Happy Birthday Jacob

 Happy birthday dear Jacob.

The big 15 this year.  His birthday fell on Memorial Day this year which means he got out of bed in time to blow out the candles.

He also got his learner's permit, which is very terrifying for me.

The Last Luau

 Today Eliza had her kindergarten luau.

Our blue-eyed girl all fancied up.

 According to Eliza this was "the best day ever."

 Eliza loved her teacher, Ms. Crumpler.

 Strumming on her ukulele.

 

 Eliza in her luau outfit. Her class performed a bunch of songs, my favorite being "I lava you."

 I guess it is time to retire my luau shirt.  I have worn it to all five of my kids luaus.

 One of my favorite of Eliza's drawings this year.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day with my sweet kids.

Beach day with the cousins

 Brother Mike came to visit for work and brought his whole family.

We took a trip to Manasota Key with Brother David and Mason and Porter.

 Brother David showing Christian how to hunt for sharks teeth.

 Eliza slashing in the water.

 Jacob helping Christian dig for sharks teeth.

Grace with the mermaid hair.  Beach light is always the best.

Mason and Adam, disproportional same-age cousins.

Tricia was fascinated that the water was so warm (that is what Wyoming does to one).  I was concerned it would be too cold for me to swim in early May (that is what Florida does to one)

 Jacob posing with his boogie board.

 Merry bringing in the shark teeth collection.

Grace has to do a math project on shark's teeth.  Luckily this beach visit fit right in.

Slightly edited of course with Porter starring as John and Merry starring as Sarah and Jaws starring as Bobby.

.  A picture Grace took of some of the shark's teeth.

We had a successful day collecting and a great time with the cousins.

Grace is 11

 Sweet Grace turned 11.

 We went to the big city to take her pictures.

 Her blue steal look.

 Splashing in the fountain.

 All of the flames melted the top of the G.

 Blowing out the candles.

Eliza came with us to take Grace's pictures.  These two are so cute together.

This is the last year they will be in school together but I hope they still stay close.

Easter

Our official Easter picture.

All the children looking quite dapper.

Eliza two front teeth are finally coming in.

 

Adam in his bow tie.  He likes them better because they don't get wrinkly if he leaves them at the bottom of his closet.

Grace is always the most picky about her dresses but secretly I just think she likes to go shopping.

Jacob ready to hunt some Easter eggs.

Merry looking very merry.

The prepicture chaos.

After a few years of Jacob trying to steal all the Easter eggs, I came up with a new strategy, color-assigned eggs.  It did take Jacob and Merry several weeks to find all of their eggs.  Prolonging the Easter fun.

 Adam excited about his finds.

Eliza posing with her Easter loot.

Grace and Eliza were the main Easter egg dyers.  Adam and Merry made a brief appearance then disappeared.

Finally the mom and the dad, Easter version.
Happy Easter.