Kid Stats

School's out for summer and for our household, that means lots of changes.  The biggest change this summer - Ella starting a new school!!  They finally built a daycare on our side of 281 which is a big deal... a huge time saver when it comes to drop-off and pick-up everyday.  And the best part is Ella is very excited about her new school which helped make the decision to transition to the new daycare that much easier.

We attended open house a couple weeks ago and then orientation with the kids soon after.  Big brother will be attending the Explorer's Club camp at the same place and have high hopes that he will enjoy it.  We've been consistently hearing "summer camp is dumb, boring and stupid" but I think just like years past, he will enjoy it in the end.  The saving grace may just be Mr. David who has been hired on as a camp director.  He and Avery have made quite the connection over the years through KIN summer camp last year and the after school program at the elementary school the past 2 years.  Their paths always seem to be interconnected.  When we heard Mr. David was going to be there, I almost did a back flip knowing it will help tremendously having him there to greet Avery every morning with his token deep voiced "Avery Larson!" 

Here's Ella checking out her new school at orientation.



Before starting school on Monday, the kids needed to have wellness check-ups including hearing and vision screenings.  So we took care of that on Thursday and they both did very well.  Ella surprised me in many ways that day by acing her vision exam (matching the letters on the chart to a board with the letters in her hand and saying "I hear it" every time she heard a sound during her hearing test.  But most shocking was how she responded to getting a shot, her 1st in almost 2 years!  She didn't even flinch and even said, "that tickled" and let out a giggle.  She definitely doesn't take after me in that department.  Here she is waiting for the doctor in her pretty paper dress.

Now for the stats - Avery weighed in at 46 lbs and 47 inches tall.  Ella weighed in at 40lbs and 40 inches tall.  Just like grampa has always said, Ella is going to pass up Avery before he knows it and give him a run for his money. 
Last but not least, Avery is officially promoted to 2nd grade with the last day of school being May 30th!  Wow, 2nd grade, I can't believe it.  His grades were 95 and above in every subject for the year and his teacher comment was "achievement is outstanding."  He's well above his grade level in reading and on grade level in math.  He also had perfect attendance this year and won free sessions at Laser Tag.  We are very blessed to have such healthy and smart munchkins!

Memorial Day Weekend in Corpus Christi

Ella walking into the water for the 1st time this season.  We were worried at first since our last trip to the coast she refused to get into the water.  My how things change.  In her words... "I'm never going to the pool or the hot tub again, I love the ocean!" 

 Avery and daddy got to work on a drip castle.  Look how grown up Avery is getting. 

 Avery could hardly sleep the 1st night because he didn't want to miss getting up for the sunrise.  He was up at 6:30 by my side saying "Mom, come on, let's go!"  I'm so glad he did too.  We had an awesome time Saturday morning watching the sunrise, just the two of us. 

 Ella taking a break on daddy's lap.  We had an awesome day on the beach!  Ella loved to bounce with the waves in the deep and Avery was taking the waves head on, no fear!

Daddy's hidden talent - sand sculpting! 

 One of many poses she made while smashing the sand sculpture daddy made. 

Good bye Corpus.. till next time.  (Avery asked if we could move here so I guess that means it was a good trip!)  It's official, we have 2 beach bums on our hands and couldn't be happier!

Army Party!!

Avery's idea for his 7th birthday was to have an Army Party in the backyard.  At first we didn't know what to think about his request.  Lately all he wants to do is play Nerf guns or super soaker wars with his neighborhood friends in the backyard so we tried to convince him to invite a few friends for laser tag, gametown pizza or inflatable world.  Nope, he said Army or nothing... so we took a deep breath and said alright, time to get creative!


In the matter of 2 weeks we were able to put together a party for the boys that they will remember for a long time.  To hear the kids say "this is the best party ever" and see Avery's huge smile throughout the day is all we needed. 

Wade was the best basic training instructor ever!  He had those kids doing all kinds of exercises including a timed obstacle course that was a huge hit!

 Here's an early pic at the start of the party.  The hay bales were perfect for the obstacle course.

Our recruit!

 Dad, Evan and Ella against 12 kids... with Nancy's help the kids were victorious!

Avery with his long time friend Brandon and his brother, Tanner

On his actual birthday which was a Wednesday, we celebrated with a cookie cake and pizza with Aunt Stephers and Uncle Andy.  Grandma and grandpa were also with us via Skype.

Ella's 1st "Friend" Birthday Party

Avery and I took Ella to her 1st birthday party for a friend at ArtWorx in San Antonio.  She was so excited to carry Katie's present into the party and although cautious at first, she spread her wings and had a great time. 
 
I just love it when they hold hands. 

 Ella stayed close to her brother and followed his every move.

Once they showed the kids what to do at each station and let them loose, the creative wheels started turning. 

I love how hard she was concentrating on her work.  (Just like Avery used to do, she sticks out her tongue when she's working hard.)  Thanks for such a great time Jenkins family!

Pool is Open

Oh my, last week it was Spring and this week Summer is here! That's ok, the neighborhood pool is open as of April 1st so you know where to find us every weekend when we're home. The kids got some practice a few weeks ago swimming in Aunt Shelly's hot tub. No need to turn on the heat anymore, Mother Nature has it covered. Have a wonderful Easter weekend everyone!