May is the New December

There are so many "special" things in May: field day, field trips, teacher appreciation, awards, programs, fund raisers....when you multiply it times three kids in three different schools and add in a few sports....It's a busy month.


I really like Micah's hair a little longer on the top, but he was ready to go back to short hair for summer.

before

after

Hannah wrote a great story about a lost kitten for the "Young Author's Tea" at school.  She was nervous to read it in front of everyone, but she persevered. 

Micah had a music and art night at school.  He did a trio with two other students that achieved "black belts" in recorder this year.

I'm very thankful for all the mom friends that help me with childcare while I'm trying to do all the things.  I'm also glad I get to return the favor sometimes.

Just a pirate and a policeman trying to change a baby's diaper.  Totally normal.

Matthew and McKinley at the park

Matthew and June enjoying "Pinkalicious" 

Colton in a tree.  

I've also been entertained by Matthew's costume choices lately.

The first and second graders did biking for their last "Fantastic Friday" of the year.  I had a great group of girls; we did four miles together.

That night, Hannah played hard during her 90 minute soccer practice.  She got up the next morning and played an aggressive hour-long soccer game.  Then we went straight to the trail for the Try-a-thon where she accomplished her goal of biking six miles!!

She said she wasn't even tired, but the next morning I found her sitting on the floor in front of the pantry.  Apparently the effort of standing to pick out cereal was just too much.

Hannah has also been working hard at gymnastics.  She just got an invitation this week to move from the beginner class to the intermediate class. 

Matthew finished his first year of preschool!  He had a great year, both socially and academically.  Next year he will do three full days a week of pre-K at Cornerstone. 

last day of school

this was the first day of school 

This is Micah and Hannah Crissman.  They were together in preschool for two years, then at Cornerstone for four years.  Since they were both at the preschool program tonight for their youngest siblings, we made them take a picture together.  :) 

Hannah's field day was yesterday.  Somehow Matthew made it into the class picture.

Micah's last day of school is today.  Yesterday Matthew and I went for his class party.  We are just so proud of all the challenges he took on this year and how much he has grown.

Angelo is one of the boys from Micah's soccer team.  The soccer boys are all extra sweet with Matthew.

Busy Weekend

Friday night: Micah's piano recital (not sure if this link will work)


Saturday 9am - Matthew and Hannah's soccer games

11am - Hannah and Deb at first birthday party

The party was wild and tons of people, but I love that Hannah and her sweet friend Ella are just chilling.

1pm - Micah's soccer game

Micah scored a goal!!!!  

the sibling fan club

4:30pm - Hannah and Deb at second birthday party

Sunday 9am - church

1:00 - Micah soccer game

2:00 - Hannah and Deb at "Little Mermaid" Ballet

Ainsley

Gwen

Sunday 8pm - kids in bed, Scott and Deb finally relaxing.  :)  

April

April had some rough patches, including all the male family members getting a stomach bug and Scott passing a kidney stone.  But it had some good moments, too, like visits from both sets of grandparents and soccer starting and field trips and parties.


I didn't get a family picture on Easter, but we at least got one of the girls.


We had one day of nicer weather while Gramme and Poppa were here, so we went for a hike.



Hannah finished her third year of Chayil at church.  It continues to be one of her favorite activities.

Matthew likes to dress up for church.  His outfits don't always match, but he pulls it off.  :) 

Hannah's class got to have a unique experience at Kent State University in their "AT&T Classroom".  For three weeks, her class spent four mornings a week using various technology to enhance their normal classwork.  Here are links to the university's blog to see more pictures and details about what they did.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Matthew's class had a field trip to the Akron Children's Museum.  He only has 3 mornings of preschool left this year!  He has loved preschool and is much more out-going than Micah or Hannah were at this age.  His little friends are always excited to see him, and he seems to be quite popular. 

Soccer season is off to a very cold, wet, and windy start.  When Micah and Scott (who is helping coach) got home from practice last night, they looked like they had been swimming with their clothes on!  At the little kids' practice last Friday, I was pretty sure that one of the smaller players was going to be swept away in the strong winds.  (Cue the Wizard of Oz music!)

I had to promise Hannah hot cocoa to get her out on the field in the cold rain last Saturday.

 

Matthew is old enough this year to do the "academy" program that Hannah does.  They do skills and drills on Friday nights, then scrimmage on Saturday mornings.  Don't try to tell Matthew that it's just a scrimmage, though.  This competitive guy takes every game seriously and always keeps score.

big brother went over to help coach while Matthew was in the goal

 Micah likes to cuddle with me while we watch his siblings.  See how happy he is?  It may look like he's trying to push the camera away and run away from me, but really snuggling with his mom is his favorite thing. 
Micah's team has won their first two games.  I haven't taken any pictures because I was too cold to take my hands out of my pockets.

Hannah has had a very busy social calendar lately.  This particular week she played soccer in the morning, helped me drop food off for a friend, changed for a tea party, then went straight to Micah's soccer game.

We finally had some warm weather this week!  The kids have been excited to set up this slack line they got for Christmas.  Currently Hannah holds the record for taking seven steps without falling.