Thing 1 and Thing 2

Matthew 6 Years Old

Paige 2 Years Old

Matthew lost his first tooth!!!

On Sunday we realized that Matthew had a tooth that had already grown in behind his already wiggly tooth. Since then with the help of Summer, Daddy, Mommy and finally today Grammy was able to wiggle it out. Hopefully now the other tooth can start to push itself forward.

Jo vs. Paige

Over the past four weeks I took the plunged and started the dreaded process of potty training Paige. Paige and I are both very strong willed people and it was a battle at first to see how long I could sit there and wait for her to go and for Paige how long she could sit there and hold. In the battle of Jo vs. Paige, Jo won. The first 2 weeks were difficult for me and my patients. The determination paid off and she now is able to tell me when she needs to go and can hold it until we make it to a bathroom at a store. She still has accidents here and there but for the most part she is potty trained.
Once she was pretty well on her way to being potty trained she was able to pick out panties that she wanted and the outcome was "Buzz" boy underwear. Forget about the pretty girly underwear, Paige wanted "Buzz".

Kindergarten Graduation

Matthew's first year in school has come and gone in a flash. He entered Kindergarten not knowing even knowing his letters. Over the past year he mastered the skills of reading at a second grade level, writing imaginative stories, simple addition and subtraction and improved his computer skills. They had to research an animal on the computer and write and essay about the animal. He came home with printed material that he had found on the computer by himself about an alligator. He really enjoyed Fine Arts and when it was free choice he was the artist in the class room. It is truly amazing to me how much they are learning the first year of school. My first year I just came out knowing my ABC's. Here's to my First Grader.

Academic Awards Ceremony

Matthews took home the award for Best Story Teller, Highest Counter and Excellent Citizenship.

Matthew Turns 6!

Start the morning off with chocolate chip pancakes and ice cream.

Clay went and ate lunch with Matthew.
At 2:00 I took up cupcakes and hats to his class to have a little party.

Left school a little early to spend some time at NRH2O.

Present Time

Matthew was so excited about his birthday. He has been counting down the days for about a week. I decided this year that he could chose between a birthday party or passes to the local water park for the summer. I am so glad that he picked the water park because we are going to have a remarkable summer.
It was hard to shop for presents this year for him. Clay and I took him to the store many time to pick out toys and still did not come up with a lot of ideas. It was all about legos and hot wheels again.
He thought it was extra special that his dad brought him McDonald's for lunch and that they got to eat together. I was lucky enough to go up later and have a little party in his class room. The kids were so excited that they got to keep their party hats and frosting was every where. Matthew picked out NASCAR cupcakes this year.
After school we were off to NRH2O. This place is amazing and 1/2 the park is geared towards little kids. Matthew and Paige had a great time and it was hard to get them out of the park. After putting the kids down Clay and I were dragging and reminded that we are getting old and are starting to have a hard time keeping up with these kids.

View From Home Plate Seats

Legendary Nolan Ryan ( in the striped shirt)

Ranger Game!

For Matthew's 6th Birthday celebration with the Graham's Uncle Allan hooked us all up with tickets to the Rangers vs Cubs game. He had seats 1-4 row A right behind home plate. This was a once in a life time experience. We got to our seats and there was free popcorn, drinks, peanuts, and programs. Then a lady brought over game balls for the kids. After that we were told that we could eat the Nolan Ryan buffet in the Diamond Club for free, so we headed on over before the game started to fill the kiddos bellies up (I love free!!)
The kids did an amazing job in the heat. We would rotate who went up with the kids to sit in the AC. Paige took about an hour nap and at that time Summer, Allan and Stacey watched the kids while I watched some ball with my man. Matthew and Daddy spent time alone watching the game and Matthew kept asking so many questions. It was an amazing bonding time for them.
While in the bar in the AC it was so cool to watch the TV and see us on the tube. Paige kept yelling "Mommy, Mommy" when she saw me.
Everyone had an awesome time and there is know way I can begin to thank my brother for the awesome experience.

Kindergarten Graduation Picture

T-Ball Pictures

Rock Hounds

Matthew's Class Picture