Strawberry Picking

Cousin Karen came out for a visit!

CJ is just like me...loves to pick, but not eat.

I could not stop!  Those berries were beautiful, large and juicy!  (What is up with my hair?)

6 Years

Well, after 6 years, Kinder-5th grade, today is the last day CJ will be coming to school with me.  It was a sad moment for me and a very happy day for him.  He is so ready for middle school, I am so ready for him to stay my little boy.  Do you see how he is resisting the hug?  the picture?  It has been a fabulous six years.  I love you CJ and I will miss our rides together every morning and hearing about your day after school.  Zac will miss you too for pick up!  Love you!

Taylor's 8th Grade Graduation

Taylor, the 14 year old graduates from 8th grade!  She was dressed up and looking very beautiful!  I swear...just yesterday I was holding her in my arms!

Beach Babes 2011

These are the ladies that make me smile!  Newby girls from 2000! 

CJ's 5th Grade Graduation

His slide he created for the presentation.  Go Beavs!

His favorite teacher, Ms. Robbins.

This was a hard picture to take.  They have known each other since they were 4 years old, but are still shy about taking their picture together.

One of his best buddies, Broen.

It is official!

CJ did a lot of growing up this year.  He also was fiercely independent!  He got excellent grades and enjoyed school very much, but he is very much ready for middle school.  We are so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. 

CJ Turns 11 in 2011

I love that he was born in 2000, it makes his birthday years easy to remember!

Happy 11^th Birthday to CJ! He is an amazing person who is super smart, loves to read, jumping on the trampoline, helping in the garden, watching movies and “his” shows on TV, playing with his friends, drawing and cooking.  He is at the tail end of his 5^th grade year and will be entering middle school far sooner than I ever expected.

This year we made a Scavenger Hunt.  It was really amazing to see him walk around and hunt for items, do things and have fun with his friends.  The Scavenger Hunt was a huge success! 

Easter

Coloring Easter eggs with the Ryan family has become not only a tradition but, quite the ordeal! I like to think we consider ourselves professionals. We take the task very seriously…as you can tell by our faces. Lots of deep concentration, faces close to the eggs to pay attention to detail and many art supplies are used: various colored dyes, Sharpie markers, stickers, plastic wraps and more. Another year and another fun time spent with our very close friends.


This year we went to the Lyon’s Easter Egg Hunt at Wortman Park. We have not been for quite a few years due to CJ as a 2 and 3-year old hating the crowds and every part of hunting for eggs in a roped off area with close to 200 other kids , parents and their extended families. It is very crowded and busy morning. We thought Zac would like it. He digs that sort of scene…busy and lots going on. We were wrong. Up to 3 seconds before the hunt began he was great. As soon as it started he began to cry and refused to go look for eggs. Carlos entered into the “arena” and helped him out…just like he did years ago with CJ. Guess we can cross that off our list and just keep the egg hunts to Mimi’s house.

Easter morning starts off with the egg hunt at Mimi’s house (rain or shine, drizzle or heavy showers) it does not matter. Auntie Anna is the official “Egg Hider” and this year she hid over 80 eggs! The kids had a blast finding eggs up high, down low and everywhere in between in Mimi’s Magical Garden.