Graduate

Jack is officially headed to Kindergarten! He had his preschool graduation (yes, that's a thing) and we were all proud of him! I can honestly say - I see a kindergartener when I look at him (and I happen to know what one looks like). He's excited for a new school, but would like to take his teachers with him.

Jack with Mrs. Bugar (he had her for 2 years) and Mrs. Washburn

Now Northville Presbyterian is officially Josie's school! She will be going to a 3's class 3 days a week next year. And now...to survive summer with 3 kids...

Flowers

 Last week I decided it was time to officially welcome spring - so we planted some flowers and prayed Michigan weather didn't get wacky on us. I had a couple "helpers" - who were actually only mildly helpful.

Josie excels at showing off the final product.

And Nolan was just happy to be included on the festivities. Here's to hoping we get some help from Mother Nature to keep these beauties alive. And - to clarify - I'm referring to the flowers, not the children.

Self-Feeding

Nolan has started to show a lot of interest in REAL food...and I'm okay with it. He seems to have an easy time getting food from his plate to his mouth. And anything that doesn't make it - ends up on the floor for the dogs. They aren't upset about it.

But serious question - if you have kids/messy eaters and you don't have a dog - HOW DO YOU SURVIVE?

Make up by Josie

Last weekend - while Nolan was napping...Josie did my make-up for me.

There was A LOT of lipstick involved. She even added some mascara to my eyes...and cheeks. She LOVES make-up, but we will have to work on application. I think we have PLENTY of years to practice before she's allowed to actually wear it. For now, it's a fun Mommy-Josie activity.

Once Nolan woke up - we played out in the yard. What do you think our neighbors say about us? I'm pretty sure Nolan is wondering how he and Josie are actually related. She marches to the beat of her own drum...that's for sure.

Happy Mother's Day!

 One of my favorite moments as a mom.

 Love to a few of our favorites! Thanks for being the best moms, aunts, grandmas, great-grandmas, and friends we could ever ask for...Love all of you!

And finally - a little something Jack brought home for me.

Happy Mother's Day to all the MOMS out there! We love you!

Dear Agnes

Dear Agnes -
I saw your picture pop up on my mommy's phone and I gotta ask...Girl, how'd you get SO much hair? I can't get anything to grow up there. Share your secrets.
Love,
No-Hair-Nolan

Alpha Phi Reunion in Indy

Last weekend we met up with my Alpha Phi friends - Lauren (Boh), Georgianne, Kelly, and Kassey - for a "Mom's Weekend" (plus families). It was crazy - but SO fun to see everyone and catch up.

We have managed to produce A LOT of babies! Actually we had 5 in ONE year! From January 2014 to January 2015...we EACH had one! (3 boys and 2 girls)...add in my older two and Kassey's older two - for a grand total of 9 baby Phi's! We were rolling DEEP.

 Our first stop was the Indianapolis Zoo - Jack and Josie loved it!

After the zoo - we checked in to our hotel and headed straight to the pool. All three of my kids LOVED swimming. Nolan was obsessed with the water. It was a little cold - but he didn't care. I think he's going to be a HUGE fan of summer!

 And Josie was loving the water, too! The tu-tu swimsuit was an added bonus.

Nolan met a few potential DePauw girlfriends...including Miss Vivienne. She's just 10 days younger than him. She spent a couple hours crying Saturday night/early Sunday morning - so she was all "you people are cray" on Sunday before we left. She had a point.

And of course, it's not a true sorority function unless you have a t-shirt...so all the kiddos got a Mom's Weekend shirt. Here are Josie, Zach (Kelly's son), and Deco (Boh's son) - sporting their shirts. Such models!

We all had SO much fun. Jack cried when he had to leave. But we promise to have more reunions with the moms (and families).

These Two

I love how much they love each other. I hope Jack always goes out of his way to be the role-model and friend Nolan (and Josie, too) needs throughout his life. As the oldest - I know how much I love my "little" brothers. Jack has BIG responsibility ahead...but he'll be great.

Dear Agnes

Dear Agnes -
I feel like I need to let you know that your parents are plotting against you. I overheard Grandma Nancy tell my mommy that your parents are going to be moving you to your crib soon. Fight it. Don't let them do that to you. It's a trap. Literally. I'm doing my best to revolt here in Michigan. Stay strong in Idaho.
Love,
Nolan

Shame Shame

In case you haven't heard the AWESOME news - Uncle Devin is an AUTHOR! His book - Shame Shame was published and is available on Amazon. We got our copy!

Jack and Josie were excited to see a familiar face on the back of the book. Jack wanted me to read some of the poems to him. I told him we'd hold onto the book and he could read it when he's a little older.

Agnes posed with her Daddy's book, too.
NOTE: Reading the book did NOT put her to sleep. She was already tired...

An Apple A Day

It's feeling like spring in Michigan. We celebrate by playing outside...and snacking on apples.

Baseball Season has begun

Jack's baseball season is underway. He had his first game on Tuesday night and despite the fact it started AFTER our normal bedtime (7:15!!) - we all went. Safe to say everyone was a HOT MESS once it was over...but I wasn't missing his first game ever.

He's probably the youngest on his team and looks like a shrimp out there. But it's SO cute. His first position on the field was catcher. Hilarious.

Here is his first hit EVER...because, you know, ESPN might need this someday. ;)