Carter's Party

We had Carter's party at Kid's Kastle- a local wooden play park. The party was actually a joint birthday party with his buddy, Kaleb. These two were in the same class and same soccer team. So, since 90% of the guests would be the same people we opted to do the parents a huge favor and have the party together.

Caleb is attempting to look a whole head taller than Carter.

Here's Carter and his friend, Kaleb. These two were born four days apart.

Since the forecast was for 100 degree temps, we planned water activities: water guns, water balloon toss, and then just plain out water bomb war.

These kids had never done the water balloon toss so it was fun to watch them get better each round of play. You forget how easy it can be to let them slip through your hands.

And here's the free for all. Probably 5 minutes of chaos and 200 balloons pelted at friends.

Stewart and Hunter came to the party. It wouldn't be a party without Uncle Stew!

The annual party pic. Thanks for coming to celebrate my boy, Stewart!

Here's our party pavilion. $35 well spent!

A boy party wouldn't be complete without the train blowing through.

But what made it more exciting were these foolish teenagers who staged a YouTube boxing video only to run off (when the dads at the party started to run over and intervene) and pile into their pick-up truck and peel away.

They ran right into this parked car pushing it over the parking curb.  So, then we called 911 and got to see a fire truck, police car, and ambulance.  It was quite a wild party!

I think Carter and Kaleb had a great time being celebrated. 

The Backstage Experience

You must go to Emily's blog to read all about the "The Backstage Experience" on The Wizard of Oz. Kayla is a Lullaby Munchkin and a Winkie (flying monkey).

My Munchkin Niece

Kayla is in the Broadway touring show The Wizard of Oz in Tulsa. The show started last night. Caleb, Carter, and I will be going to Tulsa this weekend to see her for ourselves! She is 2nd from the right wearing the long orange dress. CANNOT WAIT!!! This has been an amazing experience for her. She gave autographs after the show last night. This morning she was on 2 TV stations with the rest of her dance group. I'm sure this will be something she never forgets!

Carter Turns 6!

Yesterday was Carter's 6th Birthday (and also my mom's 60th)!

It was kind of just a regular summer day for us. Carter went to soccer camp while Caleb went to VBS. I took him for his well-check in the afternoon. That night the 5 of us went out to celebrate. He picked Pei Wei and Baskin Robbins- great choices, I think. He was thrilled with a new Lego and DS game.

Can't believe how big he's getting! He's 48 pounds (60%) and 47 inches (75%). We never think he looks that big, but he's always been matched up to kids who are months, if not a year, older than him. I think we'll see a big difference when he starts kindergarten this fall. At that point he'll be "an older kid" and no longer the young one. Carter brings us so much joy. I would say he's the most witty and silly. He certainly can push my buttons better than the other 2. (of course Brenner doesn't quite count yet). He wants to keep up with Caleb all the time. We often forget he's younger and therefore have high expectations. Steve and I have to remind ourselves... he's not as old as Caleb. He has a passion for sports, Legos, and friends. I like to call him The Mayor. This kid can make a brick wall become his friend. He's certainly the loudest in the group, but knows how to be respectful and listen. He plays hard and his cheeks turn bright red and his hair curls at the tips. Every morning he goes to my bathroom to "straighten" his hair. He can't stand the thought of it being curly. His laugh is contagious. He thinks the weirdest things are so funny. He still loves to fribble with his blanky and carries it around the house when he starts to get tired. He's learned so much in Pre-K that I know he will sail right through kindergarten. In fact he's been asking me this week if he can just go on to first grade. This past year he has been involved in swimming, soccer, baseball, and karate. And every chance he gets he plans playdates for himself. I can't begin to tell you how many times he's negotiated for various boys to come over to play. He's such a joy. Love that boy to pieces. Happy Birthday Little Tart!

Summer Begins!

