those curls

I LOVE how there is one right on his forehead. 

babysitters

A couple of weekends ago the boys had their first time with non-family babysitting. In all honesty, it was just like having family babysit. Neland's teachers had gifted me a night of babysitting and a gift card to a favorite restaurant for the end of the year and Chris and I were very excited to use it. The one thing we didn't count on was how excited Neland would be as well (we knew he'd be excited, but the magnitude was definitely underestimated). I told him on a Wednesday that his teachers were coming on a Saturday, every single day he asked more than once if his teachers were coming that night. We'd had them for dinner earlier in the month and ever since then Neland had talked and talked about them coming back. He watched by the door for them to arrive, and did not lose any time showing them around and pointing out toys once they were in the house (it was the ultimate show and tell experience). In fact after a quick tour and run down of whats what, Neland quickly opened the door and told us goodbye. Usually when one of us leaves, there's a million "hold ons" and "one more hug" and "one more kiss" and "oh wait I need a high five" but this time, the door was being held open and we were being told, "see you later."

We arrived home around 9:30 (after an amazing dinner - with friends... such a novelty for us). Teague was talking in his crib, singing and jumping, obviously still very excited from having teachers over to play. Neland was sound asleep. Apparently he'd noticed it was after 7 and knew it was bedtime. We also heard that Teague played basketball for Miss Karen, and made her sit on the steps to watch. And when she tried to get up, he yelled at her to sit down (Teague yell at someone to do something? No way.). Neland didn't eat much for dinner and Teague ate more than his share. The house was much neater than we left it and our kids did seem much happier the next morning (although after the teachers left we did let Teague get up and watch a Curious George episode while we snuggled, he fell fast asleep right after that).

For parents who don't usually get out much and have never really had the opportunity for a babysitter other than a family member (let's be honest, Grandma), this was an amazing night. My boys were with two people I completely trust, who they'd known for the past two and three years (or for Teague, his whole life) and who have raised two children each. If only they were available weekly.

thinking of everything

Thank goodness there is a plunger in the potty of the airplane, otherwise it could have been a long uncomfortable ride. Now the fact that the pilot is missing the top of his head or the guy in the first row was allowed to carry a boom box (is it the 80s?), is a little more unsettling.

keep talking neland

The other night I was at a meeting and Chris put the boys to bed. He let Neland sleep in our bed and as they were saying goodnight Chris asked Neland if he loved his brother. Neland said yes and Chris asked why. Neland's answer, "because he's so special." Chris asked Neland what made him so special and Neland said, "Because he's so silly."

In the car, Neland asked me, "When you aren't my mommy anymore will you still live here?" I told him I'd always be his mommy and I wasn't sure where I'd live (retiring on the sound near the beach is sounding pretty awesome). My response to him I think must have worried him, because we got to the root of the issue, he said, "Mommy you have to stay here and be a grandma to my kids." It became more confusing because he followed it up with, "And you'll have to find someone to be their grandpa." I assured Neland that daddies turn into grandpas so his kids would be covered. He's now decided he'll live next door to us with somewhere between 8-11 kids.

Riding his bike is an every day event now. He was riding in the cul de sac with couple kids on our street and he yells, "No one is as fast as me" and quickly says,  "Mom I need a push."

graduation

Thursday mornings are usually for playing at home or meeting up with friends, but this Thursday was extra special. We hopped in the car in our Sunday best and headed to Neland's school. It was graduation day. Neland wasn't necessarily graduating from preschool, but a lot of his friends were, and even some not heading to kindergarten will be at new schools next year so it was a great time to say goodbye.

Teague refused to take a picture with Neland (or to put down the Cheerios)

 Teague entertained himself while waiting for the ceremony to start. There were rolly poly-s (as they call somersaults) in the aisle, playing on the stairs in the hallway and peeking in on Neland's class.

Once it started, Pastor Robert played the guitar and led the students in some of their chapel songs, Miss Melissa read a book about a train on a track and then there was more singing before the students were called one by one to receive a medal.

 Teague behaved for a few minutes.

My proud little guy (he LOVED that medal).

