So Long, Second Grade

Ryder became such a big boy this year. 

He is still incredibly excitable, easily boreable, and fidgetingly tactile (I made that F word up.  Because I am smart).

But he is also compassionate, understanding, and so wonderfully helpful. I have completely enjoyed having him as my sidekick and go-to boy.  Watching him grow is a true pleasure.

 It goes without saying that the kid is still a freaking, mind-blowingly enviable genius.  Which he surely gets from his mother (see F word above, obviously).

With his rad-will-still-be-talking-about-far-into-adulthood teacher, Mrs. Hammond. She is amazing.

 Tess participating in Ryder's last day of school festivities.  She is in deep concentration here, not anger.  Directions on how to win candy were being given.  Full attention was necessary.

 My intense little boy.   This just about sums the kid up.

Holy mother I have a third grader.  I should probably go drown in some Botox.

Too Cool for Kindergarten

The last couple weeks of school are ridiculously, insanely busy and I pretty much despise them, while my children pretty much spend the entire year looking forward to them.

  One of Linley's end of year events was her class party.  Complete with a three-legged race.  She and her partner totally killed it.

 And of course, graduation.  Which Wilson always does remarkably well.  Their graduation ceremonies are way better than even my high school one.  Complete enjoyment.

This school has been nothing but impressive for both Ryder and Linley.

 Lining up on the stage for the big performance.  We were laughing, clapping, singing, dancing and crying.  A truly moving experience.

 The cute class.

 With the adorable Miss Ianello

 And the amazing Mrs. Gueci.

Linley blossomed in so many ways this year, most substantially in becoming an unbelievable little reader.  That said, she is still my spontaneous and dynamic child (Raising a Spirited Child has instructed me I need to alter the labels I place on her.  And so, spontaneous and dynamic it is).  Some days she would beg to go to school, others she would plead to stay home.  Some days I would get glowing reports of how wonderful and caring a friend she is, other days she would punch a kid in the face.  She truly is a little box of chocolates (I owe you Forrest).  

Regardless, she is one impressive little lady and I am constantly in awe as I watch her grow.  

Now we just are ready to embrace summer then embark on the all-day adventures of First Grade!!

Shout With Glee, "Tessa's Three!!"

How's that for a cheesy post title?? I rock.

 Yesterday, baby girl celebrated three years of life on this gorgeous green earth.

We elected to do a little photo sesh at the park while Ryder was across the way for Swim Team.

 Miss Tessa Jane can be one mischievous little monkey (case in point: THE mysterious appearance of BANGS).  And a sassy pants.  And when she's sleepy she is a little Satanic.

 But, mostly, she is the shiniest, sparkliest, bouncing ball of sunshine ever to be placed on this planet.

 We spent our day running around from class parties to swim team to swim lessons, but we did manage to squeeze in some special Tessa time.  And she basked in the spotlight.

The little lady has been looking forward to her big day since April.  And I'm pretty confident she fell asleep satisfied.  At the very least,  she was exhausted with a tummy full of treats.

 Happy birthday sweet Tessa Jane!!!  We love you more than you love chocolate cake!!

Eight is Great!!!!

 Saturday evening was the big birthday bash.  We began with a little Hibachi action at Benihana.

(Grandpa Bill and Graham were MIA by this point....If only I knew how to use photoshop...)

 Complete with song, a Sundae, and the blowing of candles.

 Once the bellies were full to capacity, we headed home to open presents. 

 And concluded with the main event: an evening of Rock Band. 

 Which Ryder had been planning on and looking forward to since he turned 7.

 Pretty sure he wasn't disappointed.

Ryder was super lucky to be celebrated by so many loved ones.  He really is one special little kid. 

 Love you Ryderman!!!

I Want my Life to be as Clean as Earth Right After Rain

Saturday morning at 10:30am, Ryder made the big decision to enter the waters of baptism and become an official member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Pretty sure Allen and I were beaming as much as we were the day he was born.

 It was a beautiful service.  The Grandmas prayed and the Grandpas spoke, bringing the sweet sensation of The Spirit and touching every soul in attendance.  

Allen performed both the baptism and confirmation, pronouncing one of the most beautiful blessings on my little boy that my ears have ever heard.

 Ryder was joined by several of his primary classmates.

 He is such a confident and charismatic little boy.  As soon as we received the invitations, he anxiously asked if he could invite his school teacher and a few school friends.  He bravely did so, and his school teacher and a friend and her family attended.  

 He felt so loved and special joined by both his school and primary teacher.

Following the service, we raced home to prepare for the luncheon held in the backyard.  Sadly I so was frantically getting things on the table, I failed to photograph the table.  And the food.  Which was beautiful.  And delicious.  The grandmas and Tracy and I make a pretty good team.  We should probably be getting paid for our awesomeness.

We are so grateful for all who attended, but mostly grateful for our little boy who gave reason for this event.  He is such a wonderful example to me and his sisters. 

 I could never love another boy as much as I love you Ryder.  You will always be my #1!!!