School is finally out! I now have a 3rd grader and kindergartner (and almost a 1 year old). Each year our street celebrates BIG. We had a pool party at the neighbor's house. It's just moms and kids, hot dogs, Popsicles, water balloons, and water blasters. I am so proud of my boys. They've each grown and learned so much this year.
Then on Friday night was our first Friday Night Dinner. Each neighbor takes a turn hosting the event. Basically it means you host dinner for the entire street. It was a lot of work. I started at 8:30 that morning with Tom Thumb and then Sam's. I love to cook for people, so it was a lot of fun. I had 6 different things going in and out of the oven at various times. Thank God for double ovens!! Dinner was beef brisket, Polish sausage, baked beans, homemade mac-n-cheese, rolls, potato salad, relish tray, and lots of fruit. I didn't photograph the dessert, but it was Paula Deen's peach cobbler. I think everything turned out great. Or at least that's what I was told. I had grilled chicken and steamed squash- yep, back on my diet. However, it was fun just watching everyone else enjoy the food! So, from here on out my family and I get to go to another house for dinner. Last night we just had everyone out in our driveway with chairs and tables. Then the kids ran around for 3 hours afterwards. Eventually they had to go get flashlights to keep playing. Carter told me, "Mom, this is the best night ever! It's dark and I'm still playing outside!" Welcome to summer, son. Let the fun begin!

Last Day

This has certainly been a long time coming. LISD apparently goes later than every other district around. It's June 10th. Finally our last day of school. The last day for my boy to be a 2nd grader! Here he is getting on the bus with his next door neighbor, Hayden. And then with his beloved bus driver, Ms. Charlotte. This lady won "Durham Driver of the Year" out of the entire school district. So, yes, I can say we have the BEST bus driver in town! She loves my boy like her own. Yesterday the bus was running 15 minutes late getting home. All of us moms started wondering what happened. Well, once she finally arrived to our neighborhood, the kids came running off the bus with Popsicles in hand. She's such a sweet lady!

On another subject... I was cleaning out Caleb's backpack and found a writing assignment. The children were each assigned someone else in the classroom to write about. A girl named Kylie wrote about Caleb. We got to keep her writing. This is what she wrote about my son:

"What's Special About Caleb"

"My friend, Caleb likes Star Wars. He is nice, sweet and a little shy. He plays baseball. Caleb is eight. His birthday is March 22nd. He loves legos and Diary of a Whimpy Kid books. Caleb likes to write books. Also he is a good citizen. His hair is blonde. He has a lot of friends. Caleb always finishes his work, and he is a good gentleman."

Hillbilly Baby

Brenner has 3 teeth. 2 on bottom and 1 on top. And the matching tooth on top is not even poking through yet. His one top tooth is only halfway in. So, his smile is just the funniest thing. I think he looks like a redneck hillbilly. (and big apologies to any redneck hillbillies who take offense) His Aunt Shanny calls him "snaggletooth". He's just too cute!

2nd Grade Awards

It's the end of the school year! 2nd grade is wrapping up. Hard to believe my baby is finishing 2nd grade! Here he is sitting with his class and other 2nd grade classes before the awards ceremony.
Caleb and his best buddy Eli were in the same 2nd grade class. I think they've had lots of fun together in 2nd grade.

I love you, Caleb Aubrey! Can't believe you are 8 years old and headed to 3rd grade in the fall! Where has the time gone?

Family

The Gorham Grandkids:

Kayla- 8 1/2, Caleb- 8, Carter- almost 6, Caroline- 4, Brenner- 10 months

Emily and her girls

Jenny and her boys

Nanny and her grandchildren

Caroline Turns 4!

Caroline turned 4 on Sunday, May 30th. Since Dad and Andy were fishing at Lake Texoma, we had our own party at the house and then had lunch at The American Girl Store. Caroline really felt special and enjoyed seeing all the American Girl stuff. She brought her bitty babies and Kayla brought her Emily doll. So, the boys also had time with the AG dolls. They were great sports. It was fun to tag along on the girl trip!

Pre-K Graduation

Above are all the Pre-K and Kindergartners at Carter's school. He had another wonderful year and we're all sad that he's officially done with preschool!

Here's my boy getting his diploma from his wonderful teacher. Carter adores each of his 9 classmates as well.

Ms. Darise is the helping teacher. She is probably the silliest lady I've ever met. She got along beautifully with Carter!

And here's Ms. Kim! She's loved on my boy for the past year. She's always said the most encouraging things about him. I will miss her so much! I'm so glad that we gave Carter this extra year. He's grown tremendously. I can see him conquering kindergarten now.

Goodbye, MOPS!

I've been a part of MOPS- Mother's of PreSchoolers- since Caleb was 3 weeks old. Some of my "bestest" friends are from my MOPS group. Our church is transitioning our MOPS into another mommy group called Open Arms next fall. This year I served as a table leader and had a great time spending time with and learning from them. In the past I've been on steering and served in various ways. Anyone with young kiddos should try out MOPS. Here's to another great year, ladies!