Grammy Time

It is late, I am tired and I have been working on our preschool financial stuff most of the day (i.e., I have brain fry!), but it has been a while since I posted and my mom has sent me some great pictures of the kids.


On Sunday, Jeremy and I went to see 'Tropic Thunder' (save your money) and my mom and Tom entertained the kids for a couple hours. It was a treat for all of us. As you can tell by the pictures, the kids enjoyed putting on a fashion show.

Snowman tickles caped princess.

A smile for the camera.

Cat woman has nothing on Morgan!

Cat cutie.

Then, last night, Adam spent the night at Grammy's. He is really into the Star Wars trilogy and Grammy is so cool she helped him build a fort for the characters to play on. I wish I had her energy!!!

Posing with his awesome fort.

Look at Grammy's and my artwork!

Darth Vader hangs on for dear life.

I have some more pictures to update one of these days... for now, off to catch some zzzzzzzzz.

Morgan Starts Kindergarten!!!

Our Kindergartner!

Today was Morgan's first day of school at EAGLE College Prep. She has been excited about this day for months and, unlike many of the kids (and some parents), she did fantastic.

As soon as she woke up this morning, she came downstairs with the list of before school activities we created together (i.e., healthy breakfast, brush hair, brush teeth, etc.). She happily reviewed and checked it off as the morning went on. Then, she and I grabbed her backpack and headed to school. Since the building is still not quite done (hopefully tomorrow or Thursday), they had a school 'camp' day at a local banquet hall.

On the way to school Morgan told me she was a little nervous only because she didn't know many kids in her class. I told her that one of the things I have always been so impressed with her about is her ability to make new friends. She smiled at that and proved me right for within three minutes of being there, she was off and playing with other kids.It was such an exciting atmosphere this morning and so neat to see all the kids in their new uniforms.

Arriving in the main hall.

After setting lunchbags, paperwork, etc. inside, they asked all the kids and parents to wait outside. They then called all the kids up by name to stand with their teacher. That was the only point I got a little choked up. But, any sadness passed, because I know that Morgan is smart enough, mature enough and all together ready to be there.

Waiting to be called up with her class.

Morgan's class during roll call.

I am looking forward to picking Morgan up and hearing all about her first day. When I left she was playing a game of Simon says and already looked to be having a great time.

Adam Date, Day at Grammy's & IKEA Adventure

On Tuesday afternoon my mom came over for lunch and a visit. She headed back home with Morgan in tow for a girls-only sleepover. Morgan had a fantastic time, as usual. Adam was very sad as he wanted to go with so Jeremy and I made an extra effort to make his night memorable as well. Adam and I went to Cold Stone for ice cream and then to the Dollar Store (yes, I do go there on occasion though I wish we didn't live within 2 miles of 2 of them!) where I let him pick out a prize. He picked out a bug catcher. I think he liked the net and tweezers. Then after Jeremy got off work we had dinner and went swimming. He seemed very satisified all evening to be the center of attention, but the next morning the first thing out of his mouth was, "let's go to Grammy's!" So... we did and ended up staying the entire day. She bought the kids a rock-painting kit which Morgan loved and Adam enjoyed until he got distracted. We are so lucky to live close to my mom. I wish all the grandparents lived close by (hint, hint).

Chocolate ice cream is best with sprinkles, in a cone, with lots of mess.

Bug catching is fun. :)

Adam swam without his floatie suit the entire time. He was amazing!

One of Morgan's painted rocks. It is an apple tree man she painted for Jeremy.

Jump to yesterday afternoon - we met up with our fabulous friends Gina, Mason & Madeline at IKEA. It was a later than usual get-together for us since we waited until after Mason got out of Kindergarten so we ended up eating dinner there after we let the kids play in the playcenter for a while and Gina and I got (GASP!) adult time shopping. It was a lot of fun to see them, as always. They are some of the best friends anyone could ever hope for.

Hooray!! Finally tall enough to join the fun in the playcenter.

Looking old and married at dinner.

Time with Grandpa Joe & Grandma Mary

Yesterday we ventured north to visit my dad & Mary in Anthem. The kids had a great time. My dad is super with little kids. He had them laughing hysterically. Mary bought them squirt guns which they loved and we enjoyed our time together swimming, playing and going out to lunch.

Adam brought a bag full of cars and people to show Grandpa Joe.

Squirt guns!!

Basketball lesson.

Basketball practice.

Brownies with Grandma Mary.

Adam's First Day of Preschool

I have to admit, sending Adam to preschool today was a bit emotional for me. I know he is ready and will have a great time - it is just hard to see your kids grow up. I can't imagine how my mom feels having 2 kids in their 30's!

