Mother's Day 2015

Mother's Day this year was pretty low key.  We went to church in the morning and Jake had his awards ceremony for Awana's that afternoon.  

 Jake worked so hard all year in Awana's and we are so proud of him!  He was in Sparks (Kindergarten-2nd grade)  He finished his whole book, by the skin of his teeth, and memorized a lot of verses.  

 Our awesome children's pastor, 'Mr Tiny'

 Jake going up on stage to get his award ribbon

 Ta Da!  So proud of him!

 After his ceremony, Jake wanted to take me somewhere special to eat for Mother's Day.  The most special place to a 5 year old is of course, CiCi's Pizza.

 I also got flowers and sweet cards.  

Being their Mama is the best job in the world!

Big Texas BBQ

Our church kicks off summer with a 'Big Texas BBQ' each year.  I didn't get to take a lot of picture this year, it's hard to hold Cody and take good pics at the same time.  It was a blast!

 Several of the guys in our class entered the BBQ competition.  They did an amazing job and came in 2nd place...behind professional caterers.

 Yup, this kid chose a corny dog instead of all the delicious meat

 Once again, Cody had a hard time relaxing

 He loved the peach cobbler

 A few shots form the greased pig chase.  Jake won it last year and he was not happy that he didn't repeat again this year.  Poor kid!

Field Trip to the Outdoor Learning Center

Last month, I got to do my 'room mom' thing and go with Jake's class to the Outdoor Learning Center.  I had never heard of it before, but Plano ISD has their own wildlife preserve/animal rescue facility that is exclusive to the schools in the district.  It was pretty cool!

 

 Cody is/was teething and of all nights, he was up almost the entire night before.  I was SO tired, but drank an extra cup of coffee and was good to go.

 The class got to pet several animals, a bird

 rabbit,

 and a turtle.  The lady told them there was one more animal.  And then she pulled a freakin' snake out! I almost ditched my group of 5 year olds and ran!  Thankfully, they had run out of time to pass it around.

 They did get to check out an extra long snake skin.  I'm fine with dead snakes ;)

 Next up was the rescued animal area, which I didn't get pictures of...mostly because it was full of more snakes, bugs, insects, roaches, and all the things that give me the heebie jeebies.  There was a bobcat, opossum, raccoon, and a few other cute guys that made it worth it.

 

Checking out the hands on table.

 Next, it was our turn to explore the outdoors. 

Examining sand and soil.

 Off on a hike, where we saw no snakes, hallelujah!

 The 'hugging trees.'

 Listening to the guide

 Examining different rocks and minerals

 Jake was assigned the fool's gold for a game they played.  He thought that was awesome!

It was a really fun trip, and my little animal lover/scientist was in HEAVEN!!!

Second half of April, 2015

Once again, I'm playing catch up...but at least I'm getting caught up!  The past 6 weeks have been spring football, Jake playing 2 sports, and Cody cutting 8, yes EIGHT teeth!  So I really do have a good reason :)  Here is the second half of April at the Tyler house.

 

The boys are starting to play together more and more.  There have been fun growing pains as Cody's personality is growing and he is able to clearly express what he wants/doesn't want.  Typically he wants whatever Jake is playing with and big bro doesn't always want to share.  Then, there are times that Jake will come and take over whatever toy Cody has.  It's especially tricky when little bro doesn't get the concept of sharing at all. 

 Early morning cuddles

 Cody the Climber...

 Ta Da!  He can climb onto the ottoman all by himself and then climbs down on his belly.  He hasn't fallen off...yet.

 He discovered the pound-a-peg toy.  He doesn't use the hammer yet, but loves to push the pegs through...over and over...and OVER.

  More bro moments

 

 This face!

 Then Cody taught himself to climb onto the ottoman, over the arm rest and onto the couch.

 This kid really needs to work on being more relaxed.

Jake started T-Ball this month, I'll post about that later, but here he was off to his first practice!

 Take my picture!

 A little Sunday afternoon batting practice with Dad

 

We were watching the ACM awards and Jake ran for his guitar to join in and give us a concert. 

   Cody the Climber...and I will admit my Mom fail that just after these pics he rolled off the side of the train table.  He was totally unphased and laughing.

 

 

 Hanging out at TBall practice

 Bro moments, today they were fighting over who got to lay on the ottoman...Cody was trying to head-butt Jake off of it.

 

 Cody has started cruising with his walkers, but still no steps on his own :(

 One of his favorite places to play

 Cody got big boy haircut #2 this month

 This isn't a new skill, but I don't think I've caught it on camera before.  He loves to take the lids off of his snack canisters with his teeth!  He will do it over and over.  If I do it for him, he puts the lid back on and takes it off himself.

  

  So proud of himself

 

He is looking less and less like a baby, sniff!   

One day, Cody discovered that he could open the refrigerator door...which he would do a few hundred times a day if I let him. 

 

 

 Milk!

  Cheese!

And now, I chill.

 

 He loves Jake's old dress up hats.  He loves to hand one to you and wants you to put it on/take it off over and over again.

  

  Cody and I had our last Rhyme Time of the spring.  We have a few weeks until they start again.   Cody has loved going and gotten really comfortable.  This week, he started crawling away during the stories and venturing away from mommy.

 

  

"Driving" books around the room like cars

 Checking out the other side of the room

 Big Bro

Jake left me this sweet note one morning, melt my heart! 

 Park time with my boys 

 Playing peek-a-boo with his plate

  Cruising the couch...I think he is getting really close to walking.  I'm shocked that he is doing it so late, but really, I know life will get really crazy once he does so I'm not in a rush. 

Chilled out, tummy out, this kid is the definition of laid back.