1st Grade Zoo Trip

There couldn't be a better way to celebrate the end of the school year, than a fun filled field trip to the zoo! Jacob only has 3 and a half days until he is done with 1st grade.

Jacob on the bus

Serious Jacob reading his map


Jacob and me on the train

Jacob and Cerri on the train

Jacob liked the tiger better than this elephant. However my tiger pictures did not turn out, so enjoy my elephant picture.

Running around in a field after Jacob decided we had seen the whole zoo.

Class picture and yes that is my son who may be crab walking rather than sitting like everyone else.

(Not So) Tough Little Ally

Sometimes my little Ally is so much tougher than her brothers. However when she falls or gets bumped, she cries (a lot!). She spent a day with my mom last week and fell down and scraped her knee. We found out she does not do well with blood. There was a great deal of crying (I actually called in the midst of this and could hear some of the drama). She apparently, at one point, even asked, "Will my skin ever grow back?"

Music and Tigers

Jacob has less than 2 weeks left of the 1st grade. It's hard for me to believe that he is headed into 2nd grade. I distinctly remember being in 2nd grade, making it weird for me that Jacob is that old. Making it seem like a big deal, as well, is the fact that he heads to a new school next year. Right now he is in a primary school with just Kindergarten and 1st grade. I know the elementary school seems much bigger to me, but I don't even think it's a blip on Jacob's radar.
This week I got to go see Jacob's class put on a short music program in the school library. After the music I was able to go see Jacob's animal report and diorama. Jacob chose to write his report on the Siberian Tiger. I must say I was so impressed by this project. It was a big deal for these kids and I could tell how proud Jacob was.
This week I'm going with the 1st grade classes to the zoo. I think it should be a pretty fun day and I really hope we get to see a tiger for Jacob.
It has been quite a growing year for my oldest son. I am very thankful for the teacher he has been with this year. She did a fantastic job encouraging him.

Surprise

As I have shared with you before, taking a decent picture of Jacob is nearly impossible. So imagine my surprise when I put my memory card in my computer tonight and found this.

Having Fun at the Park...

Hold Your Loved Ones a Little Closer...

I had posted about the anniversary of losing my dad a couple of weeks ago. I didn't mean for the post to be sad, but I think it turned out that way. After I read what I had written I promised myself to make my blog a happy place. I really have a great life and have so much for which I am thankful. I want everyone to know that my life is truly blessed.

But today I am sad. This weekend my grandpa passed away. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Richard. He was officially my step-grandpa. But he held a very special place in my heart. My kids and I spent the afternoon and evening with him and my grandma before he left our earthly world. I am so thankful that each of my kids hugged and kissed Grandpa Richard before we left. I am so thankful I kissed him on the cheek as I got ready to leave. Please make sure you tell your loved ones how special they are. I still can't believe that was the last time Richard will talk to me and play with my kids.

I just want everyone to know that I am so thankful that Richard was my grandpa. He was always willing to do anything to help me. He did everything from putting up shelves in my house to babysitting my kids. Richard loved to take care of my babies. If I ever needed or wanted to do something with my older kids, Richard was always willing to take care of the baby.

I remember last year my kids and I were joining Richard and my grandmother at the beach and he wanted to make sure we made it over easily and safely. So he drove from the beach to my home and then back to the beach.

This experience feels very unreal. I am sad. I will miss talking to Richard. I am sad that Jacob will not get to take any more drives in the mountains with Grandpa Richard. I am sad Ally and Logan will not get to climb up and cuddle with Grandpa Richard again. But I know Richard has moved on from our earth to an amazing place where his physical heart isn't going to hinder him anymore. His heart is strong now and I know that he is in heaven still loving my family just like he has for years.

Yeah when I get where I'm going, there'll be only happy tears. I will shed the sins and struggles, I have carried all these years. And I'll leave my heart wide open, I will love and have no fear. Yeah when I get where I'm going, don't cry for me down here. Chorus from When I Get Where I'm Going, sung by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton

Tae Kwon Do

Today Jacob and Ally tested for higher belts at Tae Kwon Do. Ally now has an orange tiger belt and Jacob has a yellow tiger belt.