My good friend Abbi is moving today. :( It makes me sad because part of Ann Arbor is leaving for us. Ryan and Abbi were the first people we knew in AA and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. We are going to miss them tons, but are happy they will be back to visit and we will still get to see them once in a while. I went over to say good-bye and she had these beautiful peonies blooming in her yard. She said I should take them and enjoy them because she wouldn't be here to enjoy them. I was more than happy to oblige! Aren't they amazing--I love peonies.

They make my house so cheery! Thanks Abbi, I am going to miss you tons!

Jake was in the Science Olympiad last Saturday, which is a big competition where many of the schools in the area compete in science events. Jake was lucky enough to be picked as one of the two 2nd graders from his school to compete in the barge building competition. His coach (who was great) told me Jake is so good at loading up the barge, he is so patient, methodical and precise. Here he is with his friend and barge building partner, Zack. This is them right after they competed in the event.

We found out a couple hours later that Jake and Zack had won first place! Jake was so excited and we were so happy for him. He is taking after his big sister, Abby, who won first place two years ago in Mystery Architecture. They had an assembly at school this week to honor the Science Olympiad competitors and made a big deal out of these two. Here is Jake with his gold medal!


Abby was in Alice in Wonderland at her school last week. She was the Cheshire cat, and the knave of hearts. She did a great job and loved it. I forgot my camera, but did make a meat pie honoring her performance. Abby got a picture of it--in case you can't tell it says "Alice in Wonderland".

This picture of Andy makes me laugh. He is always so willing to play with Estee, they were "riding bikes" here and we were laughing at our almost 14 year old, Andy, on the pink and purple princess bike! Andy is such a good sport all the time and I love that about him. Estee does too, whenever he gets home she yells "Andy, I missed you!!".

Ann Arbor is beautiful!

WARNING--probably kind of boring

A few days ago, early in the morning I walked through my neighborhood looking dorkish with my camera around my neck taking pictures of everything. I didn't care that much I guess because I knew I looked like a dork and still did it. It was SOOO beautiful, and I know my time in AA is coming slowly to an end, so I wanted pictures of the pretty springtime here. Everything is blooming and is so green--I love it!

This little guy is only cute when he's not in my yard.

These are my favorite all time trees, Magnolia Tree. They are all over the neighborhood and get these giant flower blossoms every spring. Who would not love these?

Ok, I drive past this house mulitple times everyday with these rock tower things all over their yard. I am pretty curious about how they stay up all the time and never fall over. Well, one morning Dan and I went for a walk really early (5:30) and no one was around and it was kind of dark. We walked by this house and they have a little rock tower right by the road. Dan kept saying it was fake, so I went and touched it. It totally felt real, so I pushed it a little, and it FELL OVER! Yep, it's real and I just ruined probably hours of tower building! Sorry neighbor! Hope you never read this!

I love age eight

I found 65 cents in my jacket pocket tonight. I thought "which one of my kids has been nice?" Jake walked by.

Me: Here Jake I have something for you.

I hand him the 65 cents.

Jake: WOW!!! Is this my allowance!!

Mom: Yeah, and it's all the allowance you will get until 6th grade (he is in 2nd grade).

Jake: Wow! Thanks, mom!!

I totally love how easy to please eight year-olds are. It's such a nice calm, non-emotional age.

I also love how Jake in particular is super easy to please. Here he is playing soccer recently with his bright green shirt on. Go Comets!

I loved his Mothers Day cards for me. One of them had questions he answered about me. This is what it said.

MY MOM IS SPECIAL
My mom is special because: She is so nise to me.

I like it when my Mom: read's to me. (This one brought tears to my eyes, because it is such a chore to read to him at night--I just want to relax after I get Estee in bed because--well, she's two. We often are rushing to bed after a night of activities, but we try to find time for reading. These three little words make it worth it!)

My mom can do many things! I think she's best at: Cooking yumey things and doing cool trikks on the trampolen. (What can I say I have some trampoline skills :)

My mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by: Doing somthing nise to her. (he "does something nice to me" everyday! What a great kid)

My mom is as pretty as a: Flower and a prinsess.

My mom is smart! She even knows: what I like the best.

I wish this age lasted longer! It's so much fun, and Jake is so much fun!