Teddy Bear Picnic

The kids had their end of the year Teddy Bear Picnic a few weeks ago. It's always really cute and they had a blast. This was one of Steve's big outings and he did great. This was Ava's last picnic and there was plenty of sadness {posts later on how I'm an emotional mess about it} and even more fun.

It's so funny watching the kids with their friends. I adore her group of buddies---they are all so sweet and just all mesh so well together. I know there will be drama later in life and other sticky situations but, for now, I'm loving their friendships.  

music + bubbles= hours of fun

Ava got picked to go up and lead the entire group in limbo. So cute.

The firetruck came and was a HUGE hit with Cole. He'd sit up in the truck just glowing. When his turn was over, he'd jump down and run to the end of the line to do it again. I tried to convince him to head back but he looked at me like I was crazy and said "but, mama, dere is a firetruck here." So it was settled.

Aves and her BFF

Ava & her boyfriend---going on three years for these two. They are seriously like an old married couple. His mom and I joke about using this picture for their wedding some day. You never know! Steve & I went to elementary school together...

school's out

So Ava Lou is officially a Pre-K graduate and Cole finished his first year of preschool---and I completely cried. There were definitely a few of us crying at the last day. I can't believe our baby is off to Kindergarten next year---how is that even possible? I know she is emotionally, physically, and academically ready but it doesn't stop me from being a little a lot sad. I adore Ava & Cole's school. Their philosophy completely meshes with ours and they are just fantastic there. It's been such a "home" for us that it is hard to imagine sending Ava off anywhere else. So while mama was sad, Ava & Cole were thrilled to celebrate their last day of school. I don't think it's hit Ava yet that she won't be with all her friends next year---it also hasn't hit Cole yet that he will not be attending Kindergarten in the fall :)

first and last day

first and last day

walking in with her boyfriend for the last times 

Go Sox!

Steve had Sox tickets for his birthday but couldn't go---so Ava & I had a girls' night at the game. We got Cole & Steve a babysitter and were on our way. Ava had been practicing singing Sweet Caroline in anticipation of the game and was so excited to head into Fenway.

we're here!

 We had some great seats and filled our belly with our Fenway favorites. Ava could wave down the hawkers like a pro and would scout out where the cotton candy was so we could get some. Ava was so determined to stay for Sweet Caroline {middle of the eighth}---and then it was the slowest game ever. I think we were only in the 3rd inning and it was 9pm. But we stayed and Ava sang Sweet Caroline with Fenway and declared it "awesome!".

 We took the T back to where we parked and Ava had her first T ride with the drunk crew. Now I may or may not have had my share of tipsy T rides in my day but I was not so amused when trying to get my 5 year old on the T with a bunch of drunk kids. Thankfully some older guys cleared the way and we got a bar to hang on to. Ava had some fun people watching on that ride.

We stopped by the memorial for the Marathon bombing on the way back to the car. The memorial is right in Copley Square which is always busy & loud---especially on a Saturday. And despite all the people, it was dead quiet there.

 Ava & I paid our respects and signed the wall before heading home.

barricades from the marathon

news crews lined the streets

It was such a fun date night---and a great game---but we were exhausted!

pre-summer fun

April brought some pre-summer fun over here. We broke out the water table & had our first s'mores batch---I think we're officially ready for summer!

water table=best gift

 Ava & Cole turned the water table into a water slide together. Hysterical listening to them plan it out and figure out the best place to put the water to get the best sliding action.

 Seriously, water, play clothes, and some toys equals hours of fun for these two. Toss them in the tub when they are done and they are asleep in no time.

Cole is showing signs of being a lefty---you know how thrilled that makes daddy!

 We also had our first s'mores of the season. Ok maybe not mommy & daddy's first ones but the kiddos' first s'mores of the season. They were a mess but, oh, so delicious!

going to the zoo

We took a day trip to the zoo over April Vacation. The weather was finally getting nice so it was a perfect day to walk around. The kids loved it and it was so nice to get out for the day.

active zebras!

elephants getting ready for their baths

Cole wanted to sit on every single animal statue

checking out the tree house

 We went to the other part of the park and rode the carousel and went to the playground. Everyone was wiped after!