Super-Duper Spring Catch-Up

I vowed that I wouldn't let my son's 6th birthday get lost in all the hub-bub of the summer. So. This year I thought that I would actually play a bit of catch-up and not the annual skip-over that usually happens. Because I am doing that, I thought to myself, why not go even a bit farther back then that and post some of the other memorable events?? Then I thought, yep, why not indeed. So, without further adue... Here is the Catch-Up's of all Catch-Up's (well, sort of ;)...

Cooper's Spring Presentation

About every season Cooper and Greyson's school puts on a little presentation. Mrs. Casso, their music teacher, is brilliant with her little subjects. From 1st through 4th grade they each put on their own little shows. Their "concerts", if you will, are adorable, well thought out and very well executed. I am sure, though, that the parents get the most enjoyment out of it. I absolutely beam with pride watching Cooper, and eventually Greyson, perform. For the spring performance the 2nd graders were given the opportunity to try out for soloist parts. Cooper gathered up all of his courage and tried out. It ended up being pretty rigorous tryouts and I was quite proud of Cooper for his courage and his determination. He ended up being one of the soloists and I couldn't have been more proud of him.

Here he is before the performance. He was able to help post the colors, along with some other boys from his grade."Do you hear what I hear"?? Naw, just kidding... They were actually singing patriotic songs. Which just happened to be adorable (go figure a mother would say that...).Here is Cooper right before he sang with the other 5 soloists. He was quite nervous, but ended up doing great. And, in all of his "Cooper-ness" he was trying to direct and instruct the girl next to him about what to do and where to look right up until they were singing. His uber tendencies to direct is going to be of good use later, right??? Here is Cooper and his good friend, Keaton. They are in the same ward, school, scouts and their birthdays are only a few days apart. We've been able to meet a lot of wonderful people like the Vests here in Amarillo.

Me and Cooper. Cooper was starting to get the "I've smiled for too many pictures" smile. I tried to get him to relax...but as you can see, to no avail.

My mom, the kids' MiMi, was able to be with us. My kids, naturally, were thrilled. You'd think that my mom was their mom over how excited she gets over these performances. I guess that comes with the territory of grandparent.

Now, these next set of pictures are when 1.) Mom's still asleep 2.) the kids are very much awake and, 3.) they find the camera and decide to document their waaaay-too-early activities.

Yep, that'd be Cooper and I'm supposing that Greyson is the photographer. The real problem is, I'm not exactly sure and therein lies the real problem.Now, we have Greyson. I'm darn sure that the photographer this time is Cooper as he is taller than a sitting Grey and I know that Ella would be eye-to-eye in that scenario...but that's all I'm going on, folks. The other problem that I see is, that it is still so early that Grey has "morning crinkle face". That is, in my opinion, way. too. early.
And finally, last but never least, is Ella. Yes, that would be a whole box of cereal in her lap and her arm in it. Something tells me that I need to either get up earlier or get locks on the outside of their bedroom doors...as for me, I'm leaning towards the locks.

While my mom was here we were able to take her to one of my favorite parks in Amarillo, (they have tons!...they have the land to do it, so why not). The kids had a good time and it was wonderful to feel the sun on our faces after such a chilly and unpredictable spring.

A few days after Cooper's singing performance, Greyson our kindergartner, graduated!! It was quite a big deal and the school ordered little caps and gown for all the kids. It was adorable. Mrs. Casso helped prepare a few musical numbers that the kids did (with actions) and they were also supposed to say their name and what they wanted to be when they grew up for the graduation. About a week to two weeks before the actual graduation Greyson let me know that he in fact did not want to go to his graduation. Up until this point he was aaallll about his graduation. In fact, anytime we saw anything that said "Happy Graduation" or anything of the like he thought I needed to get it for him. After all, he was going to be a graduate. So, I talked to him about the total 180 degree shift. He let me know that he was scared to death to say his name and what he wanted to be when he grew up in front of all. those. people. He just knew there would be masses of people and they might just laugh at his name. I assured him that indeed they would not laugh at his name and helped him try to figure out what he wanted to say about his future career. He told me a scientist, no wait, a veterinarian, and then settled a few days later on the Navy. I was perplexed at this sudden career change and asked why the changes. He let me know that when they had a run-through at school that he said Navy and then everyone copied him. I asked why he had changed and he said that is what he had allllwaaaays wanted to do. Um, okay... Finally the day of Grey's graduation came and he was still a massive ball of nerves. I tried and tried to reassure him that it would be okay. I let him know that we would all be in the front cheering him on. When the graduation started and they sang a couple of songs I could tell he was nervous, still. He wasn't singing at all, but did the hand motions. Then it was time for his class to announce their names and future careers. The first classmate showed up, did their thing and then another. Then, there was a little shuffle going on behind the curtain, that incidentally I couldn't see, but my mom could, and it was Greyson so terrified he couldn't come out. He was comforted by a helper and finally, made it out after all his classmates had gone. I was so proud of him!! No one laughed, naturally, and he ended up saying Navy like ohhhh, half of the boy's in his class did. I'm thinkin' that Greyson's career choice wasn't exactly his unique idea...Here's Greyson before he goes up to say his name. He is so nervous, poor little man!

Greyson "facing his fears" like Cooper loves to say.Yay, our little Graduate!!Cooper was so proud of Greyson , he especially knew of Greyson's fears...they talk a lot (too much) at night.The three kiddos.

Momma and Daddy proud of our Kindergartner Graduate!!

Here's MiMi super proud of Greyson. She was able to see Greyson unravel behind the curtain, so she was so proud of him-for not only facing his fears, but for getting through kindergarten!!

Wow!! We both made it!! It's been long enough since I posted. It kinda feels like airing out the carpets...is that even a term any more??? I have another uber-Oklahoma post nipping at this post's heels. We've had a busy couple months and I can't wait to share out adventures. Until then, this'll have to do. Thanks for making it through!!