Big Boy Bed

As you read two posts ago, Caleb learned how to climb out of his crib recently, so he has been moved into the toddler bed. So far, keeping him IN IT is quite a challenge, especially at nap time at 1:00 in the afternoon. I basically have to camp out in the hallway to escort him back to bed until he finally falls asleep. At night he does a little better because he's just worn out. It occurred to me that I had never taken ANY pics of the kids as they were sleeping, so for posterity's sake, here are a few bedtime shots of my 3 little ones.

Horsin' Around at Dani's Graduation Party!

Eric gets the first horse ride at Danielle's graduation party

Cute little cowboy

Anna is ready for her ride next

Am I really OK up here??

Lil' Partner Moseys along...

Caleb LOVED riding the horse and was not scared a bit!

Fun on the seesaw with cousin James

Cowboy Caleb takes a turn on the seesaw too

Congratulations, Dani! We are proud of you and excited for what your future holds! Thanks for hosting us at your fabulous party!

My world has turned upside down

Caleb in the porta-crib at the hotel in Indiana

Why, you ask? Because Caleb has been up in his room for the last hour, supposedly napping. A few minutes ago, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Caleb has LEARNED TO CLIMB OUT OF HIS CRIB!!!! Aaaagggghhhhhh! I was dreading this day. No more keeping him conveniently contained! Little bugger! I took him back to his crib and 2 minutes later he was downstairs again. Guess he didn't accidentally "fall out" the first time. I guess he will soon go into his toddler bed that is already waiting for him and I'll have to try a gate in the doorway. Betcha he'll climb over that too! Pray for me!!!

My Anna

Anna and I enjoyed some time alone together this afternoon. Caleb was napping late and Eric was at a soccer game with our neighbors. She was helping me make dinner and got the task of buttering the french bread slices for garlic toast. She worked very hard at slathering butter all over every piece and really stuck with it. I told her she was best bread butterer EVER and asked her how she became such a great cook. She replied, "Because you teached me, Mommy. You're the best Mommy EVER".

Now if this mother of a normally sassy and willful 3 1/2 year old wasn't blown away by her kind compliment! Thanks, God. I need more Anna moments like that. I guess that I means I need to carve out more one-on-one time with her too. She really thrives on that. As our middle child, I know she truly gets lost in the middle sometimes. Eric is doing new and exciting things every day (and getting to do them first) and Caleb is still young enough that he demands more attention (read: diapers, messes, saving his life from daredevil acts, etc.). Poor Anna just takes care of herself most days and could really use more time with Mom and Dad. Today was motivation enough to make that time!

I love you, Anna Banana!

Move Over Beckham...

Eric's Playing Soccer Now!


Eric's first day of soccer practice!

Taking a break!

Eric scored a goal in the first quarter of his very first game!

Way to hustle, Eric!

Learning to toss in the ball.

Eric listens to his coach.

Happy Birthday to my Big Boy!

It has been an amazingly busy week! Eric started kindergarten on Tuesday, and turned 5 years old on Friday! We had his party on Saturday and Eric and his friends, siblings and cousins had a BALL on the slip-n-slide! They also played a dinosaur scavenger hunt game, mauled a poor duck pinata brought by our friends Paul and Kim, and enjoyed the awesome blue dinosaur cake made with love by Grandma B.

Click here to see the complete album! In the picture above, check out the cool monster truck shirt from Grandma Diane and Papa Lee that Eric insisted on wearing even though it was 85 degrees!

We are amazed at how quickly the last 5 years has gone. Eric has grown and changed so much! We are blessed to have him in our lives. Here's a look back:

Eric at 1

Eric at 2

Eric at 3

Eric at 4

Eric at 5

Eric's First Day of School

Today was Eric's very first day of Kindergarten. After weeks of telling us he did not want to go to school, last night as I tucked him in bed he told me he was excited to start school and that he wasn't going to be shy anymore. He was up and dressed this morning by 6:40!

Eric helps make eggs and biscuits for breakfast

Eric standing in front of his school

Anna and Caleb help take Eric to school

Eric made a beeline for the cars as Mom talked to his new teacher

Our little man is growing up

Stay tuned tomorrow for pictures of his first bus ride!