South Padre Island

Brent had another conference that was being held in South Padre. We hadn't planned on going but at the last minute Brent's dad thought it would be good if we went. We had talked about taking the kids to the beach later in the summer and then this came up. It worked out well since Grand and Pops joined us and were there for reinforcement. Much better than attempting it on our own especially with Brooke.

The kids did great on the flights. The boys did without their dvd player as Brent ended up checking it as I was in line trying to get Brooke as a lap child. I was a little worried, but they are old enough that they were fine. Brooke enjoyed her very first flights. She explored and played the first hour and then took a nap the second hour on both flights. Here is a picture of her I took on my phone on the way home.

The boys loved playing in the ocean and the sand. I only took my camera down one day as I was nervous it would get wet and sandy.

Our suite up there on the 7th floor

My body surfers

Sand Castle time

Blake's 3 sand castles...I think he went on to build 6 total
Ben wanted to go out and body surf some more

Now time for some sand castles

There are not a lot of pictures of Brooke. We used her nap times to take the boys down and play. All she would do is eat sand, so we decided she could do without the beach. The hotel had a great baby pool that I took her and Ben to once. There was a nice, large platform that Brooke loved to crawl on, but she would either crawl out of the pool onto the hot brick/concrete or crawl right into the pool. She was so fast. I would sit down right near her and then she would take off and I struggled to get to her before she was head first into the 1 foot pool. So her pool time ended quickly and she never went back. Here is Brooke on her 9 month birthday hanging out in the room.

Poor Brooke getting to try on Pop's hat

Before our dinner on the final night

The firework show to end the conference

A little overexposed but I still like it
Adios South Padre.....View from our balcony

Blake's Year End Party and Last Day of Kindergarten

Blake's year end party was the day before the last day of school. It was a luau theme with lots of different stations. I was working a station and didn't get to take many pictures. I did take a few of Blake at the hula hoops right when the party started. He had a great time.


Blake and our neighbor Zizo hula hooping
First Day of Kindergarten...Aug 2009

Last Day of Kindergarten.....June 4, 2010

Blake's Kindergarten Graduation

It's hard to believe that Blake's Kindergarten year is almost over! He has learned so much this year and has really grown in all areas. He has been truly blessed to have Miss Wolfe as his Kindergarten teacher. She has been fantastic and a huge answer to many prayers. He also was extremely lucky to have 4 close neighborhood friends and 1 friend from soccer in his class. This might not seem like a big deal, but there were 7 Kindergarten classes. It's been a wonderful year and I'm kind of sad that it's coming to an end. I know he will have many more great years ahead of him, but this year has been fantastic!

Blake's school had a Kindergarten graduation. Blake was of course excited for another performance. They sang 4 songs: The World is a Rainbow, The Graduation Song (sung to the tune of the Adams family), The Kindergarten Song (kindergarten chant), and finally What a Wonderful World with our principal Mr. Speck singing the solo. He was actually really good. I had no idea he could sing.

Each child in Blake's class received an award and it was no surprise that Blake go the Computer Whiz award. He definitely loves computers and is always willing to help with any computer need.

Blake also graduated from speech therapy that he has been receiving since he was 3 years old. All his hard work has paid off. Way to go Blake!

Blake, we are so proud of you and all that you have learned in Kindergarten. We look forward to another awesome year in first grade!

Ben waiting for the graduation to begin
The graduate enters
Poor Jonathan (to Blake's right) had the privilege of standing next to the extremely active Blake during the graduation and Mother's Day tea. Jonathan pushed Blake out of his way a few times as Blake was getting into the performance just a little too much.

Mr. Speck
All done

Papa Bob, Grand and Pops came to Blake's graduation

Family photo minus Brooke who was at Carol's house playing. Huge thank you to Carol as it was much more enjoyable not fighting Brooke during the graduation!
Blake and Miss Wolfe......We loved her!!!!
Blake and Walt, our neighbor friend just down the street.
The Computer Whiz award

My Dad's 70th Birthday

We threw my dad a big 70th birthday bash out at his place in Canton. There were close to 100 friends and family there to make it such a memorable celebration. We catered Mexican food, had a DJ, and lots of good times. It was such a wonderful time and we are very thankful for all 70 years of our Dad's life!

Taking a spin in the paddle boat

Thankful for my cousins who live on a dairy farm to help with moving the port-a-pot and hanging the sign. They felt right at home!

Dad with his children
Ready to party

Sweet Brooke hanging out

Off on the 4 wheeler

Brooke and Aunt Jackie
The boys dancing

My bro giving a great toast for my dad

Jackie getting pulled in on the carriage
All of the family that came to celebrate..minus my kids already loaded in the car and Bryce aka Mr Romeo that was MIA