My SIX year old!

It's official... we have a 6 year old. How did that happen?

We started celebrating Joey's big day the weekend before his birthday. Grandma and Grandpa E. came to visit and brought along Khai and Adrianna. The kids played outside, watched movies, played games, had a sleepover, had a bonfire and went to see Hotel Transylvania. Joey LOVES spending time with his cousins as well as all the attention he gets from Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you for making the trip to help us celebrate -- it means so much to all of us!!

We had a birthday party with some of Joey's friends from school that same weekend at a gym near our house. The kids played dodgeball, basketball and tag and then ended the party with cupcakes and presents. Grandma Shayne even made a surprise visit! 

To top it off, on his actual birthday, he got to be the "birthday star" at school and brought in Star Wars cupcakes to share with his classmates. Josh and I came to school to have lunch with him and that night we all went to the restaurant of his choice {McDonalds} for dinner. 

The weather was beautiful so the kids spent a lot of time playing outside.

Jump, jump, jump... and DIVE down the inflatable slide. Sam and Adrianna (the "Wild Ones")

Joey acting bashful as we sang Happy Birthday to him.

His party theme was Ninjago (thank you to Pinterest for the inspiration).

Joey with his buddies.

Legos, legos and more legos!

Happy Birthday to you!

Silly kids!

Joey with his long-time friend, Ryne.

Time for a water break

I think Dad had as much fun as the kids 

"Birthday kiss for my big brother!!"

Fall has arrived...

Fall has arrived and while the weather has cooled off quite a bit, we have still managed to fit in some outdoor fun.

Posing for their annual picture by the scarecrow at the Fall Festival.

Riding on the train... Sam's favorite!

Joey skating at Grace's birthday party. He wouldn't let go of the railing for the first hour but then got a little more daring and actually skated around the rink a few times while showing off some of his dance moves.

Joey "racing" Sam on his bike.

Sam loves riding his bike. He's wiped out a couple of times but just dusts himself off and gets right back on. Our little tough guy. 

He's pretty proud of his new winter "mohawk" hat.

Our trip to the park to collect some leaves for Joey's Kindergarten project.

Just Dance

Joey: "Mom, if you are listening to a song and you don't know the words, just dance."

Photo Book

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1st Day of School

This post is slightly delayed but I am happy to report that the first day of school was a success for both boys. Joey is loving Kindergarten and Sam is transitioning very well into his Preschool routine. My babies are growing up way too fast!!

I picked Joey up after his first day of school so we could go out for some frozen yogurt at his all-time favorite place, Cherry Berry. While we were there I said "Joey, I didn't even cry today. Aren't you proud of me?" He got a little grin on his face and said "Mommy, I saw a little bit of tears." Then he pats me on the shoulder and says, "But it's okay, I'm still proud of you." My sweet boy!

INTERVIEW WITH A KINDERGARTNER

Joey

My favorite food is: Cereal

My favorite sport is: T-Ball

My favorite TV show is: Ninjago

The coolest person on Earth: Me... and Sam

One thing I am really good at: Coloring in the lines

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Minot

My favorite color is: Green

My favorite toys are: Iron Man, Mario Characters

When I grow up, I want to be: A Police Officer

My favorite movie is: Lion King

My favorite book is: The Gruffalo

When I was little I used to: Rock in the chair with Mommy

My favorite season is: Winter

My favorite snack is: Cheetos

One food I don't like: Mushrooms

My best friends: Tommy & Ryne

If I had one wish, it would be: To go to a hotel and swim

My favorite animal: Rhino

My favorite game is: Uno

All ready for their first day!

Showing off their "pack-packs".

Picture with Mommy (who was a little emotional at the moment... but NOT crying).

And with Daddy, who is calm, cool and collected.

Sitting at his desk. 

With his best buddies, Ryne & Tommy, who are both in his class!

And then there's this little guy... SO proud to be following in his big brother's footsteps.

INTERVIEW WITH A PRESCHOOLER:

Sam

My favorite food: Cereal Bars

My favorite sport is: HOCKEY!

My favorite TV show is: Backyardigans

One thing I am really good at: Gymnastics

My favorite color is: Orange

My favorite toy: Puzzles

When I grow up, I want to be: A Hockey Player

My favorite movie is: Finding Nemo

My favorite book is: Dino Hockey

My favorite snack is: Goldfish Crackers

One food I don't like: Anything that's healthy...

My best friends: Taylor, Easton, Clara and Peyton

My favorite animal: Horse

My favorite game is: Gone Fishing