Proud and goofy smiles

Wow it's been an exhausting but exciting April and May! We've had so many end of year school activities and lots of good stuff happening at home. Nathan is about 8 days away from finishing 1st grade and he can't wait to track out! His class worked on a major project of picking, baking, dipping and then selling strawberries. They set up a classroom just like a store and they all had jobs. Nathan was a cashier and had to use his math skills to determine how much each customer owed. He did great and had so much fun doing it! Bob and I both attended to purchase some goodies.

Nathan lost one of his top front teeth and has a goofy smile now.

Lauren couldn't be prouder that she can pump on the swing all by herself now. She disappears in the backyard and I find her out there pumping away! She also got an early birthday present - a princess bike - and she is riding like a pro. I still need to get some pictures of that to post.

Pepper is doing great and fitting in with the family. She is getting bigger by the day and developing her personality and role within the home. The kids just can't get enough of her!

We are all ready for summer (not the 100's for sure), but our pool opened and we're up there just about every day. Love to all!

Nathan's 1st race and Lauren strawberry picking

Nathan ran his first kids dash after my 5k on May 2nd. It was a record heat of 94 degrees that day! He did great, but my time was a little slow! He ran with Ben and Lexi, our good friends up the street.

Lauren went strawberry picking with the Kulzer family while Bob and I were at the shelter discovering our new Pepper girl. She had a blast and came home with a huge crate of strawberries! Thank you Traci for the pictures!

Myrtle Beach 2010

All of my babies! Jake, Shane, Nathan, Emma, Maddi, and Lauren in front of the sand gator!

We had such a great time in Myrtle this year with both of my brothers' families there and all 6 cousins together. Tons of sand and sun, pools, and sand animals. We can't wait to see everyone again.

And the littlest one...

Pepper fitting in just fine

Within the past year, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Bayli (15 yrs old) and Kayla (16 yrs old). It was heart breaking on all of us but we know they are happy and healthy now.

A couple of weeks ago, Bob and I decided to add to our family yet again! Kita needed a pal as much as the kids did. We got Pepper from a shelter at barely 10 weeks old. She is adorable and adjusting fabulously into our home. I will admit it's fun having a puppy around again. :)