Memorial Day

We had a fun Memorial Day just hanging at home this year.

We went swimming for the first time of the summer, and it was also Jacob's first real time in the pool. He didn't quite seem to know what to think. He enjoyed splashing at first but then didn't really want to be held after a while. He did like it a lot when I put him down on the steps. Jamie was very excited to get back in the pool but is still really hesitant about a lot of things in the water, like putting his head under or jumping without someone catching him. He can touch in the shallow end now, though, so that helps, and he's definitely doing better than he was at the start of the summer last year. He's taking swimming lessons starting next week, so fingers crossed that he gets even better.

For dinner, Thomas and Jamie went out and grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs while I made baked beans and corn-on-the-cob. It was delicious, and we finished off the meal with watermelon and angel food cake with berries and whipped cream.

And now for the pictures...

This just doesn't capture just how ridiculously cute he was.

 
 
 
 
 

trying to do a back float on his own :)

 
 
 

Jacob LOVES corn-on-the-cob.

Enjoying some watermelon.

Jacob also LOVES watermelon! Seriously, I cannot get enough of that sticky little face and belly!

pictures from Emily's visit

 
 

peek-a-boo!

 

 

attacked by weasels

 

7 years

On Sunday we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that it has been that long! Because we were doubly celebrating the anniversary and the successful dissertation defense, we super splurged and went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. It was ridiculously good and blew every other steak I've ever had out of the water. Too bad it is also ridiculously expensive...we unfortunately won't be back any time soon (like, any time this decade...). But in any event, it was a great evening, and we had a wonderful time together commemorating these special events.

 

free dessert! :)

dissertation defense

On Friday morning Thomas defended his dissertation, and I am so pleased and proud to announce that he passed! Not that we were particularly worried, but it is such a relief to have that hurdle out of the way. What a great feeling for all of us!

Thomas had an open defense, so I was able to attend. His sister Emily was also able to come, after secretly driving to Knoxville on Thursday and completely and utterly surprising Thomas (Jamie and I already knew she was coming). He actually fell over in shock when he first saw her. Anyway, I was so glad to be able to go to the defense. Thomas got so nervous right beforehand, but of course he did a wonderful job, and it was great to hear him talk about his project and see the culmination of his last 5 years of work.

Thomas with his advisor, Dr. Jay Rubenstein. There is a tradition in the history department of taking pictures by this sign when people successfully pass their exams or defense.

stolen from Emily's facebook :)

To celebrate, we went out to dinner at the Tomato Head and later had some friends from his program over as well. It was a fun and relaxing end to a great day!

I made Thomas's favorite carrot cake. I was so happy with how it turned out!!

preschool graduation

Tuesday night was Jamie's preschool graduation. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this... I feel like the year just started and we're barely getting into the swing of things. Are all the years going to go this fast?? I don't know if I can handle it.

They had a cute ceremony with each class doing little presentations of songs, chants, etc. they had learned over the year. Then each child got their name called and came up to receive a "diploma." The teacher calling their names also read out what each person wanted to be when they grow up. Jamie said he wants to be a construction worker. After the ceremony, we went back to the classroom for to pick up some special things they worked on and to take pictures. And then we got to have cookies (Jamie's favorite part).

 
 

with his buddy James -- Every single day when I asked what Jamie did at preschool, he always answered that he played with James.

with his teacher, Ms. Jan

and his other teacher, Ms. Jackie

It was a great year! I know Jamie loved going to preschool every day, loved his teachers, and had so much fun playing with his friends there. I'm sure he's going to miss it. As for next year... After much thinking, talking, and debating about it, we have decided to hold off on starting kindergarten for another year. Jamie has a summer birthday, so he will either be the oldest or youngest in his class, and particularly considering that they only have full-day kindergarten here and I know it would be hard for him to listen, obey, or concentrate that long, we really think an extra year of maturity would be very helpful for him. It was a hard decision, but I do think it is the right one. And I'm in no hurry to be rid of him anyway. :) I'm looking forward to having one more year with him at home.

Mother's Day

My 3 boys made sure I had a very nice Mother's Day last week, complete with special meals, thoughtful gifts, playtime at the park, and an afternoon nap. I'm so thankful for these little munchkins who made me a mommy.

strawberry picking

We went to the Fruit and Berry Patch this morning and came home with nearly 6 pounds of strawberries. It was a beautiful morning, and we had a great time out there together. Even Jacob helped pick a few! 

 

 

 

 
 
 

Okay, there may be too many pictures of Jacob. But he was hanging out with me while Jamie went down the rows on his own. Plus he was just so cute.

 
 

 

 

And now, a few hours later, we have freezer jam and strawberry pie! :) A good day.