthday, we went on an early date to Panera Bread.  He loves their hot cross buns, but they're only out at Easter time.  Plus, we spent all.day.long. on his actual birthday at church.

Troy, Jonas, and Lachlan

 Lauren and Reef

 The best we got of her.  She totally stole my whole bagel.