pre "SCHOOL OF ROCK"

Jack's preschool graduation last week left us very proud. Jack is definitely ready for Kindergarten...and maybe a rock band!

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You're A Good Teacher

Jack started summer school at Richman today. He's in my class for the summer.
Even though he is a year younger than the rest of the class, I was so proud at his reading and his ability to "keep up" with the kids. On the way home, he said, "You were a good teacher today, Mom".
This is the highest compliment coming from Jack...since he LOVED Ms. Shauna so much!

more sweetness...

another note for Ms. Shauna.

giant redwoods

beach

Bowling

A highlight from our recent weekend in Santa Cruz...bowling at the boardwalk.

Enjoy the pictures and the slideshow *with video!

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The Beach Rules!

Not "the beach rules" like "the beach is great"...in preparing for our weekend get-away, Jack informs me everyday of the rules for the beach. I have no idea where he gets this stuff:
1. Never go in the water without a grown-up.
2. Do not wander off.
3. Always look for shells.
4. When you are looking for shells, stay where everyone can see you.
5. When you look for shells, be careful. If there is a crab in it, it could be grouchy, so just walk away.
6. Do not throw your trash on the beach OR in the ocean.
7. Make sure you have sunscreen.
8. Have fun.
There are actually 12 or 13. I can't remember them right now. I will have to get lectured again....

Elmo

Jack mostly ignores Molly still these days...However, last night, after a car ride WITHOUT crying, Jack announced to her "Molly, good job. We are so proud of you!"...

then, to me,

"Mom, whenever Molly does a good job, she can sleep with Elmo".

When I finally put Molly down, Jack had already been in bed...

but wasn't asleep.

I did the classic- put the baby down, insert binky, wait...then carefully back away from the crib....

Ah. Two quiet kids.

I returned to my room to turn on the video monitor. There was Molly, sleeping peacefully...and then, a tiny little 5 year old arm comes into view...and then, a careful 5 year old hand....placing the Elmo right up to his baby sister. It was the sweetest moment...I wanted to go in and give him a big squeeze...Molly is a lucky little girl.

the last days of preschool...

It's no surprise that Jack read on our calendar:

"Jack's last day at Learning Village".

At dinner, he decided to "write" a letter to his teacher, Ms. Shauna.

Since it was so long, he asked me to do the actual writing...

"Dear Ms. Shauna,

It is almost my last day of preschool at the Learning Village.

I am going to go to my mom's school for Kindergarten.

I am sorry it has to be this way.

Love, Jack Cooper"

Jack & Ms. Shauna on Jack's 5th birthday.

Babies x 5

Another perk from my school...4 co-workers who also had babies this year. Through our pregnancies, we have formed such a wonderful friendship. It's such a blessing to watch our babies grow together and our monthly meetings are too much fun. The babies, I think, could care less...but the mommies have lots to talk about!

The babies...from youngest to oldest...

Molly and her first boyfriend...

Happy Father's Day!

Ken got a "rockin" shirt from Jack for Father's Day!

Jack's Father's Day Card for Ken is classic...

* I love my dad because he reads me "A Fish Out of Water"
* I love my dad because he helps me "ride my scooter"
* I love my dad when he makes me laugh by "tickling me a lot"
* I love my dad because he taught me "how to brush my teeth"
* I love to hear my dad sing "my silly preschool songs"
* I love my dad because he always finds time to "bring me to school and pick me up, too"
* I know my dad cares because he "hugs and kisses me"
* I know my dad is smart because he "knows when it's time for dinner"
* I love my dad because he works hard at.......(this is the funniest one!!!)....
"getting kitties down from trees".

Sea World

Our day at Sea World gave us:

a chance for Molly to try her new car seat,

excitement,

quality time with Daddy,

meeting some new BIG friends,

and some smaller friends,

dessert,

and wonder.

If you want to see more of our day, click here.

The Longest Post to Date...

Another reason why I am so lucky to work at my school...the connection I made with a fantastic photographer. Here are SOME of pictures taken last week at the park. John Alvarez is the talent behind the camera. I have 300+ pictures to choose from!

more artwork

I LOVE that Jack loves to draw...

last time...

...wearing this onesie from the Coopers in Ohio

(Thanks, Aunt Cherise!).

The front is so cute...but the back...priceless.

in case you can't see it clearly, it says, "her royal Hind-ness".

Two Teeth!

Well, here it is. My attempt to get a 5 month old to show off her teeth.

**no teeth showing in the last picture...but, it was too funny NOT to post!

"Mom, Can I ....

borrow the living room?"

Jack decided to make an obstacle course in the living room.

There were robots at "every obstacle and I have to defeat them

before I can finish the course".

So You Think YOU Can Dance?

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always thinking...

Jack: "Mom, we have a problem."

Me: "Really? What?"

Jack (in VERY serious tone): "Mom. What if it is already December tomorrow? Molly's crib (pack 'n play) is downstairs. It is blocking THE WHOLE fireplace (that we have never used). How will Santa be able to get in and leave the presents?"

Me: "Hmmm...good thinking. BUT, really, Jack, it's June. We have a long way to worry about Christmas."

Jack: " I know. But Mom, I just wanted to warn you"

That's my Jack. ALWAYS thinking.

It Doesn't Get Much Sweeter...

Wish I could've been right there with them. Too bad it was a working Monday morning...