Five Brown Kids

Here's some pictures Courtney took of cute little Scotia enjoying her first cold swim of the summer. She loves the water - I predict another Jaxon swimmer here.

This one is for the grandparents. Taye had his school talent/dance show today. Each grade level puts on a performance and it's always lots of fun. Taye's a serious dancer, here he is jumping away.... (He's got the white shirt and tan cap on)

Our neighbourhood pool opened on Saturday. This year was the first time in five North Carolina summers that I have not been dying for the pool to open weeks before its scheduled start. This year, lots of rain, lots of glorious 70 degree sunny days. Great days for the park - no days that made me long for the pool. On Saturday we woke up ready to go.... and it was 52 degrees. We hit the farmers market, played with friends, took a nap, headed up to the opening day BBQ and by the time we were done eating the sun was out, the temperature was a bit warmer and the kids were ready to dive in. Even Scotia jumped in and out, while I sat on the side holding her hands. Cold air and cold water reminded me of all my memorable (cold) Nova Scotia summers. Break for a drink and a little sun to warm up. Freezing cold boys!

I'm finally getting around to downloading some videos and learning how to edit them. Here's my record of Taye getting off the bus. I always park a little ways back and he hops off that bus and runs like crazy to jump in the van. It's too cute. On Friday I pick up my neighbour kids too - so you'll hear that voice helping me out with the date. Sorry about the wild movement at the end. I'm still learning. Enjoy!

Jaxon had his last day of three year old preschool today. He's had wonderful teachers this year, and today I noticed the cutest thing as they showed us some of the wonderful songs, skits and activities that they've learned this year. If one of the kids knew an answer right off the bat to a tough question the teacher would tell them to "kiss your brain" and these little kids would put hand to lips and then pat their heads just as fast as could be. It was great. Jaxon's a lucky kid to go to such a wonderful school. Summer break for three months now.... Saying goodbye to Ms Jackie and Ms Jo. One final show of the real volcano. They loved it!

Here are my boys and the neighbour kids after a busy day of play. A little biking, a little football, a little baseball, a water gun fight, a few snacks and of course a little play/frog catching in the stream. Looks more like a mud wrestling match to me! Smile and say cheese everyone!

Saturday morning I ran with Courtney in the St Timothy's School Spring Sprint to benefit the WakeMed Pediatric Diabetes Program. Two months ago Courtney's oldest son was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Just two weeks after that she had their third little boy - so it was a crazy spring. There's nothing fun about diabetes but Riley and family are doing a great job adjusting. Riley ran the one mile fun run in great time - we are all proud of him for stepping up and learning how to take care of himself so well. So I fancy myself a bit of a runner. I thought a 5k would be a piece of cake so I ran my usual 7 miler earlier Saturday morning before this. Well, this ended up being one tough 5k. I hate hills. I think I hate running! Why do I do it? I always feel great when I'm done. Kudos to Courtney who has a six week old and is already back in the running mix. Still faster than me.....