When I dropped him off he wanted me to stay for a few minutes, which I was happy to do. Then one of the kids he knows started crying and screaming for his mom. That freaked Adam out a little, but he reluctantly let me go. I stood outside the door for a bit eavesdropping and he didn't start crying so I left. 3 hours later when I picked him up, he was playing with flubber and as happy as can be. Ms. Krysten told me he was one of a few kids in the class who seemed to 'get' the routine of school. He was a good listener and followed directions. On the car ride home he told me all about his day - stories, snack, songs, play, etc. He seemed very content.

I am so excited for him - this should be a fun year of learning! And I am happy to have 4 'solo' mornings with Morgan before she starts Kindergarten. We had fun today doing her nails and swimming. I value each precious moment with my two angels who are growing up way too fast.

Heading toward the classroom.

Getting his picture magnet from Ms. Krysten.

Playing with the magnet letters.

Flubber with friends at pick-up time.

Adam's first school art project. It is "All About Me" month and he decorated this cut-out. Ms. Krysten was impressed by how well he did drawing the face. One of his friends scribbled on his foot and that caused some upset, but she said he got over it pretty quickly. He is such a perfectionist so I am happy he didn't let it ruin his fun. He gave it to me and I will treasure it.

2 School Events, A Birthday Party & More

This past week there were two fun school-related events - one for each of the kids. On Thursday, Adam had his preschool "Meet the Teacher". Although he knew Ms. Krysten from visiting Morgan at school last year, it was a completely new experience for him to be one of the students. Kimberly graciously watched Morgan so just Adam and I could go. He was so proud and so excited!

Adam decorated his own nametag - including rewriting his name on his own. The teachers and other parents were impressed by how well he can write ADAM.

Checking out all the cool toys at preschool.

Then on Friday night, EAGLE College Prep had a BBQ. Orginally the plan was to have the BBQ at the school site and give tours of the new building, but since there was a monsoon on Thursday night and the building is still under construction, there was too much mud. The location was changed to a local reception site and it was a blessing in disguise. I worked the PTA booth for 4 hours and I am glad I was in the A/C versus the 110 degree heat!! Hopefully we'll get a chance to get inside the building soon. School starts on Sept. 2 so we'll see it then if not before.

Morgan and one of her future classmates collecting limes from the grounds of Harvest Groves.

Morgan made me this beautiful necklace at the craft area the PTA hosted.

Last night, Jeremy & I went to Cindy & Ted's house for a parents-only dinner party. It was wonderful. There are 6 couples in the 'dinner club' and we plan to have a monthly grown-ups night. My mom and Tom came over to our house to watch the kids - much to Morgan and Adam's happiness. They took them to dinner at Applebee's then Grampy T went swimming with them. It was a great night for all 4 of the Johnsons!

Grammy took this picture of Morgan and Adam. Even though they posted "No Girls Allowed" and "No Adam Allowed" signs on their bedroom doors, I can't imagine two siblings who love each other more.

Grampy back-rides in the pool.

This afternoon was our friend Anthony's birthday party. He turned 5 and had a really fun Pump-it-Up party. Almost all the dads came (including Jeremy) so it was an extra special day for the kids.

The birthday boy with Morgan and Adam.

Adam had a blast playing air hockey with his friend Paige's dad Jeremy.

Where to start....

Since I last posted we replaced our lost camera - thanks again to Gramma Sue for letting us borrow hers in the meantime - and I just got access to the pictures last night. Needless to say that with our busy life there are loads of pictures to catch-up on. Since I've last posted, my goddaughter and other cousins came to visit AZ and we had a big family party, one of my best friends, Laurel, came to AZ for work and we had a girls day out compliments of the world's greatest babysitter (love you, Grammy!), Morgan has been gearing up for Kindergarten with school events and our family snuck away to San Diego for the weekend... and, of course, much, much more. I am desperately in need of sleep so I will just get a few pictures up tonight and then try to get back to the blog again soon. Here are some of my favorites from recent weeks.

Adam taking a break from playing at Aunt Valerie's house.

My goddaughter, Caroline, and me at Aunt Valerie's house.

No, school hasn't started yet. Morgan wanted to try on different outfits.

Most adorable Kindergartner!

The pool water at the Hyatt in San Diego was CHILLY! Adam had to bundle up after getting out. I think he topped out at about 6 towels.

Waiting for the "Dive-In" movie ('Madagascar') to start.

Jeremy & Morgan at Coyote Cafe in Old Town.

Adam appropriately wearing his "Hit the Beach" shirt.

Building sand castles with Daddy & Morgan at Mission Beach.

Stopping for a snack at Starbucks on the long drive home.