Great Job, 7!

Can't believe our first T-ball season has come and gone!  The mighty Muckdogs had their fifth and final game this morning and we could not be more proud of this little guy pictured above.  He was one of only two 4-yr-olds on a team of mostly 6-yr-olds and, despite lacking maturity, seemed to really enjoy being a part of a team.  And, today, he had his best hit of the season (line drive to the right of the pitcher's mound) and finally remembered to run to first base upon contact!

As you may have noticed, the coaches went above and beyond and gave each player a personalized trophy (e.g., names engraved, pony tails for the girls).  For years, both Mike and Traci have been quick to criticize the modern day era of participation trophies.  However, neither of them were quite prepared for the joy that came over Michael's face upon being handed his award.  Nor his delight as he immediately sprinted 50 feet across the picnic area to show it to his mom.

Good season, Muckdogs.  On deck: Sharks and Minnows (i.e., swim teams).

Swamplandia

You gotta hand it to our general vicinity:  the nature preserves here are amazing and diverse.  Over this spring, we have visited water falls, rolling rivers, wide ponds, and wooded trails.  We tried something a little different and unique today....a wetlands preserve.  (Michael called it "The Swamp.")  It basically consisted of a sturdy boardwalk that winded and crisscrossed its way around a beautiful marshland.  In the picture, Michael is standing high atop an observation deck that looked over the great expanse.  But most of the boardwalk had no railing at all, so I really had to keep my eyes on the frolicking little ones.  (Because, really, who wants to fall into a swamp?)

We saw plenty of cool wildlife thriving in its natural habitat.  We saw snapping turtles, other turtles, millions of frogs and toads, tadpoles, fish, insects, geese, and millions of other water birds.  We also saw two beaver dams, but the beavers must have been snug inside.  One of our favorite sightings was this little fella hidden in the reeds next to the boardwalk.  He was very well-camouflaged, but we found him.  Can you see what it is?

Buzzing Around

Those Honeybees are back at it again!  A bunch of Michael's preschool classmates got together this morning for a play date at the local Nature Center.  (Michael LOVES to brag about these play dates to Katie...finally getting to have all the fun while she's still at school.)  The kids played inside, looked at the animals, went on a nature walk, and chased each other at the playground.  It really is fun to see these little 3- and 4-year-olds bonding.  Many of the kids are already signed up to be in his class next year, so the transition should definitely be smoother.

Here's a shot of our little budding scientist with his latest obsession:  mushrooms!  I don't even know how he got into this latest craze, but we always have to go out hunting for them.  The rains we got this week led to many sprouting up in the woods.  Michael had all of his classmates searching with him for the next great mushroom.  Unfortunately, he also picked up an uninvited guest - a tick - which he found (himself!) in the bathtub tonight.  All is well - we got that sucker before it became engorged.  Other than that, it was a great, great nature morning!

So Long, Honeybees!

Our little guy finished up his Preschool year on Friday.  (Let's allow Traci a moment to compose herself after that sentence.  No, not out of sentimentality.  More like, ohmygosh, I will have 3 kids 24/7 all summer long soon....)  His Honeybee class had perfect weather for their outdoor Pirate party.  Michael was such a cute pirate, in his blue bandanna, eye patch, Girl Scout vest (thanks, Katie), and cowboy boots (thanks again, Katie).  ARRRR...what a jolly good time everybody had with their fruit, popsicles, and goldfish!

Michael had an unbelievably successful preschool year, thanks to his wonderful teachers and classmates.  He started out the year as a shy, somewhat-speech-deficient, stubborn boy who didn't really know how to play with others or participate in classroom-wide activities.  He has absolutely flourished, singing all of his school songs at home, asking for play dates with his numerous "buddies," and even giving special hugs to his beloved teachers.  (Look at how cute he is with his lead teacher, Mrs. Hernandez.)  We don't really worry about the academic stuff yet, but he has started to learn his letters and numbers and should be well-prepared by kindergarten time.

One last picture with his other teacher, Mrs. Crane.  He had a special affinity for her, even giving her a nickname ("Crazy Mrs. Crane").  We are especially thankful to her for being the first person to really bring Michael out of his shell.  She was the first to crack this crazy nut.  Now we can't wait for one more year of preschool to get Michael ready for prime-time!

All Done!

All hail, Princess Neve!  Today was a huge milestone day for her as she finally graduated out of physical therapy services!!  Just look at her with her buddy, Miss Jen.  They've come a long, long way from the tantrums of yore.  (I swear that Jen must have secretly cringed just before entering our house each week....)  These two worked long and hard to get Neve as strong and agile as she is now.  She's still a little behind for her age, but she acquires new skills at a rapid pace.  She is almost running and going up and down steps without holding on to anything.  Next up...perhaps jumping?  Anyway, it will be nice to have our Thursday mornings back, but we will miss playing with Miss Jen.  Hip, hip, hooray!!!

The Graduates

So proud of these guys.  This past weekend, Mike traveled to Milwaukee to attend his nephew, Ben's, graduation from Marquette University.  In a lousy circumstance for Bill and Maggie (his parents), Ben's brother, Tom, graduated from Montini Catholic High School back in the Chicagoland area at the exact same time!  Made for some interesting choices and logistics, but the whole family managed to gather for Ben's baccalaureate, for some cap and gown pictures on campus, and for two delicious celebratory meals.  As for Mike, he quite enjoyed milling about a college campus again (the weather was spectacular), basking in the nostalgia that is known as male college residency (Ben's house had 8 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, enough said), and hanging out with these two dapper looking fellas in this picture all weekend.  Thanks to Bill and Maggie for hosting, and congratulations to Ben and Tom.  Looking forward to doing it all over again in four years (Tom begins his Marquette adventure this Fall).

Patience, Young Grasshopper