Preschool Graduation #2

 Sean graduated from the Bridges Autism Preschool at Kids on The Move. Sean excelled this year in school. His teachers gave him the award for "Most Improved Speech" and the "Ghandi Kindness Award". I am amazed at how well Sean can communicate. I am always pleased to know that he is kind to his friends as kindness is something we work on a lot in our family. I taught Sean the word graduate/graduation. He seemed to remember Claire's graduation and knew to be excited. He ran around all morning saying, "I graduate!" It was fun to see him somewhat aware of what was happening. Sean's siblings wanted to get in on his pictures.

 The teachers had the graduats go up in front of the room to receive their certificate and get their graduation hat. Some of the kids were stressed or confused by this. Sean saw that he would be getting a hat and he was excited. He confidently walked up to the front with a big smile on his face. He was beaming and so was I! I am so proud of this big kid and all his hard work this year.

Preschool graduation #1

 Claire graduated from Little Learner's Preschool. Claire loved preschool. She was excited to go each time and often wore her red shirt. Claire learned lots and will be more than ready to be in Kindergarten this fall. We are super proud of her!

                     Grandpa and Grandma were able to come and support.

                                                Claire and Mrs. Jensen

                                              Claire and her biggest fans.

Little Man is 2

Lukey turned two on May 22. We had a small party with Grandma and Grandpa Hamblin. Big sister Claire stepped in during present opening and helped him organize and open his gifts. Daddy made a yummy chocolate cake and we celebrated how special this little boy is. Lukey loves everything from the movie Cars. He loves trains and Buzz Lightyear. Luke is getting much better at communicating his needs. He gets excited when we understand him. He is a sweetie but full of crazy at the same time. Lately Mark and I have been watching him run around and around and around the house. He likes giving hugs and kisses. He hates driving in cars and won't go anywhere near water when we are our splashing in the wading pool. He has also decided he is done with nursery and now stays with me while I teach four nursery singing classes. Lukey is good at being 2! What would we do without him?!

Claire's 5th Birthday May 13

 Our Princess Claire turned 5 years old on Mother's Day this year. She was born on Mother's Day and it was fun to come full circle. We hosted my family for a big party that day. All the cousins were excited to dive into this fun princess cake from costco.

We threw a big Princess Birthday Bash for Claire and her preschool friends the day before her birthday. We made crowns, ate cupcakes, opened presents, broke open a pinata and played in the park. A friend of ours took the boys for the party so Mark and I could focus our attention on Claire and her guests. I think we pulled off a fun party.   
                                I love these pictures of Claire and her Mommy.

                                                              Pinata

My hope for Claire's birthday weekend was for her to know and feel how special she is. Mark and I are so grateful she came first in our family. She is the most tender big sister. I often find her coaching Sean through a challenge or helping him with words or signs. She is his biggest cheer leader and his best friend. Claire is like Luke's second(or third) mommy. He often stops her during the day for a hug. I always like to tell Claire how much her brothers love her. Claire is quick to help. Showing love and compassion comes easy for her. She loves learning and singing. She has become especially proficient at riding her bike! Claire likes to draw and wants to be an artist when she grows up. She is the best at making friends and is so kind to everyone she meets. Yes, that is Ducky in her hand in the picture above. He continues to be her favorite, most cherished toy! We love our awesome 5 year old!