Aiden:Where have you been?

Seems our favorite B has been missing some face-time over here.

I assure you, it is not because he blends in. He is at all times in the forefront of our minds.For our own personal safety, it's best to know EXACTLY where he is.

Phrases heard recently that let you immediately know Aiden is in the area..

• we don't put our teeth on that
• why is there a bucket of water in middle of the living room?
• why are you not wearing pants?
• Your underwear is on backwards
  
• Your going to fall and break your head open..
• I don't know why you can't fly, you just can't.
  
• No, Emily can't "just try" peeing standing up.
  

The boy cracks me up.

He loves everything. Really. He will loudly declare:  "I Love ____  he's not really picky, it could be Socks, Shoes , M&M's the dog.. So happy and not self-conscious at all. I would love to be three again and not know what a muffin top is. 

He is potty trained 89% of the time. This is an upgrade from last week which closed at a dismal 30%. His speech has become so clear in the last few weeks I think he may get kicked out of Speech Therapy.  One can only hope.

I can't help but think the potty training and clear speech are somehow related. They both require him to FOCUS and slow down, be aware of other people. He has a hard time looking at the camera, and you can see that in all his pic's he's either squinting at the camera or looking the other way.

FOCUS!

Sailor Garron Chesley

We are so proud of him.

He arrived at A school in South Carolina; he will be there for the next six months. 

It's hard, because honestly right before he left we all could have sold him on EBay for under $20.00. It's so satisfying to see him with his head screwed on straight and respect for himself. He is on his way to becoming the man that we all knew he is capable of being.

Tyler met him when he arrived from Boot Camp to SC. A school, which really took any nervousness out of the situation for us. Knowing that his brother was there and he's not alone makes it so much easier to worry about him. Tyler will be at P school on the same campus for the next few weeks and by then Garron will know his way around. 

The Nuke program is one of the most difficult programs in the Navy and to have both Garron and Tyler accepted has to be a very proud moment for Randy and Casey.*

*I'd like to think that due to my excellent homework checking thru the 3rd and 4th grade, they owe their superior math skills to me.

No Longer A Boy..

Garron graduated naval boot camp on Saturday.

Casey and Randy are in Chicago to attend his Graduation. I can't wait to see all the pictures.  They said he doesn't look like the same person. The Navy warns you that when you see them after boot camp to be prepared, when they come out they will no longer look like boys, they will be men.

Well then, may I present the last picture taken of Garron the boy.

Home Sweet Home..

 

Nicole went to Camp for 2 weeks this summer.

She got her 5 year shirt. She was just a baby the first time she went and that was for only one week.  Thanks to the Granny and Papa she goes for 2 weeks with Horseback riding everyday.  We only got to see her for a min. She came home told us a few stories of near death experiences with her horse and the lightning, then she's off.  She has people that NEED to see her.  Right before she went to camp she cut all her hair off. 

I'm still in mourning, but I like it when she pulls it back from her face. 

I can't help it.. I just growed up.

This is the look I usually get when she feels bad for me. When I ask her to do something impossible like please do not grow up. You can see the pity in her eyes, it's like she wishes I knew how things worked so she didn't have to worry about me. 

We had her PRINCESS BIRTHDAY extravaganza on the Fourth of July.  Danielle's  computer is currently holding hostage all pictures and video of the blessed event because it HATES me.  I'm planning a rescue misson for Tuesday so with any luck I'll be able to show you video of " the best birthday ever!"

Twas the night before Boot Camp.

Garron was accepted into the Naval Nuke Program in March.  He left for Boot Camp in May and graduates in July. 

All Dressed up.

 Kurt and Moriah went to the prom last month. Kurt just finished his Junior Year and scored an impressive 600 on his SAT's.

Now if we could only get him to remember to feed the dog..  

Kindergarten Bound..

Grad.. The Grad Dance.. .

The Grad Dance.  A Group Effort.

At her school the 7th graders are invited to attend the end of the year 8th grade Grad Dance. It was spoken about for weeks. Always given the proper respect and whispered about in hushed tones. Grad as it was known in our  house, was THE SOCIAL EVENT of the year.

Danielle let her have the dress and came over for Hair and Make up

Granny sewed straps onto her dress( no strap less allowed in Junior High ya know).

Aiden, Emily and I shopped for shoes..

She was so excited and had such a great time.. The best part is that she gets to do it next year too.

Christopher in motion

A few weeks ago Christopher went to a skate "jam"(?)..

Casey took these pictures and had them blown up poster size for his room.

Christopher is Aiden's idol.

 I think I'll get him a poster for his room too.