 After the ceremony we headed back to the classroom for their scrapbooks from the year and our last goodbyes. For Miss Jean this was truly as last goodbye as she will not be at school next year (I'm wondering if Teague scared her off - just kidding).

In the car later, Neland asked if I was sad and I told him I'd miss Miss Jean since she was moving far away. Neland said, "We can take a plane and visit her." I told him that was a great idea. He said, "Okay Mommy, which day do you want to go?" - love him!

Looking over Neland's scrapbook, such a treasured item from the year.

Teaguie said his goodbye's as well. I know he will be so excited to actually get to stay at school next fall!

 Teaguie saying goodbye to Miss Karen last year - look at the difference.

A summer goodbye to Miss Melissa (who he told, "I'll be back next year").

Then it was off to the California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Neland told our waiter all about his medal, friends and school.

 Ice cream sundaes for dessert!

I'm not sure how in the world I'll be ready for this to be real next year. I am so grateful for more time with this little man of mine.

a nest

Yes, this is a nest.

The boys have been working on this for about a week now. In this picture you can see an orange bird bath, then the nest made of mulch and construction paper (so it's soft like a blanket). Neland was very frustrated he couldn't get it to look like a bowl with sticks woven in between the mulch.

As of today, there was a bird sand table added (a Panera cup filled with sand) and a big stick contraption to catch bad guy birds.

the last day

Wednesday was Neland's last day of school. On Tuesday we made cards for his teachers.

 He was excited to give them to his teachers. Somehow before we got into the building, Teague got ahold of Miss Karen's rock, so he actually handed it to her (then asked for it back before we left, silly kid).

 We had a to take an end of year picture with Miss Melissa, the director. She greets each child and parent by name as they arrive. And many times she's kept an eye on Teague as he's bolted down the hallway.

 The final day with Miss Jean and Miss Karen. So bittersweet.

And what did Teague and I do on our last day together, we did exactly the same thing as Neland's first day. We headed to Starbucks and the playground.

 Teague jumped off this more than twenty times and each time it was "Watch me Momma" and a few times it was "No play phone, watch me please" (in a super sweet voice, not his usual yelling of demands).

Just for reference, this was last September. What a different a few months can make!

 Then it was time for pick up and final good bye hugs.

 It didn't totally feel like goodbye because we knew we'd have Thursday's graduation, but it was still a little sad as the last official day of preschool (until next fall).

end of year party

Ready or not the end of the preschool year has come. Neland has been so blessed to have Miss Jean for the past three years and Miss Karen for the past two. We had our end of year party on Monday. Teague went ahead and assumed he was part of the class and sat right down with Neland and his classmates.

We had pizza for lunch and made ice cream sundaes (which were a total hit).

Afterwards I showed the kids a short movie of pictures from the year with Dan Zanes' Smile Smile Smile playing. It was a hit as well and their reaction to seeing themselves was so funny. We all watched it twice.

We handed Miss Jean and Miss Karen their gifts. I attempted to make a clipboard personalized with pictures of the class and "A Teacher's Prayer". They also received a gift card.

Then if I hadn't created enough chaos already, the kids played balloon ping pong (or something to that effect - thanks to pinterest).

Wednesday is Neland's last day of class and Thursday is graduation (or a practice graduation in his case).

the movies

Movies are a big treat for the boys. Neland saw his first movie the summer he turned 3 (Toy Story 3). Teague was about 5 months and slept through most of the movie (with a blanket covering his ears).

This past fall, Grandma and Grandpa took Neland to see the Winnie the Pooh movie, which he loved. And this past month we took both boys to see Chimpanzee. We weren't sure how Teague would handle being in a movie theater, but it was a short movie so we felt we had time on our side. From the time we entered the theater and settled down with M&Ms, fruit snacks and popcorn the boys were captivated. Teague talked through the whole thing, but was totally on topic telling us what was happening, "Monkey sleeping,""Monkey playing". It took me half the movie to get him to say "Chimpanzee" which then came out as "Panzee Monkey" (I hope people didn't think he was insulting monkeys). Teague loved the movie except right before something bad would happen the music would change. The minute the music grew dark and heavy he'd say, "I don't like it." But once it passed, he was fine.

