Goodbye, hello, and First Grade!

This week we said goodbye to Kindergarten friends, Lily B, Mrs.  Bradshaw and a school schedule for a short 11 weeks.  Sadly, we also said goodbye to Alicia.  It has had us all in a funk in the last few weeks -- we are all so grateful for her in our own way and we all needed to gobble up a little more time with her.  Luckily while the rains changed activity plans, we packed the last few weeks with fun.  Her last morning was so sweet and special.  The kids were sweet and relaxed and just enjoyed having her with them at breakfast.  I was so thankful for the peace that morning.  On Monday, we say hello to Jordan, our new nanny; we are going to all enjoy getting to know her too.  Already, we have seen friends, had playdates and trips to the iMax, science center, car races, etc.  It will be a packed summer of fun!
Top Memories of the last few weeks:
* John's first poop in a potty -- May 2nd.  We have repeated several times, but we are not a 100% just yet.
* The kids watching Princess Bride.  John: Why does the guy with the weird head and a little bit of hair keep saying that (Inconceivable).
* The rancor play:  John "falls" from the trap door.  Enter Mom or Dad as the rancor.  John uses "rock/owl plush toy" to hit the gate and kill the rancor.  Repeat.
* Abigail reading books to me.  She has read Little Golden Being a Princess, Fancy Nancy Seeing Stars and Sandra Boyton Pajama Time -- 97 more to go :) on her way to the first grade 100 books this summer challenge.

Science Center -- Children's Museum.  John and Abigail loved the babies.  Abigail and I swaddled them and we had a hard time saying goodbye to them.  At one point, John decided it was hard to hold his baby and shop in the grocery section, so he gave his baby to me.  Matt and I put the babies back for other kids....John finishes up in the grocery section and screams, "Where is my baby?!"

We love cats - the animal taxidermy was a big hit for Abigail.  

We have quite a few baths in the laundry room sink with all the mud and rain these last few weeks.  

John is really beginning imaginary play and playing with his action figures and ships.  

The rains have made snail collections giant.   

Crafting together -- a peaceful moment while I cooked dinner.  They made crafts for Matt.  

Dolphins at the IMax!

Lots of play dates with Ben and Quinn.