A little of this and little of that

May and June breezed by and it's hard to believe July has arrived and how behind I am on blogging. The kids are just growing so quickly and are so busy that it's hard to keep up. Plus, we had a marathon of birthdays starting in May and extending to June. I think we had about one per week for 6 weeks, including Mason's. Mason got to enjoy a few trips to Kelsey Creek -- one with school and one for a birthday party.

We also attended Avery Cohen's party, which was fantastic with their new house and huge backyard fit with a sports court that was a perfect playground for the kids. It was so much fun getting to see the kids play with their friends in these different settings and to catch up with our own friends.

 At Kelsey Creek with daycare buddies and preschool class

 Mason's preschool class - what a great group it was

 Meeting the animals

 Bunny petting at Tyler's birthday

 Pony riding at Lucy's party

 Kinect game-playing with Blake at Avery's party

 This looks like trouble

 Miss Chloe plays innocent

 Taking a stroll

Book reading - a moment I treasure 

Pre-school year one - complete!

Mason completed his first year of pre-school and what a big milestone. He attended Creative Kids in Sammamish and just loved it. We couldn't have asked for better teachers his first year - Christy and Kim. They sent us weekly newsletters to keep the parents informed of all the activity that happened (with pictures) and provided a snapshot at the classes ahead. While our little guy usually came home with lots of stories to share from class, the newsletter were a fantastic way to keep in the loop - especially since our daycare provider Frankie helped with the drop-off and pick-up.

We were definitely a bit sad to miss out on that part, but got to attend all of the parties and field trips. Mason will attend three days a week next year and we can't wait to watch him grow even more and make more friends. His classmates this year certainly left a lasting impression of friendship.

 Doing some learning his last day

 Enjoying his last day party

 Receiving his end-of-year gifts - special book, highlight DVD

Mason and his goodies

Mason is 4!

Thinking back to the day you entered this world and it's hard to believe the boy you've become. Just where did the time go. While your energy can sometimes be difficult to keep up with, it is also very infectious and something we just adore as you live life to its fullest. It also means you are willing to try new things, be social with just about anyone and also keep your sister entertained. :) Never a dull moment with you.

While you have a lot of spunk, you are also very loving still liking to snuggle in the morning and evening while reading books, giving hugs and kisses to your sister and showing kindness to friends and family. This year has presented a lot of change - your first year of pre-school, being fully potty trained, being able to ride your bike without training wheels, counting to 20 and writing your name -- plus more.

You still love to put things together - legos, puzzles . You are all boy wanting to rough house, liking just about any sport and being a dare-devil (whether trying to ride your bike without hands or just pushing the boundaries in general), yet you show a gentler side with Chloe (most of the time), friends and neighbor kids and your family.

We are so proud of the little man you are becoming, the independence you are taking on, how open and easy it is for you to make friends and continue to be impressed with how your mind is growing and learning.

 Our little guy - June 2007

 His 4th bday presents eagerly await

 So do his bday balloons

 Hanging outside with all of the vehicles

Greeted by the firemen

 Absolutely loving it

 Learning about the equipment

 Checking out the ambulance

 Chloe is enthralled with the cones

 Miss Chloe and Papa Craig

 Learning about the uniforms

 Mason gets to try the fire hose

 The kids and their tour guides

 His cake - another Sharon masterpiece

Happy birthday to our little man!