crazy 8's & a lego star wars party

Peter had his 8th birthday party with some of his good friends from here in Nashville in June since we were out of town on his actual birthday in May.  After the party, he said it was great and thanked me profusely.  He said his friends had so much fun!  I think it was a success!  We played "Don't Eat Pete" Lego Star Wars version, then the kids ate snacks and played downstairs.  Overheard at one point "If Bella kisses me again..."   The highlight of the party was the water balloon launch which I didn't get any photos of.  I drew a picture of Darth Vader on the driveway with chalk and we launched water balloons at it from the deck.  Later, they wanted me to fill more water balloons and it seemed this was the preferred activity.  We also destroyed a Death Star pinata and the kids played the new Lego Star Wars game that Pete's friend Garrett gave him.  Here are some photo highlights:

 

 

 

 

may=fun

Between a house-hunting trip to Phoenix, a baptism, two birthdays, 8 extra family members staying in our home, lots of fun activities with family, preschool graduation, the end of 2nd grade, and beginning of summer break, it has been a busy month of May!

Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins came to have some fun.  The kids loved catching fireflies!  

catching fireflies

Peter and cousin Brielle (They absolutely LOVED playing together).

Caught one!

Playing.

 

Couldn't get a better picture than this!

 

They filled the jar with fireflies!

 

Letting them go.

Storytime with Grandma V.

peter's baptism

 Peter was baptized on May 26, 2012 in Nashville, TN.  His Grandma and Grandpa Van Horn, Grandma Leslie, Aunt Corrine, Uncle Brandon, cousins Brielle, Aria, and Gavin all came to attend the service. Many ward and school friends and families also attended.  

 

2nd grade, the end

 

Mrs. Hamacher's 2nd Grade class, May 2012.

Receiving "Most Improved Reading" award (cuz he only started the year out at a 4th grade reading level!).

Mrs. Hamacher and Peter.

The last day of school, May 24, 2012.

Pete goofing around with some of his classmates.

This year is particularly sad because we will be leaving Gower Elementary and all of his dear friends.  We've had some fabulous teachers at this school during Kindergarten and 1st grade as well!

kindergarten, here we come

 And boy are "they" going to get a run for their money!  I just pray that both Jack and Ben get really loving, patient teachers who understand boys and their need for movement and silliness.  Here they are with their preschool friends.  I am so grateful to the moms of all these great kids who loved and cared for my boys despite their "energetic" personalities!  I'm really going to miss the great friendships we've made through preschool with the kids and moms.  I got to learn from some amazing mother's/teachers/friends and I will always remember them fondly.

All the monkeys.  They really are a great bunch!

That's more like it!