Reed's 4 year well check

It was the big, dreaded 4 year well check today.  Reed wore a paper gown, peed in a cup, and completed all the development tests.  I was so impressed with this big boy!  Reed is 41.5" inches tall - 75% and weighs 41 pounds - 75%.  He surpassed all the quizzes and did great on vision and hearing.  At the end of the appointment, the nurse tried to draw blood, but couldn't get his vein, twice.  That was all I could take of his pain, before I told her that was enough.  Shots, so we can get out of here, please.  Reed is one tough boy, but he is still the sweetest little guy.

Mini Kickers

Reed kicked off a new sport today that he has been begging to try.  He will play soccer for the next couple of weeks.  We really love the Parks and Rec department and their sports camps.

Hide and Seek

Ridley's favorite game is hide and seek.  Today she thought the shoe basket would help hide her, so she climbed right in.  Completely disappeared!

Hugs

Ridley started giving hugs.  She puts both of her arms around my neck and squeezes.  I love it!  Truly one of the best moments.

Mini Dribbler Skills Showcase

Look at that cutie grinning!  Reed was showing off today at his Mini Dribbler Showcase. We were pretty hesitant anout basketball, but once again Reed killed it!  He is such an athletic child that wants to try everything!  

Reed was right in the middle of the action.  

Proud boy with his certificate and trophy.  Go Reed!

Kinder Field Trip

Ryland went on his first school field trip to the Arboretum in Dallas.  It was overcast and drizzling at times, but the weather held off so we could enjoy the beautiful park.  I haven't been to the Arboretum since we took family photos there almost 4.5 years ago.  I was shocked at the all new children's park.  It was amazing!  So many things to look at and do!  We had a great day! 

Fun Days

We are really blessed to have Reed in a wonderful preschool.  I was looking through his class Shutterfly account, and I noticed several fun memories from this past school year. 

Cooking class

Visit from the Southlake Fire Department

Umbrella Parade

Bath Time Silliness

These boys are so much fun.  Tonight while bathing, Ryland and Reed got a little carried away with the foam soap.  They laughed hysterically as they created hair for one another. 

Black Eye

Reed's eye is bruised but the swelling has gone down drastically.  He says he doesn't notice any change in vision, and I continue to give him little eye tests.  No headaches, but he says that it is sensitive to touch.  He is a little embarrassed since he saw himself.  We are giving him lots of love and support.

Ouch!

We were all in the backyard relaxing on a beautiful Friday afternoon, when we heard the hit.  Ryland hit the baseball and it smacked Reed right in the face.  He started screaming, and his eye started to swell immediately.  We made him comfortable on the sofa and applied ice.   We kept a close eye on him throughout the evening.  

Poor boy!  I can only imagine how bad it hurts.

Art with a message

Reed colored this at school, and he shared the Bible verse with us.  I love it!  It will stay on permanent display at the Allison Museum.  Hoping that the message catches on with us all. 

Pool Selections

After the first visit to the tile vendor in Dallas with the entire family, I was having major doubts about remodeling the pool.  I was frustrated and not impressed with the selections that were available.  I knew that I had to make some decisions soon, so we could get on the schedule.  

I stopped by Claffey's design center and within 10 minutes I had picked out coping, edge finish, tile, and plaster.  I was on a mission and saw exactly what I had envisioned.  Bam!  Amazing what can get done when I am alone.  Of course, it was all upgrade level, so I can hardly wait to hear the quote.  

Ms.Hill's Kinder 2015

Ryland's first class picture came home today in his folder, and I think it is too cute.  Precious friendships and memories. 

Non-fiction

Ryland has been learning about non-fiction in this reading segment.  This drawing was one of the last pieces, and I was so impressed by his listening skills.  

Who is in Control?

We were headed to Dallas to enjoy crawfish with the Brashears, but first we needed to make a stop at a birthday party.  Ryland and I stopped off at Brady's party, while John Chris took the two littles to pick up a few last minute items for the crawfish boil.  When they came back to pick us up, Reed and Ridley were laughing and covered in chocolate.  This should make for an interesting evening.

Camo for Cole Malone

Old Union showed support for Cole Malone by wearing camo.  Cole was a fifteen year old boy that was killed while riding his bike.  He lived straight across the street from us, so there has been a good deal of commotion over the past few days.  The boys have lots of questions about death, heaven, and driving/biking rules.  

My heart is broken for his mother, Karen.  It was an awful tragedy that has made me stop and think about my relationship with my children.  I just can't imagine losing one of them.

Baseball

It is Saturday, and it is time for some baseball.  Ryland did an inning on the pitcher's mound, which makes me nervous.  He has started zoning out when playing in the field, and the pitcher's mound is no place to "check out".  He made it through without incident or injury. 

Monday

Reed's preschool was closed, so we enjoyed some free time.  We have been wanting to make the tractor molds, and today was the perfect day to give it a shot.  The molds turned out perfect, and Reed is a wonderful painter.  He mixed colors and was Mr. Chatterbox, which I loved.  He is full of stories and has quite the imagination.   Today, he told me all about his friends at school.

Reed and Ridley watched out the little window of the gameroom for Ryland to come home.  I think this is one of my favorite pictures ever.  I love the sweet moment of excitement when they saw the bus turn into the neighborhood.

Nap Buddies

We have had a rough few nights with Ridley, so John Chris enjoyed a Sunday afternoon nap with her.  I tried to sneak in and catch them cuddled up, but she heard the door squeak.  I love to watch them together.  It is adorable. 

Easter

He Is Risen!

Blessed beyond words to find White's Chapel. - The message and fellowship this Sunday was very special.

Visit from the Easter Bunny

Ryland, Reed, and Ridley woke to find bunny footprints and a trail of jelly beans.  They followed the trail from the pool bath door to the fireplace in the family room.  

They found fun treats in their new Easter baskets!  They were so excited to dig in.  The Easter Bunny brought a little candy, pool toys, and craft kits. 

Easter eggs

We had fun coloring eggs this evening and using our creative ideas.  Ridley pointed and grunted to let us know where to drop her eggs.  

The boys were really into the "secret" crayon.  They drew all sorts of things on the eggs and would giggle as they dropped them in the dye.  We took turns guessing what the pictures were when we pulled them out of the color.  Some were easy and some of them were more abstract. We had so much fun and no spilled dye this year!

Easter Bunny

I am still super excited about this picture!  I just can't believe this worked out so great.  All three children are in clean, matching clothes with the happiest of smiles with the Easter Bunny.  What?  This is not what I was expected, but I love it! 

Teacher Conference

I met with Reed's pre-school teacher for the individual annual conference.  It was a great opportunity to talk about Reed's strengths, weaknesses, and overall personality.  Ms. Debbie raved about how wonderful Reed is, and how much she adores him.  She covered each academic and social topic and told me how Reed excels at each one. Tears started to sneak up in my eyes while I was listening to hear speak of my precious son.  I am so proud of him, and I love his spunky personality.  

CHCS Easter Party

I am so blessed to be able to attend Reed's parties at school.  I love being there with him to celebrate the special occasions.  Today it was all about Easter and learning about Jesus rising from the tomb.  

Reed is such a cutie pie bunny.  So handsome and sweet!

Reed's class smiling with their baskets full of eggs.