He’s 4 years old!

4 years ago I was on the way to the hospital, hoping I would make it in time, and wondering  who this little boy I was about to meet would be.

I have to admit that he quite surpassed any expectations I may have had.  He was born with big curious eyes that took in the world around him.  In hindsight, I think he was just taking it all in for the day he would be mobile.

His imagination and creativity have always been evident in the latest “You won’t believe what Bryce did” stories  but his mommy knows how big his heart is.  Several times a day he kisses me on a whim and is always looking for someone who might “hold you” or “shuggle” when he gets a little tired.

He’s a peacekeeper and a leader and keeps us in line around here

and he is health conscious and leads Yoga sessions in the family room in an attempt to keep us fit and mellow.

 

He is full of love and energy and laughter and he’s ours!

Happy 4th Birthday, Bryce!

We love you!

 

Happy Birthday, Ella!

Just in case you were wondering, this is what 6 looks like!  Our sweet, beautiful and spunky little girl arrived 6 years ago and has kept us laughing every day since!

Ella is all the best things in life rolled into one little pint sized body.  She loves glitter and glam and fancy shoes.  She loves digging in the dirt, adventuring in the woods, and rolling in the yard with the dogs.  She loves snuggling in bed, reading books, and coloring the most amazing pictures.

But by far the best thing about Ella is she LOVES!  She loves everyone without fail and everyone she meets loves her; but no one loves her as much as her mom and dad!

 

Happy Birthday, sweet princess!

A Week of Firsts

This week has been filled with backpacks, lunch totes and nap mats.  That’s right. It’s back to school time.  Actually, it’s just school time since this week has been a week of firsts in the McCleary house.

This little doll started Kindergarten this week.  I do not think I have ever seen a little girl more excited about school.  She has bounced around all week and takes particular pride in how “big” she is now. 

One of my favorite moments this week was when she came home marveling at how you can get ice cream out of the freezer at school and there’s “no money”.   She hasn’t quite figured out that mom and dad deposit money into her lunchroom account!  I love my Ella so much and she just adores everyone and everything!

 

Also this week, Bryce started preschool.  He loves school and bounces into the building 3 mornings a week.  Unfortunately, he bounces through the day and is having a little difficulty sitting in his chair and walking in line.  In fact, his monkey went to “monkey jail” this week.  oops!  He assures us that next week will be better and we’re working toward a more tame Bryce.  Let us pause for a moment of prayer. :-)

It has been a great week overall but I have to admit that I miss my babies terribly.  I count down the minutes each day until I can pick them up.  Jake says this part will get better but I think it may be a little while.  However, I love watching my tired little boy who can’t manage to make it through the car rider line without a little nap.  I think I may have found a little magic in the waiting.

 

Cookin’ in the Kitchen

Someone has become a big helper in the kitchen lately.  I can’t stand next to the counter without hearing a chair scrape across the floor and a little voice saying “I can help you.”

It’s a precious gift for a mom to get to teach her little ones kitchen skills.  I just think we may need to work a little on the wardrobe.

 

Fishy, fishy swim

Today is the first day of swim lessons.  I know, the Summer has almost left us but it’s been a busy one and it’s the earliest we could fit them into the game.  The kiddos don’t mind the delay and are completely psyched and ready to go. 

They both dressed themselves.  One of them does a little better job than the other.  Someone may have his swim trunks on backward but don’t mention it.  I mean, really don’t waste your breathe.  He’s dressed, he’s ready to swim and they both look perfect!

 

Dance Little Doll

Ella christened the Summer with her first dance recital at Steps of Faith Performing Arts Center. She was a delight to watch but the real fun was backstage.  She twisted and twirled and marveled at her hair and make-up and costumes.  It was all Ella in her purest form!

Don’t get me wrong.  She took her job seriously and practiced her poses with her carefully perfected ballerina face and posture.

Until she realized that she was dressed and fluffed and needed to go potty.  Go figure!  It turns out that I peeled her out of her three layers of costume for a false alarm.  Good grief!  It’s good that I love this one so much!

After her beautiful ballet performance, we moved onto the exciting 10 Commandment Boogie tap.  This dance was made for my girl and she felt it the instant she put on her costume.  Her energy was contagious and I couldn’t help but laugh!  Just look at my girl!

After my darling’s performances we marveled at how she sang along with each song.  She quickly informed us that she was reciting her moves (shuffle, shuffle, step…).  Serious I say!

She was over the moon at the receipt of her medal and flowers. 

 

Ella considers herself a professional dancer, now.  In fact, she watched a group break dancing in the park last week and has been practicing ever since.  I’m a little concerned about her neck! Dance classes can’t start back soon enough.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

This guy is the best father I know.

 

Here are a few reasons why:

1.  He’s the calm in the storm.  Jake has a  patience that brings a relaxed atmosphere to our home.  Those tasks that make me crazy, like dressing an unwilling 3 year old for church, appear easy when he does them. 

2. He’s a natural adventurer.  Drop by anytime and you may find a reptile in a box, a water park in the front yard or a hotdog roast by the creek.   He’s instilled this spirit in our children and he helps me to let go and live.

3.He can grow a crazy good beard and he knows when the beard has outgrown its welcome!

4.  He loves us all in spite of ourselves and he is never surprised when he comes home and finds this

or this

or this

5. He’s good with tools!  Seriously, he can build and/or fix anything.  It’s almost ridiculous!

  

Best of all he’s ours! Happy Father’s Day, Love!