Memorial Day

Today was another day of playing in the sun and enjoying time with friends. First we met Kelly, Lincoln and Oscar at the pool. Lincoln and Lucas splashed, while Miss Cool mostly snacked...

Later that evening we were invited to a cookout at a neighbor's house. We don't know a ton of our neighbors, but the ones we do know we really enjoy. Here is Ellen being silly with our across-the -street friend, Owen.

It would have been a perfect time if it hadn't been over 100 degrees. We were all about to melt!

Lucas, Ellen, Owen and Teagan

There was even a tree house for everyone to play in... mostly enjoyed by our lady. Who, by the way, was somewhat of a little redneck running around in her undies. It really was too hot for clothes, so why not take advantage if you're only two?

An afternoon with old friends...

We were so happy today to get to spend the afternoon with some dear friends that we've known for over 10 years now! First we were invited to Charles and Caroline's cousin's first birthday party, so that is where we got to see Mark, Wendy, Charles and Caroline. Then we spent the rest of the evening with Adam, Holly, Katie and Tyler... but not pictures of that because my battery had died. We had a wonderful day and were happy to be able to enjoy the holiday wknd with friends!

Wendy and I are always happy about how much Charles and Lucas seem to love each other. Just like us, they pick up right where they left off, which was a few months ago. Lucas is already asking when he'll get to see him again.

Caroline and Ellen also seemed to have missed each other. The quickly reunited and began tending to their babies... funny, just like Wendy and I have been spending our time together for the past five years : )

A long good-bye : )

Go Jackets!

We hauled the gang to Durham to watch Georgia Tech play in the ACC tournament yesterday. It was so fun to watch a baseball game! I miss that since I grew up watching the Braves play in Atlanta.

We met our fellow GT fans there, Katie, Tyler, Adam and Holly. We only stayed to the 5th inning or so, which was a good call because this game went 15 innings! It didn't end until almost 1am... yikes. But we won by stealing home plate!

Summer Fun

Susie (Lucas E's mom) and I were at a loss already for what to do this summer... and it's only the first week! But to be fair, the pools don't open until next week and it was probably over 100 degrees today. So we checked out a new indoor play place. It was a hit, but we're looking forward to finding more affordable activities for the rest of the summer...

Baby Emma

Ellen loves babies! She tells me that often. "Mama, I wuv babies. I like to hold them." Needless to say, she was thrilled to get to spend time with her cousin Emma today, even though you can't tell from her expression. She takes baby holding very seriously.

Summer Break!

Who doesn't like to start summer break off with a little squirt of whipped cream?

Preschool Graduation!

How in the world are we HERE already? Like one of my friends told me the other day, I feel like I've been in a fog and all of a sudden my baby is 5 and GRAD-U-ATING from something. Or you know, it's like I blinked and here we are... I will try even harder to pay more attention and savor every second.

But it was an exciting day! This first picture should prove that Lucas still has some baby in him because he came down to sleep with his mommy and daddy last night : ) The second picture is of him walking in to preschool for the very last time, and then meeting up with his buddy Landon on the stairwell. Both "seniors."

We were told to get to the church early to get a good seat and setup the video cameras. The last picture here is the view from the balcony. The steps where the children would sit were marked with each one's name so that they knew where to sit.

As I was getting the cameras setup I noticed that the teachers had marked where each child should stand while lining up for their diplomas - very thorough!

Before the diplomas the two classes performed a series of songs that they had worked on with their music teacher, Ms. Karen, during the school year. I was so excited to see Lucas perform because he had been enthusiastic in his Christmas performance and Spanish performance a few days before. But the poor baby got stage fright! He hardly did anything but stand there... and yawn a few times. What you see below is probably the most he did : ) His teacher told me afterwards that he knew all the songs during the rehearsals and just froze in front of all the parents. However, Jeff and I both figured that he was on the end for a reason : ) So musicals aren't his strong suit, in case you were wondering.

But being a cute graduate is something he's pretty darn good at : )

... but then he was bored again. But did pose for a few pictures.

One last preschool picture with Mommy and Daddy. And his teachers that we love so much, Ms. Mary Lynn and Ms. Heather.

Then it was off to the end-of-year carnival for sno cones and jumpy houses!

Ms. Heather and Ms. Mary Lynn (what's with the face, kid?)