Kieran at 10 Months

Kieran's 10-month photo shoot on a cool May morning

Kieran and his girlfriend, Emma at the park

Eating more real food and less baby food AND loving it

On a mission to catch Mia

One of Kieran's new discoveries--how to open the DVD cabinet

Kieran's latest tricks--going into a downward dog position (trying to figure out how to stand without holding onto anything?), pulling up, clapping with one hand to his arm instead of two hands, opening cabinets, drinking better from a sippy cup, gasping to make us laugh, making a silly squint/winking face (still not sure what this is about), showing his temper when necessary (even "yelling" at his brothers when they make him mad), and babbling in a more conversational manner. He was sleeping 11-12 hours at night with two great naps during the day, but a cold virus set us back. We're starting to head back in the direction of good sleep though. Kieran is lots of fun and very busy. Can't believe we're approaching a year! Still such a joy!

End-of-the-Year Preschool Fun

Cole finished up his year at Cherry Hills preschool in mid May. It was a fun and successful school year. He will attend one more year of preschool at Cherry Hills before heading to kindergarten.

Waiting for his certificate of completion

Ben and Cole snacking on cookies and watching the photo DVD documenting their school year

Cole's class

Mrs. Steber and Cole

The next day, the preschool had a playday at a park. Cole is on the ground with his hood up, playing with bubbles.

Cole and Isaac taking a walk and likely discussing their plan to defeat Bowser on Super Mario Brothers
The school year flew by!

Spring Sports

Cole playing soccer

Worn out from the game but happy to add another trophy to his collection

Caden's baseball season started in April with twice weekly practices. Games (usually two each week) started in May and will continue through the beginning of July. He's #11 for the Rockies.

They play 2-3 positions during each game. Here he is playing right field.

Waiting on second base, hoping to make it home

Playing the pitcher position although the coaches pitch at this age

Caden's turn as catcher

Good thing Caden loves baseball because he's been playing a lot of it! So far, the Rockies have won all but one of their games.

Mother's Day at Busch Stadium

We spent Mother's Day at the Cardinals game with Nana, Papa, Grammy, and Grandpa. It was a beautiful day--sunny and hot with a win for the Cardinals.

My little Cardinals fans and me

Grammy and Kieran at his first baseball game

Curt and Kieran

Curt's love for baseball has rubbed off on Caden. He will sit and watch baseball with Curt now, asking tons of questions, keeping everyone up to date if something important was missed, and insisting on replays if he missed something exciting.

Kieran and I were much happier at the game knowing we could retreat to first aid to cool off and nurse. Best tip ever! Wish I had known this when we brought Cole to his first game at 9-10 months of age.

Cole warming up to run the bases after the game...

and cooling off with a snowcone with Nana and Papa.

My guys walking up to run the bases after the game

Curt and Kieran giving Fred Bird a high-five with Cole following behind. Caden was already off and running.

Cole, Curt, and Kieran crossing homeplate

Caden was so fast that I missed him crossing homeplate. Here he is happy with the day.

Fabulous Mother's Day!

Finishing Up First Grade

At the beginning of May, Caden's class (along with three other first grade classes) took a field trip to the zoo and children's museum in Decatur. Grammy came up to take care of Cole and Kieran, so I could enjoy the day with Caden and his friends. The field trip started at the fun playground outside of the zoo, and then we toured the zoo. I was in charge of Caden and two of his classmates. Caden and Amaar stopping at one of the many face cut-out boards in the zoo.

Braving the goats in the petting zoo

My charges posing with a peacock

Riding the zoo train
After the zoo and a picnic lunch, we headed to the children's museum. The car is always a popular spot for the boys.


Caden posing with his head pop-out

Pretending in the airplane area

Bubble fun with Jenna

The field trip was a lot of fun. So glad I was able to go along!

On the last full day of school, Caden's school played most of the day. In the morning, the kids were surprised with lots of different large inflatables. In the afternoon, the classrooms had end-of-the-year parties. During Caden's party, the kids played musical chairs and bowling and enjoyed ice cream sundaes.

Very competitive game of musical chairs

Down to the last two...

And Caden was the winner!

Enjoying an ice cream sundae...The party moms were unaware that the kids had already consumed fudgcicles AND cookie cake that day.

Mrs. Peck and Caden

Caden, his best buddy Mason (who very sadly will be staying at Chatham Elementary while Caden goes to the new school), and Jackson

Mrs. Peck's first grade class

Another great school year!