Caroline's princess bike

This summer we traded in our tricycle for a big girl bike for Caroline. She could pedal the trike very well, but is taking some time to relearn the motions on a bicycle. We have been taking both kids to practice on a basketball court at a park nearby.

A movie and thumbs

Joys of Summer

Last day of school picnic

The Tuesday before Memorial Day, Rylan had a class picnic at one of our favorite parks. The kids played games with their classmates, received a special medal and goodbye treat from their teachers, ate a  little lunch, and then just ran wild on the playground.  It was a blast for them to have so much free time with each other and bittersweet to say goodbye to a wonderful year in Rylan's life.

 Caroline looking like she wants to punch somebody, or maybe just mommy who is taking her picture.

 A little happier, playing with bubbles.

 Mrs. Shade helping Rylan get into his sack.

 All sacked up and racing as fast as he can.

 Rylan has been enamored with baseball lately.

 The kids had a turn bouncing on the parachute when the first letter of their name was called.

 Getting a medal and a hug from Mrs. Shade.

 Awww, they do like each other.  Rylan gave Caroline his Nerds and let her wear his medal from his teachers.

Rylan leading a game of chase with the boys.  His pose and expression are so typical of him!

Boys huddling up, making important plans.

 Boys chasing girls!

What the....!

We were having a nice uneventful drive home from church today, when I decided to indulge my current craving for Sonic cherry limeades.  As I turned in to the drive-thru, Rylan exclaimed, "What the hell are we doing here?"
I took a few moments to order and pay for my drink and gathered my thoughts to respond.
I asked him where he had heard that phrase and then explained that is not something we say in our family.
"Okay, can I say, 'what the heck?' 
I informed him that was not appropriate either and gave him some alternatives words to use when he felt the need to be that expressive.
"What about 'holy mother of god'?'
Did I mention we were on the way home from CHURCH?

Rylan's preschool graduation

On Thursday Rylan's preschool had their end of the year program/graduation.   It was simply adorable and so bittersweet.  Rylan had given me some sneak previews of a few songs while he rehearsed at home, so it was especially fun to hear and see the real performance.

 Singing and hand motions.  We had a great view with Rylan being on the end of the row.

 Rylan and wonderful teachers, Mrs. Shade and Mrs. Roth. Each child received a "diploma" after the program, to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance, of course.

 Rylan poses with some of his favorite girls.

 I love Rylan's expression here.  I don't think he minds being surrounded by cute girls!

 Very proud parents.

 Proud Dad.

 Tough guy pose with one of his friends, Christian.   Christian's mom asked him which kids from preschool he would like to spend time with this summer and he told her he wanted to play with Rylan.  Rylan has grown so much socially and built some great friendships with so many kids in his class. It makes me sad he has to leave them, but gives me lots of hope for making new friends in kindergarten.

There is the most beautiful waterfall cascading down the hilllside in front of the church. I could only get my girl to pose for me; Rylan was done with pictures.  We plan to send her to the same preschool in a little over a year.

Spartan Race

On the first Saturday in May, Charlton ran in the Spartan race at Ft. Carson.  He ran, crawled, climbed, and basically battled his way through 5 miles of mud, hills, and crazy obstacles on the hottest day of the year so far. He has been training for a long time and we were very proud of him. 

One of the last obstacles, jumping over a ring of fire.

Our victorious Spartan. This was actually the cleaned up version of Charlton. I didn't get a picture right after he finished. I can't even describe the sheer amounts of mud everywhere. He had to hose off himself and his clothes outside before even coming indoors.

There is a Jr. Spartan race. Rylan is already asking when he will be able to run!