2Good + 2Be = 4Gotten

We have so many friends/family members starting kindergarten in the next few days/weeks.  It's so hard to believe that Ansley, Cohen, Salene, Vivian, and Will are entering the "big girl/boy" school system.  They are so sweet and we wanted to make sure to express our excitement for them, so we put together a few little school supply items for them to take with them. We delivered a few of the packages today and we will mail out the rest tomorrow.  

 First up, our dear friend Cohen!

Cohen is 4 1/2 and will be starting kindergarten tomorrow.

His mommy is home schooling him.

She has chosen the "Classical Conversation" route.

We are praying for their first day to go smoothly tomorrow.

From what I understand, his requested lunch is packed and ready.
Chicken tender/honey mustard sandwich... crazy kid.

 Salene, my sister and sweet "cousin" to my children.

It seems like just yesterday she was born

How in the world did this happen so fast?

Salene starts school on September 1st.

She's such a smarty and can definitely hold her own.

I have no doubt this will be a great thing for her.

 Aeila, my cuttie pattootie niece.

If you spotted her in person, you'd never think she was old enough for school.

She is such a little shortie, but she's bright as a whistle.  

She lives in PA, so my guess is that school starts after Labor Day!

Mommy will have a quieter house without her around.

 My nephew William will also be starting kindergarten next week.

Right now, he's spending his last week of freedom at the beach.

He's blessed, in that, his mommy works at his school.

I have no doubt he's going to love big boy school.

 Vivian should be entering 1st or 2nd grade with her reading level.

She has been reading since she's been three.  

We will be praying for her mommy to make some good decisions for her.

Her bus picks her up at 645 am, so this will be a huge transition for her. 

She is lucky though to be in Ansley's class and KNOWS the teacher personally.

 Ansley will also appear to be a 1st or 2nd grader, due to her height.

She is probably going to be the tallest kid in her class.

Ansley lives so close to the school that she could probably roll out of bed,

10 minutes before class starts, and be there just in the nick of time.

 The back of their folders relate to our faith.

 Ministering doesn't stop at church or home.

 So, I made sure they bring it into the school system too.

We love each and every one of you and will be praying for an easy transition to take place.  The hardest part is just being gone from home, all day, without any rest.  Otherwise, I think you all will LOVE being at school, learning and playing with your friends. WE, on the other hand, will miss our playdate fun :(  All good things must come to an end, I guess.

The Day Before The Tobin Family Left

"All good things must come to an end..." or so they say.  Ashely, Aeila, and Tripp were about to say goodbye after a wonderful 10 days together.  Usually after 2-3 days of company, I am ready for reality and routine to be back to normal, but I truly enjoyed every moment of their visit.  The day before the Tobin family left, we treated them to the Green Ridge Recreation Center's indoor water park!  The kids seemed to have a blast!!!

Tyson brought his buddy Josh with us.  They enjoyed the activity center after the swimming.  Here, they are playing virtual dodge ball.

Recognizing HIS Crucifixion and Resurrection!

Before Aeila left, I was so thrilled to go over the true meaning of Easter with everyone (including her).  We sat down at the dining room table and did the traditional resurrection eggs.  It was a tad intense trying to keep 5 children, between the ages of 8 months old - 7 years old, quiet and focused, but we completed going through all of the eggs. I am amazed at how well these children know the gospel.  I am thankful that, although not yet saved, the seeds are being planted and the children are able to retain the good news.

After we finished the resurrections eggs, the reward for listening and answering questions were these educational jelly beans :)  Thanks to our dear friend Ashely, who blessed the kids with an Easter treat, we had another opportunity to drill some more theology into their little heads.  Anytime you mix soul food and physical food together, you can't go wrong.

Aeila & Lilah Dance Together

It was so much fun having my sister and her beautiful children with us for 10 days.  It worked out well because we were able to stick to our normal weekly routine (including working out, cooking, cleaning, ballet, FUN etc.).  Ashely was a good team player and works at the same pace as I do.  Aside from her having to contend to an 8 month old baby, she was my right-hand wo-MAN all week.  I already miss her like crazy.

Aeila joined Lilah at ballet on Tuesday.  She seemed to really enjoy it.  It will be difficult going to Miss Mona's next Tuesday because we will feel like someone is missing :(

The Twins' Actual BIRTH-day!

So far they...

Blew out candles on their breakfast toast.

Went to the YMCA

Ate lunch at Chick-fil-a with Big Brother Ty and cousin Aeila, which included a birthday diet coke splurge!!! (Their favorite, like mommy!)

While eating lunch, Lilah said, "I want to call my daddy! I miss him."  I was dialing his phone number and he literally appeared at our table.  I had no idea he was coming!!!

Bowling.

It's been a fun day!  A little snooze is taking place now, to restore their energy and smiles.  

After nap...

Presents.

Cake.

Nails.