This past weekend Neland was invited to a drop off movie theater party. It was just him and four other kids with two parents. Chris and I debated letting him go. It was a PG Pirate movie. Chris was not a fan of the PG rating and we both knew Neland was not a fan of pirates. I really wanted him to have the experience of going to a movie with his friends (but honestly I guess he could have had that experience a year from now). Chris and I agreed he could go and I'd stay close by the theater in case he grew uncomfortable. He was super excited to go and I dropped him off and watched him bounce into the theater. I returned a little early to wait for the movie to end and when it did, out Neland came with his buddies. The mom who was with him said he missed the last 20 minutes of the movie. There was a scene with a guillotine and right when it came on he said he had to go to the bathroom. When he was done he asked her if he had to go back in, she said of course not and they sat on a bench and talked for the last minutes of the movie. He told her that he wants to go to Tennessee when he grows up and be a reporter and a daddy. He likes the color orange and football and he doesn't like Carolina or basketball (so much can change in a week, just two weeks ago he LOVED Carolina, hopefully he'll change back). The other mother said that he did well, he knew when he'd had enough of the arms falling off and swords and as she put it "something just didn't sit right with his soul". What a wonderful way to word it, because it's so true. He has the most sensitive soul.

randoms (with more bower studio pics)

A couple weeks ago the boys and I ventured back to the strawberry patch. I thought we'd go for a short time, it was hot and almost lunch time but the boys seemed to not notice either. We spent a good 15 minutes picking berries, which is unheard of for my boys who love the balls, trikes, sand pit, mazes, slushes, duck races, and chickens at the farm. We filled a basket with berries and then headed back for some slushies. Teague wanted to play more than drink his (which means I lucked out). Teague went right for the sand box and the cozy coupe. Neland finished his slushie and ran for the monster trikes. He was so much better riding it than I expected and he even fell once and got right back on. While they played, I bought some fresh eggs and the owner talked me into trying out the hayride with both of them (I was nervous about controlling Teague while on the ride). We hopped on and Neland was silent, just taking it all in. Teague sat in my lap and did really well until the last minute or so. Once we returned to the farm, it was time to go. Our ten minute trip had turned into an hour and half (and we didn't even get to visit the chickens or play with the duck race).

Neland loves to wash the car with Chris. The other weekend they were outside washing the car and Chris was complaining about the pollen. He told Neland that he was allergic to pollen. Neland responded with "I thought you were allergic to cats." Chris told him he was allergic to cats and pollen. Neland said, "I really like cats" and then followed it up with, "Daddy when are you going to heaven?"

Chris bought me a beautiful dress for Mother's day. As with most dresses, I needed it taken in at the top. I took the boys to the alterations place, which was fairly busy. We were all in the dressing room and as I was putting the dress on, Teague said, "Mommy have belly button." I affirmed that I did, and then he said, "Teaguie have belly button." Again I affirmed, then, "Neland have belly button." Once again, yes. "Daddy have belly button." Yes. Then Neland is his inside voice that is way too loud to be an inside voice said, "You know what we and Daddy have that Mommy doesn't have?" And instead of an affirmation there was a loud "Shhh" from me.

A couple weeks ago, a friend and I took our kids to the park to ride bikes around the lake. Our boys are no bike riding experts so it was fairly easy to stay nearby. They circled the lake twice, then wanted to play on the playground. About an hour and half later it was time to go but they wanted to circle the lake one more time. Teague put up a huge fuss, apparently once he saw that both big boys had bikes and he had a tricycle he was done with the tricycle (I carried most of the way around the first time). In trying to chase Teague from running away from the tricycle (and to the picnic tables to beg for food) I realized we'd lost sight of the older boys. My friend ran ahead of me and my wrestling opponent. When she finally saw the boys (which felt like 5 minutes and not 10 seconds), they'd gotten off their bikes, were holding hands and walking together to find us. Really, does it get any sweeter? What great decision makers they were! As they continued around the lake, as one of them would stop (or fall) they'd yell for the other to come help. I was so proud of them!