Swim Team practices have begun...

Swim team practices started this week.  For the last few years we've done swim team thru the YMCA for Harrison.  This year, with Jackson joining the team, it was just too expensive to consider.  We decided to go with the Raleigh Parks and Rec Swim Team and so far the kids are enjoying it.  We practice at the Millbrook Pool 3x a week with 4 Swim Meets for the Season and a Championship Meet in August.  We are the Millbrook Marlins! As we were leaving the first practice the boys were so excited to tell me how much they loved it!  They really DO love swimming and it's so good for them!

Our friends the Barbours and Klicks are on the team as well as a couple kids from the boys school and our neighborhood as well. 





 She's my buddy and helps me cheer for the boys!

Last day of School 2012

 First day of School August 25, 2011

Last Day of School June 7, 2012

 1st day of 4th Grade

 Last day of 4th grade

1st day of 1st Grade

 last day of 1st grade

 Harrison's class had an ice cream party the last 45 minutes of class.  We were able to get a couple of class pictures, one serious and one silly.

 the class gave Mrs. Grzesik a frame with a signed mat and class picture.  She loved it.

Ms. Grzesik was an excellent teacher for Harrison.  He made some huge progress in her class this year and we are thankful for how God provided for our boys this year when it came to their teachers.

 Mr. Fesler was a great teacher for Jackson this year.  We are thankful for the him and the way he worked with Jackson to make 1st grade a very successful year!

 School is OUT!!!  WOO HOO!!

We got straight in the car with Daddy and Princess to go to VA for the weekend.  Addison was still in FL with Mimi and Papa.  We decided they could fly her in to Norfolk and we would pick her up there.  Can't wait to celebrate the beginning of Summer with the VA cousins!!!

End of Year School Awards Ceremony

 It's hard to believe we have already finished another year of school!  Where is the time going?!  On Wednesday, both Harrison and Jackson received awards at school.  We are so proud of our boys!

 Harrison received an award for "excellence in work habits"

we are SO proud of his hard work in school!

 Jackson had told me at breakfast I wasn't allowed to take any pictures.  little stinker!  He should have known that would be an impossible task for his mother! :)

 Jackson received the "most improved" award for his class!  He has worked SO hard this year and has made incredible progress in all subject areas this year!  Super proud of our boy!

Jackson also received the character award for "good judgment".  Now that is a GREAT award to receive!  My favorite story from this day was after we left and headed home Jackson kept saying he got the "most important" award.  He was meaning to say most improved.  Adorable!  Of course, both Jackson and Harrison are MOST IMPORTANT to us! :)

Donut Eating Contest

Annual Neighborhood Pool Party Donut Eating Contest 

Go Harrison!  remember, NO HANDS! 

 go Jackson!!!

 almost finished!

 Harrison WON!



the messy winner!!!

Birthday Giftcard

 Harrison got a Target giftcard in the mail from Aunt Janet and Uncle Neal a few weeks.  He had already been planning what he would purchase because he knew that the giftcard was on it's way.  Daddy took him to Target to spend his money and he got exactly what he went for...a door alarm.  Grant has one of these and Harrison thought it was so cool he wanted to get one for himself.  Every little boy would like to have an alarm on their bedroom door to keep the intruders...AKA Jackson and Addison out, right???  :)  It makes a loud siren noise if it's opened without the key.  Pretty fun toy. 

What we didn't expect was for Harrison to spend the majority of his giftcard on his brother and sister.  While he was shopping he felt a strong desire to use his money to buy gifts for Jackson and Addison and he was SO excited to pass them out when he got home.  I always love when you see these signs of choosing others before self.  He got a lot of joy out of sharing with them and I hope he will always remember it is better to give than to receive.  Jackson loved his new beyblade and Addison loved her coloring book.  He also got a movie for the whole family...Enchanted.   Such a sweet boy!

Upwards Awards Ceremony 2010

It was SO good to get our boy back HOME!!! and fun that we got to celebrate that night at the Upwards Awards Ceremony!



can you get over that hair??? I sure can't! the more humid it is, the curlier it gets. I love it though. I imagine she won't one day but I'm gonna love it while it lasts and she's not trying to straighten it. :)




love my boys!




doing airplane with daddy

back to a family of 5!

we LOVE YOU SO MUCH Harrison and we loved that you were able to go for your big trip...but, we were even happier to have you come back home!