Dancing Queen

Visiting my siblings is always so much fun. We had a delicious BBQ with smores for dessert. The kids jumped on the trampoline and then played on the slip and slide. After dinner we had a little dance session in the kitchen. Raine couldn't get enough and danced for almost an hour straight. We were all cracking right up and couldn't believe how she loved to shake her booty. She must have learned her moves from pops! It was such an awesome night and a perfect start to family fun this summer!

Slip N Sliding in North Carolina

The kids had such a blast playing on Casey's super soapy slip n slide. I think Aunt Jaime poured half a bottle of dish washing liquid on it. Reece and Raine have never played on one of these before, since we don't have yards big enough for them in Vegas. We couldn't pull the cousins off this fun backyard activity except when it was time for a snack or a drink. I am so glad that they could make this awesome new memory with Aunt Jaime, Uncle Brian and Casey. We sure do miss hanging out with then.

ROAD TRIP 2010

Road Trip 2010 Las Vegas, NV to Buffalo, NY

Day 1 Las Vegas, NV to Rio Rancho, NM

Sitting on the back of a flatbed Ford.

Standing on a corner in Winslow, AZ.

Raine crashed out for a nap.

Reece trying to rest.





So happy to be at The Garcia's house.

Mo and I spent Thursday evening and early Friday morn packing up the truck for our adventure. We were sleep deprived and exhausted when our 4am departure arrived. I pulled the kids from their comfy beds and plopped them into their car seats. At bed time, I told them I would be waking them up in the middle of the night to start our trip. Reece woke right up and was very excited about it still being dark and finally starting our vacation to see family. Raine was still pretty pooped and crashed back out. Mo drove us over the Hoover Damn into Kingman AZ where we stopped for gas. Raine and I had slept most of that leg while Reece fell in and out of sleep. I wouldn’t doubt that Mo closed his eyes a few times as well. Our next stop was Flagstaff, AZ for breakfast, gas and a quick trip to Target for AAA batteries. We changed the kids from jammies to comfy clothes and let them play on the playground at McDonalds. After Target, Mo asked me to drive the next leg. WHAT?? I’ve never ever driven on a road trip before. I was a bit nervous, but did fine. Mo curled up with the pillow and passed right out. Reece and Raine enjoyed a new movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As we drove along route 40 I saw signs for Winslow, AZ. Our friends just stopped here and had some cute pics, so I wanted to stand on the corner in Winslow too. Mo was cooperative and we all stood on the corner and took some neat photos. Once back on the road, Mo fell back asleep and the kids played with their backpacks full of toys. After a few more hours of driving I was getting very sleepy and could feel my eyes getting heavy. It was time to switch drivers again. I pulled into a welcome area just outside of Gallop, NM where Mo could return to his favorite place in the truck. The kiddos ran around to get some energy out and stretch their legs. I made sandwiches for everyone and we enjoyed an afternoon meal. We climbed back into the truck and headed east toward Albuquerque. Rio Rancho was our destination and we had to be there by 4:00 to visit with Vicki & Nick Garcia. They were headed to jazz at the zoo and wanted to give us the ins and outs of their house. We arrived in the city and then made our way north on 25 to Rio Rancho. Mo loves the maps and GPS feature on our new Droid phones. It has come in very handy for our journey.

Around 4:30 we pulled into this gorgeous home in AZ. There was breathtaking view of the mountains from their driveway. We jumped out of the truck very anxious to see the inside of this amazing abode. Vicki gave me a quick tour and went back to cooking us spaghetti. She had all the fixins for dinner ready for us whenever we wanted to eat. Nick took Mo on a tour of the outside of their home and the kids ran all over with them. The Garcia’s had to meet their friends at the zoo for an evening of jazz, so we sat down to eat to dinner. The kids gobbled up their spaghetti and meatballs but left a little room for cantaloupe for dessert. While Mo and I finished they watched some TV. I drew a bath for Raine and Reece joined her after the cartoon he was watching was over. We were all chillaxin on the couch when I found the movie Transformers. Reece has never seen it before but it was right at the beginning like the book he has. He shouted out that is was just like “Sam’s New Car”. He was so excited to see bumblebee. Raine wasn’t that interested but watched anyway. I only let them watch a little bit and then it was time for bed. The kids layed on the floor of our bedroom and talked and giggled for quite sometime. A late nap in the truck and the time change was keeping them awake. I crawled into bed around 9:00 because I had such little sleep and was exhausted. They were finally settling down and falling asleep. We all slept so soundly for 10 hrs, it was such a peaceful night. I was so thankful to be resting in this amazing home.

