"I'm A School-Ager Now!"

This past Tuesday Will graduated from pre-school and the ceremony was fun for both the kids and their families.

It was a nice way to say goodbye to the pre-school years and hello to the next phase of Will's life - one that will last for the next 13 years! Here's a glimpse at the evening's events.

A shy smile up on the stage.
These little cuties signed their A,B,Cs. It was adorable!
Receiving his "diploma" from Ms. Chrissy
A quick look at the ceremony.

Admiring his tassel.

Patiently waiting for the balloon release

There they go! Love that Ms. Chrissy! The three mischief makers Amigos!
(Taylor, Will & Gabe) Still working on attention spans. Will presented each of his teachers
with a bouquet of roses. Love that Ms. Tabatha! She tried to sneak in a smooch! Proud big sister! After the ceremony we went to dinner with his buddy Gabe's family and enjoyed a fabulous homemade cake - thanks Darla!

From now until kindergarten, which begins in July, Will gets to be in the "school-agers" room, which means a whole new world of toys, no mandatory nap time, and fun-filled field trips 3-4 days a week. 

As you can imagine, he's very excited!

Sneak Peek

Guess what Will did earlier this week?

Play Ball!

Will's first tee ball game was this past Tuesday evening and it went very much as we expected.

He and his buddy Gabe had a blast hanging out in the dugout...
...and being silly, as usual!
Then the (Town of Cary) Colorado Rockies took to the field.

"Will!"
"Yes?"
"You're in right field."
"Ok. I don't know where that is!"

Thankfully there were many wonderful volunteer coaches to help guide these guys and gals to their correct positions.

"Ok, I am in right field. Now what?"
It is truly adorable to see him "take a knee" like a little pro.
And then 3.2 seconds later, the attention span began to wane.
And the doodling in the dirt began.
And the inattention allowed the ball go right between his legs where someone else got the ball.

"Huh? Where did it go?"
Which lead directly into a super terrific glove-throwing hissy-fit and big 'ol pout session right there on the field. Arms crossed. Back turned to the batter.

We were so proud.
Scott and I held each other back since we both wanted to march out there and drag him off the field. Thankfully, Coach was there to talk him through it and get him back on his feet.
Of course as soon as they came off the field, Scott took Will aside for a private "chat" that focused on whether or not Will would continue participating on the team. I think he got the point. I hope.

Then it was on to batting.

"Will!"
"I'm here!"
"You're on deck!"
"What deck?"

Alrighty then.
A swing and a miss (but what a great shot by the photographer. Why, thank you!)
Look at those teeth, gritted with determination!
Let's take a look at the replay. I think the secret is in the tush wiggle right before he swings.

Poised to steal second!
Post-game / pre-snack smiles!
And a big cheer for everyone - Goooooooo Rockies!

Thunder Storms & Musical Beds

I think those tornado-filled storms that just missed us the other week spooked Eliza Grace and Will, because last night's storm resulted in very little sleep.

Let me illustrate (albeit crudely) what it was like in our room around 3:30 AM:

Scott and I are peacefully asleep. I'm dreaming about a thunderstorm. Then there is a kid standing beside me telling me that he is scared of the thunderstorm...at which point I realize that the storm is not only in my dream.

(Isn't it weird how your subconscious integrates things going on around you into your dreams?! A little "Inception"-ish, no?)

So Will climbs in.
I'm just about to drift off once again, when I hear a little voice beside me say, "Mommy. Mom! The storm is getting freaky!" Enter Eliza Grace.
Despite the California king size bed, I cannot tolerate the crowding or the heat, so I grab a pillow and a blanket and hit the floor.

Scott apparently (finally!) notices that we have guests, gets up and says, " I'm going upstairs." The crowding and heat has apparently gotten to him, too, thank goodness!

I climb back into the bed on Scott's side, since mine has been invaded, and try desperately to go back to sleep.

Except Scott's clock is as bright as the sun. Right. In. My. Face.

I could turn the other way but that would mean giving Will greater accessibility to smack me in the face in his sleep...again. So I stare at the clock, with a size one foot in my back until around 5:35 AM.

The dog begins whining to go out at 6:32 AM.

Needless-to-say, we are all a little tired today.

And possibly a little grumpy.

You've been warned.

A Little Backyard Croquet.