Backj to School!

Mack and Elyse started school this week at our local elementary school. Mack is in 2nd grade this year and Elyse is in kindergarten. Both children were very ready to begin school. Mack woke Elyse up yesterday morning and told her, "You get to ride the bus today, Elyse! This is so exciting! I can hardly believe it!!" Mack has been excited about Elyse joining him at school this year and riding the bus with him, and she has been equally excited. Riding the bus is the highlight of their day!

Wonderful Wednesdays

Wednesdays are special days for Mommy and the Little Lengels. Since the weather got warm we have been our friend Ms. Mandy and her little boy Eli (21/2) at a park each Wednesday morning. At first it was just Noelle and Grace because the other 2 were still in school but now Elyse has joined us and Mack will get to play next week. The kids have a great time on the playground equipment and the Mommies enjoy a morning out of the house and a friend to talk to. We typically take along plenty of snacks and sometimes our lunch as well. We have tried out many local playgrounds. On rainy days or days when one Mommy or another is without a car, we just meet at a home.

One day here at our house we made homemade soft pretzels with Noelle and Eli--yummy! The kids loved dumping in the ingredients, kneading the dough, and making shapes. Brushing on the egg wash afterwards and sprinkling on the salt was great fun too.

Eli has a new sand and water table at his house and that was a big hit last week.

Some weeks other Mommies and the children are able to come as well.

Today we met at a park that has a giant sprinkler. The girls had a great time running around in the water with Eli and trying out the slides and merry-go-round. This will be a great park to visit this summer as the weather grows even warmer.

Outdoor Fun

With warm weather upon us, we have been spending a great deal of time outside.

Our backyard is riddled with baby toads which the kids just love to catch and play with.

The children are out on their bikes and scooters, playing on the swingset, and in the wading pool. They have also been a great help in planting some new plants and in keeping them watered. Lunch is often eaten on the deck and the kids may be seen some afternoons running around with a homemade popsicle.

The girls finished preschool the middle of May. Elyse graduated in a cap and gown from K-4, and both girls were in the end of the year program. Mack's last day of first grade is tomorrow the 4th of June.

Picture Day at Preschool--My Three Girls

All dressed up for spring and sitting pretty.

Noelle's Third Birthday

Noelle's third birthday was on May 11th. We made her an Elmo cake and decorating it was a group effort. "Happy Birthday" was sung, party blowers were blown, and of course, fashionable party hats were worn by all.

Noelle got to celebrate with her preschool class the next day. She took in ice cream cups to share with her friends.

We used her birthday money to buy her a wading pool and it has been great fun for all. The first day she put a potted plant in for a swim--that was the end of that swim time!

Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom Visit

Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop came for a visit Thursday through Saturday. We had such a delightful time. The weather was so pretty Thursday afternoon so we sat outside and watched the children ride their bikes on the driveway, swing on the swing set, and climb a few trees.

Patrick's Dad came over and chili with us for supper and then took the older two children as well as my father for a motorcycle ride. It was the first time in my father's 68 years that he has ever ridden a motorcycle--Yay, Dad!

Friday brought cooler and wetter weather, but it did not deter us from our fun. We went to the Riverbanks Zoo where we walked a beautiful trail along the river, saw the Botanical Gardens, and enjoyed the zoo animals. The reptile house was a big hit for everyone. I was amazed by the furry anaconda poop (what does that say about me?). We also got tickled watching the lion cubs play and the gorilla picking at his toes.

The kids loved playing with Pop-Pop and giving lots of cuddles to both Pop-Pop and Mom-Mom. Grace charmed her grandparents with her smiles and coos. I loved watching Grace lay in her grandmother's arms, looking up into her face, and "talking" so sweetly to her. It was precious.

Our visit was short but very sweet. I am so glad for the special time we enjoyed together.

Down by the Riverside

Spanish Moss and Flowering Trees--Beauty designed by our Awesome Creator!