Jacob, the Baseball Player!

A friend of mine took these great pictures of Jacob at his baseball game on Saturday. It is amazing that she did not take one of him ducking for cover or stepping away from the ball since that is how he spends most of the game! It is understandable though. This is his first year of player pitch and he has been hit several times, very hard! He has figured out that if he walks, he still gets to make it to first base and then has a chance to run without the fear of being hit by the ball. We have bribed him with money if he would just swing the bat a couple of times during a game, but that hasn't worked. Hopefully we won't have to follow through on our latest threat to sell his new bat on Craigslist if he doesn't make good use of it.

He does look so grown up out there on the field!

We will let you know how the next few games go.

My Worst Nightmare Came True!

The following was written by Jacob:

There was a tornado in Aurora on Sunday. We were in church having Fast Sunday when brother Giles came in and said, "There is a tornado close to the church." Then our bishop said, "Go to the hall." My brother and my dad got to go see it but I didn't. It was a couple of yards away! I was freaked out. When it passed we went home early and looked at the news and Southlands Mall by our house was a wreck. Our Home Teacher took this picture out his back window:

And this is how big the hail was in our front yard:

Can you believe we survived our first tornado????????????

Last Day of School!

Today was such a bittersweet day. Both Jacob and Ryan have been blessed with the most amazing teachers. They have been patient and kind and have helped both boys to do so great this year. I don't like change, especially when things are going so well! I tried for months to talk Jacob's teacher into moving up to fourth grade, but was not successful. The only consolation is that Ryan will have her as a teacher in two years!

Jacob with Ms. Branch

Ms. Branch loves to cook with her class so I made her an apron and we gave her a Cookbook for Kids.

Jacob's Third Grade Class

Ryan with his teacher, Ms. Zilk

We made lemon cupcakes with lime frosting for Ryan's OT, Reading Specialists, and Teacher. We also gave Ms. Zilk a gift certificate to Home Goods because she just bought her first house.

After school our friend who was driving the car pool decorated her car to celebrate the last day of school.

We then went to the sprinkler park and let the kids play in the water all afternoon. Even Laynie stripped down to her onesie and had some fun playing in the water.

I can't believe we only have 5 weeks of summer and then I will have a 2nd and 4th grader!

Jacob's Presentation

Jacob's class did presentations on Eurpean countries using Power Point. Seriously, I am amazed by what these kids can do. I have no idea how to use Power Point! Jacob's group presented on Austria. Jacob spoke about landmarks in Austria and also Arnold Schwarzeneggar. He did such a great job!

The Denver Aquarium

Last week Kelly stayed home with Laynie so that I could go with Ryan on a field trip to the Aquarium. I know landlocked Denver is the last place you would expect to find an Aquarium which is probably why it is so ridiculously expensive! The boys have asked many times to go, so I was glad for the chance to check it out for free (except for parking which is also outrageous!). Anyway, we had a great time and Ryan can't wait to go back with Jacob (although with the amount they earn for allowance, it will be the end of summer before we make it there!).

Looking for the tiger (I know, a tiger in an aquarium . . .)

Creating a Coral Reef

Trying not to be eaten by the Piranhas

Ryan's cute class!