Time
One minute ago, I was reaidng about races I could run this fall.
One hour ago, I was getting my kiddos settled down for a late afternoon nap.
One day ago, I was reading Breaking Dawn, listening to Enchanted on the TV and eating popcorn.

One week ago, I was doing laundry and organizing Reece's clothes.

One month ago, I was sitting in San Diego airport waiting for the 5th graders to arrive.

One year ago, I was swimming with my kiddos.

Where has time gone?

Raine's Luau

Miss Gina & Raine after a long Luau of fun.

Cleaning up and setting up for the next group of kiddos.

Showing Daddy their crafts.

Raine's BFF Carissa.

Raine's preschool had a Luau today and it was so much fun. I was able to volunteer and attend one of Raine's school functions like every other parent does. I love her school and her teachers and couldn't wait to work with them. I was running late and ended up helping in the craft room. The kids were decorating a flip flop with foam flowers and fabric markers. The staff took pictures of the kids to put in the center of the flop. They turned out super cute. I didn't get a chance to say hello to Raine before we started and she was very upset wondering where I was. Lesson learned, go say hello to daughter before helping all the other children. Reece came along and was a great little assistant, cleaning up the tables and passing out more supplies. After all three groups rotated through the room it was time for lunch. Everyone donated such yummy food; we ate like kings and queens. The kiddos even tried bubblegum flavored icing on their cupcakes. I loved being a mom that could actually attend my child's school event!

Last day of school for Reece and Mom

Sum sum summer time! I can't get this song out of my head. Today was the last day of school. Reece had a half day and went to play with the Manabat boys. We are so lucky they are in our lives. Reece has played with Dominic a few times this year during staff developments or after school trainings. The boys would also hang out in the mornings and afternoons at school. When I picked Reece up from Dominic's house he didn't want to leave and just walked out the house without saying good bye to anyone. I couldn't find him, looked all over and then he opened the car door and said, "Mom don't forget my booster." When I went over to talk to him about saying good bye and thank you he didn't have any shoes on. I headed back to the house with stubborn boy to get his shoes and seat.

While driving home, I asked how his last of kindergarten went he said, "It was sooooo fun, we played games all day."
"Oh, like what kind?"
"Mommm, video games, I brought my leapster and we played the WII."
"Did you eat all of your lunch?"
"Mommm, we had pizza, I told you we were eating that."

He was obviously too tired to speak very kindly so I stopped talking to him. All in all I think he had a great day!

As a teacher, mine was hectic and busy trying to get last minute things completed. We had 5th grade awards and a slide show. I took a lot of pictures of the kids this year, so I was very glad to see my class had quite a few big screen moments, if not the most. Then we had our ice cream party for most box tops and back to the classroom for organizing, autographing beach balls and the reading of "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" I cry when I read it to each class, such a sap I know! Then I pause when I get to this part because it is the most important for my soon to be middle schoolers.

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.

You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

I like to remind myself of that last part too. Overall, it was a productive morning and afternoon of socializing at our speech teacher's retirement party. Tomorrow I will pack up my classroom for the summer.

First to Last

August 24, 2009 ~ First day of Kindergarten

Raine and Reece 1st day

Raine and Reece 180th day

June 1, 2010 ~ Last full day of Kindergarten

Today was Reece's last full day of kindergarten and tears are streaming down my cheeks as try and share with you how my 5 yr old wiggle worm has grown. He absolutely loves school and his teacher and was rather sad when I told him he would be on summer break soon. I am so grateful he had an amazing first year of school. Thank you so much Mrs. Glover!

Reece can:

~Read level 14 books, which means like a middle of the year first grader.
~Write full stories with a beginning, middle and end.
~Read 2nd grade level sight words.
~Add and subtract very well.
~Count by 2's & 5's & 10's
~Recognize all of the coins and tell me how much I have in my change purse.
~Sing songs from memory with actions.
~Explain detailed facts about the animals they have learned about all year.
~Draw castles, dragons, Batman and his family.
~Follow directions when someone other than his mom is giving them.
~Share with his friends and is always looking out for them.
~Come with me to school any day because now he acts like he owns the place.
~Still get weepy and scared if he doesn't see me near by in my classroom or someone elses.

Reece can't:

~Stop asking if today is a stay home day.
~Stop giving me big wet kisses and big hugs.
~Stop playing superheros or building things with legos.
~Stop singing in the car and make me laugh right out loud at the words he sings instead of the real ones.
~Grow up so fast~