Beckham's First Day of Kindergarten ~August

 

 This beautiful 5-year-old bounced out of bed at 6am with a smile on his face on August 7th. He continued to smile the entire time Daddy prepared breakfast and the whole way to the bus stop. . .

 We made it a family affair ;)

 Ah. There's the smile I was talking about!

 Beckham took a turn with the camera.

 

 Then Brooks took a turn.

 

The exciting moment arrived. The smile faded a bit when he sat down in his seat (and the concern set in).

 Of course the tears welled up in Mommy's eyes as we walked back to the house. 

Brooksie followed through with trying on every costume in the closet in addition to his Baby Legs (worn on both arms and legs). He missed his bubby something awful!

Scott and I called each other half a dozen times with "what do you think he's doing right now" or "I hope he's okay".

 But we all survived. And look at that smile when it was time to get Bubby off the bus!

 I am so glad I captured this moment!!!

 This was one tired but happy boy after his first day of. . .

 (didn't turn out like Pinterest. argh!)

Summer is Drawing to a Close ~August

 With the countdown to Beckham's first day of Kindergarten ticking away. . .

 we had some family fun at Mellow Mushroom with awesome new balloon Raphael and balloon Angry Bird!

 Beckham with his stunning quof.

We stormed Target for some last minute back-to-school clothes shopping after meeting Beckham's teachers for the first time.

A Progression in Swimming ~May/June/July/August

We started taking swim lessons once a week in May. While Brooks got in the water with no issues, Beckham cried his entire first lesson. One month later, he was swimming on his own (though his face remained out of the water).

 

Brooks, ever fearless, had absolutely no issues jumping into the deep end with his froggy on. Beckham still wouldn't make an attempt.

 

A week later he was jumping in side by side with Brooksie.

 

Another month, with no swim vests in site, the partners in crime were tackling the wall free style ;)

 

Three months in, the work in progress. . .

 

 That's right! We're awesome and we know it!

Brooksie even passed his class and moved up to Beckham's!!!

Happy Birthday, Uncle Seany Bear ~July

We spent the first portion of Uncle Sean's birthday celebration in the water. The boys had to show off their wall-jumping talents (Beckham's first time taking a go at it).

 

 the birthday boy

"So when will it be my turn?"

Wait. Who's birthday is this, anyway???

Happy birthday, Seany!

More Random Summerness ~July/August

 We attended a family reunion in July at which we met Uncle Ben's new girlfriend Emily and her two kids Dakota and Reid. Since I failed to get a shot of them at the reunion, I got one of the boys and Reid one afternoon when they came to swim and play.

 We chose the first sunny day in what felt like weeks to go to the mall and play on the indoor playground ;)

 T-R-O-U-B-L-E

 We rode the train while we were there (something we hadn't done in a while).

 

 We sported Daddy's hockey gear in the nude.

 We replaced Mr. Poopypants with a new Mr. Poopypants.

 We wished Uncle Sean a happy birthday in the classiest way possible.

 We "smiled for the camera" with buddy Caleb. . .

 before his mommy, Allison shaped B's hair up for school.

 And we spent some quiet time with the t.v. off!

Road Trip to PA ~July

 This is what happens when you hop in the car at 5am to make an impromptu all-day trip to Pittsburgh.

 Some very silly Mommy/Son moments. . .

 God bless Grandma for hitting up the dollar store for some much needed surprises for the boys!

 

As I mentioned, the trip was impromptu. We lost our very loved Grandma Tootsie rather suddenly. Though we were very sad the whole time we were there, we thoroughly enjoyed the chance to see all of the family.

 The boys were extremely well behaved!

Sadly, though, we had to leave. This was their final farewell to Pittsburgh since we left at 6am.

We love you, Grandma Tootsie!