What a Difference

Oh what a difference a school year makes...

First day of second grade...

Last day of second grade...

Graduation Plans

Aeden asked me today if he can set sail to be a pirate when he graduates from his elementary school.

I suggested that perhaps he should go to middle school and high school, so he changed his request to being a pirate during the summer after he graduates from elementary.

Then he said:

"I hope that in 5th grade they teach you the dangers of the sea. I already know sharks and terrible storms mean you head back to the nearest island. Oh and bring lots of food with you!"

So if you are looking for us in 3 years, look towards the seas.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day

We had a great Father's Day. There was metal detecting, followed by the driving range, Starbucks and bowling. Lunch from Panera Bread and then a nap. Very nice!

Aeden made some lovely gifts for Eric:

At school he made a video game themed card that said the following (inside):

"Happy father's day! Daddy you are soo cool! I like you when you let me go on ebay!
Love Aeden"

He made individual coupons for things like

"One Soda"--he told Eric that Mommy would pay

"One small and cheep Luffy thing"

There were also coupons that were not approved by me (and thus not given) such as "Give Aeden $7 or $8" and "sell 2 of your transformer that is $5.00 or up ((when you bout it)) and you can get 1 transformer that cost $10.00 to $20.00's.

Aeden also had me copy a Luffy craft from one of his One Piece graphic novels for Eric to make (and of course a copy for Aeden too!) because Daddy likes One Piece.

And of course there was the last minute note that Aeden ran upstairs to make in the middle of us giving Eric his gifts. Aeden says he didn't have enough time to finish it and would have included more things...more specific things.

"Dear Daddy,
I like you and you did a lot of hard work like paying money and working to get money.
Love Aeden"

Aeden really enjoyed the driving range today. We heard him say that he loved his Christmas present (his own set of clubs). After the boys finished off a large bucket of balls, I was sent off to get another bucket! It was with the second bucket that you could tell Aeden was really getting warmed up and doing well.

Here is some video of Aeden attempting to hit the balls at the beginning of our time there. He did much better by the end of the hour. We were all impressed, including Aeden. After Eric showed him how to stand a few times, Aeden decided he was an EXPERT and started placing my feet and giving me pointers!

I wasn't originally going to take a turn, however he convinced me by saying he wanted me to have the experience. Something that I am always telling him. :) Today he really surprised us by showing that he does listen to us, even if he doesn't always demonstrate it.

Becoming a Bear

Aeden became a Bear Scout this week.

Rest assured he is still quite goofy though.

Summer Birthday Celebration

Today we had Aeden's summer birthday party. We had it in June in hopes that more of Aeden's friends would be able to attend since school is in session.

It was a Super Mario Brothers Theme. We had cool super mario goody boxes, with SMB stickers, and SMB lightup keychains that Eric special ordered. I also tossed in a full size hershey bar because every good 'bag' needs candy.

In addition to the goody bags we made hats with the attendees initials...Aeden has an A.

We had 1Up cupcakes.

And the kids bowled...they managed to squeeze 2.5 games in the 1.5 hour time frame.

Aeden got a couple of spares and 1 strike!

Prior to the start of the party I was swearing this was going to be the last birthday party ever. However, everything at the party went smoothly, it was affordable and most important, the kids had a BLAST. It has become my favorite party spot.

Ball

Aeden's new favorite past time...playing whistle ball.

Love that kid!

The Final Magic Moments

Aeden's school has a morning program for K-2. Aeden had his final two Magic Moments this week.

First it was Magic Moments Memories where he worked with two other classmates to write about activities that they enjoyed.

Then his last Magic Moments and Birthday celebration.


He is growing up. Next year he will be a third grader. Amazing!

Common Phrases

Two phrases Aeden says daily:

"You don't even understand!"

and

{said with utmost derision and attitude} "Oh My Gosh!"

Happenings

We have a lot of stuff going on this month.

Aeden got a new hat...

Tigtigs visited and we went for ice cream.

Playing with marshmallow shooters is always fun.

So is getting the phlat ball stuck in the tree.

Ah, but the best was staying up late to play Morf!

The yearly attempt at planting seeds...

Still to come: Aeden's last ever magic moments, the end of second grade, and summer birthday parties.

Goose Crossing

We saw these geese and goslings while driving down the road one day. I had to stop and take their picture!