June Beach Days

On the first night of summer, we hit the beach. Above, Jim and Oliver play baseball in the sand. Below, our first trip to Strollo's. Took advantage of the longer daylight evening. Still cool, though.

Tossing sand crabs back into the ocean.

Building moats with friends.

Tell me that is not the cutest sand pig you've ever seen ;)

Oliver's Gymnastics Exhibition, 2014

This week was Oliver's exhibition at his gymnastics school. He's taken class there once a week since this winter and absolutely LOVES it. 

The teacher led them to different parts of the gym where they tumbled, jumped, climbed, swung, slid, hopped, and danced. They have these colorful felt shapes that lay on the floor, and the kids have memorized what to do when they get to each one (v-seat, splits, turns).

 


20140617 100806[1] from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

 

Oliver, forever the monkey-child, MASTERED these bars. He practices often in the backyard...


20140617 101920[1] from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

 

He was so proud of his medal (first one EVER) and had an awesome time with his friend, Gracie, each week. We're hoping that he continues with gymnastics again next winter!




20140617 103355[1] from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

20140617_OliverGymnasticsHappy from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

Oliver's Preschool Graduation

Oh boy guys. Little man just graduated preschool.

He had wonderful teachers this year, Mrs. Wharton and Mrs. Postorino. They went out of their way to always challenge him, to grow both academically and socially. 

Graduation ceremony included lots of singing and dancing... showing what you know... These kids counted in Spanish, played several basic musical instruments, demonstrated they knew directions as well as colors, counted by tens, and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 


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Ballin' the Jack: Oliver's Preschool Graduation song 20140613 from Sheryl K. on Vimeo.

 

Oliver, I'm so darn proud of you. Every day, you help Mommy get you to school on time, because you love being the first one there. Every day, you race from the "Pilot Parking Spot" (yes, there are several Pilots in that lot... and like, three black ones...) to the front door of the school, shouting at your friends as they shout your name back at you. And you wait patiently, and take turns, and enjoy snack, and sing beautifully... You love going on the computer, but understand that it should not take up all of your free time at school. Towards the end of the year, you got to stay an extra hour for lunch bunch, which I know you really enjoyed, but I really missed you.

And then this week, it was all over.

But you walked out of there knowing you'd be back again soon (for church), and very, very excited about starting kindergarten next year in the Fall. (You always correct me when I say that, as it is less than  a year away).

I know that I'm a lucky Momma to have you as a son. And I know that an October birthday was just perfect for us... got to steal one more year with you, buddy, before you have to go off to school all day and all week long.

I love you, Oliver!

June: Outside

We crazy moms drove the kids to the park... and then proceeded to allow them to play as the sky opened up and drenched the entire playground.

It has been a rainy spring. 

Before we left Turkey Swamp Park, though, Trenton found this toad! 

And thank you garden! For continuing to grow! 

Check out that little sugar snap pea! New crop this season.

 FINALLY, our first CSA delivery: spinach with garbanzo beans & sweet potatoes with pineapple.

Spent Father's Day on the beach with my parents, brother, and my mom's sister Cathy and her son, Kevin. It was HOT. Everyone enjoyed watching the boats come in and out of the inlet, and the fishermen catch some fine looking bluefish.

Below, Happy Birthday Pop Pop! This versatile carrot cake served to recognize Oliver's graduation, Father's Day, and my dad's birthday all at once!  

(Yes, that is one giant candle. Time to buy a pack of little ones...)

Trenton's Knowledge Expo, 2014

Here we have the SNOW EXPERT!

This year, Trenton's school district hosted a Knowledge Expo for any interested students, grades 2-5. He had to come up with an idea, research it, and present his findings. 

 Below, he shows his teacher, Mrs. Varley, how he built several LEGO snowflakes, re-created a snowball fight, and put a blizzard in a jar. 

Harrison studied outer space!

It was Trenton's idea to dress in his long-johns and cap... you know... like 'fit for snow'. It was Mom's idea to save some winter snow, bring it to school in a cooler, and scoop some out for each guest.

Best part was walking around and looking at everyone else's displays.

 
We are so proud of you, Trenton!

Mmmm Baseball

The kids' Little League had a Blueclaws Fundaraiser night. Below, Oliver and his fellow Orioles.

 

Clearly, the best part was walking on the field before the game!
 Had to stop my favorite BREWERS in front of the Yuengling sign!

 Free Cole Hamels pitchers (pitcher pitchers) came in handy for water on a hot evening!

Final picture is from the Trenton Thunder game we attended on the Sunday before Father's Day. Guys got to have a father/son catch on the field before the game. Play ball!!

Civil War Encampment Reenactment

Gotta love it when American history can come alive for these boys.

Today we visited Allaire State Park for the Civil War Encampment reenactment that takes place once a year. The boys learned about the difference between cavalry and infantry, how a cannon was loaded (below)...

...all about the importance of musicians during times of war (and how they were the least-protected members, as they did not carry a personal piece to defend themselves with)...

 

... and witnessed a debate between sitting president Abraham Lincoln and aspiring Presidential Democrat nominee General George B. Mc Clellan. Although Lincoln went on to defeat the General in the election of 1864, McClellan later became governor of New Jersey (and Lincoln was assassinated a few months into that term).

A VERY COOL way to take a tintype photograph. Smile! Or not!

I think the kids understood that these folks were actors... and pretending to be soldiers, and that the Civil War took place here in America... and that it was over a hundred years ago. More than that, I'm not sure that they got it. But if taking them today means that they'll whet their appetite for more stuff like this in the future, I'd be sooo happy! :)