Uncle Luke

Life has been busy for Uncle Luke recently. He started his first real job- a lot tech at Bachman! Creed's been working him hard, and keeping an eye on him. ;)

 A few weeks ago he had his senior prom. He looked so handsome and Brianna was as beautiful as ever. His friend, and future college roommate, Connor, took a beautiful gal to prom as well- Cousin Emma! Apparently they met at baby Luke's first birthday and started "talking." Hehe! I love it. (I think they are a thing now, as he rode with me to Dayton this past weekend for Adam's graduation!)

These two loved looking at "the princesses!" 

A little over ten years ago, I graduated high school and that same night, my baby brother Luke graduated kindergarten. We have pictures with both of us in our caps and gowns. It was pretty special. Last Friday, my baby brother graduated himself! Tear. Tear. Sniff. Sniff. Before the actual ceremony there was a reception and I brought Caleb and baby Luke. I tried to get a picture of the three, but this was the best I got... (Marshma and Papa picked up the boys before the ceremony and took them home- We were SO thankful!)



Getting his diploma. They announced at the graduation that the class of 2012 set some new records for Whitefield. While they are a smaller class, they set the record for the most scholarship money offered- averaging over $86,000 a student! They also set a record for highest ACT scores, with a class average of 26, and over half scoring 30 or higher! Pretty awesome! There were some proud parents there, for sure.

We are SO incredibly proud of you, Uncle Luke! We love you and miss you already!



A Day Downtown

Last week we met Marshma at the Science Center and let the boys play all morning. They both LOVE the Science Center, and we've been so thankful for the pass that Marshma and Papa got them! Luke soaked himself in the water play, and Caleb drove us around town on the bus. He even flew us to North Carolina to see PeePaw and Grandma Beth! When an IMAX movie started, the main part of the Science Center cleared out and Caleb had fun exploring all of the bigger exhibits. His favorite is the magnetic "thing" because he pretends it's The Claw from Toy Story.

After we left the Science Center we headed to Tumbleweed and enjoyed lunch on the river. Then we walked over the playground and let the boys play until they were worn out. (Actually, I think it was Marshma and I that were the most worn out!)

Thanks, Marshma, for such a fun day!

Salato Wildlife

Over the past few weeks I worked extra days due to statewide testing. Thankfully, Marshma and Papa, as well as Aunt Paige, were in town and could help on those extra days. One bonus, however, was that I was off work on Thursday, which also happens to be Creed's day off. We decided to take the boys to one of our favorite places, Salato Wildlife Center, just outside of Frankfort. There were a few field trips there that day, but we were still able to enjoy all the animals and beautiful scenery.

(Salato is great- it's FREE and you really get to see a lot. All of the animals (bison, bear, elk, wildcat, turkeys, deer, fish, etc.) are native to Kentucky and it seems more natural than the zoo. We really enjoy the walking paths and always take a picnic lunch.)

Caleb posing for the cover of Kentucky Afield magazine

I brought somewhat stale crackers to feed the ducks, but Luke caught sight of them. I think he ate half the package while we were there!

I have to say, this skunk was the highlight of my day! I think the only time I've ever seen a skunk in the past has been either in movies or dead on the side of the road, so it was neat seeing it up close. We were convinced they took the smelly stuff away- at least we were hoping so! ;)

Our Weekend

With the hot and sunny weather we were blessed with all weekend, we decided to break out the pool and sprinklers for the first time this year. Saturday we were out all morning and early afternoon and the boys had a blast playing with some of their neighborhood friends. Luke was so worn out that he ended up taking a FOUR hour nap! (I woke Caleb after two hours.) After nap time on Sunday we headed back out and played until dinner time. Brody set up his slip and slide and Caleb loved it. Apparently Luke was paying attention because before we knew it he was crawling on it and throwing himself down on his belly with an "Ahhh!" It was too cute to watch. Emily, Brody's mom, and I may or may not have done a little slip and sliding ourselves fully clothed, but I wouldn't say for sure. ;)

A Fiesta Walk

Last Thursday the weather was perfect for a "Fiesta Walk." It takes about 30 minutes or so (with Caleb walking his leisurely pace) to get to our favorite Mexican restaurant, and it's one of our favorite things to do. On the way home Luke enjoyed his first ring pop, and turned into a purple, sticky mess. Needless to say it was straight to bath by the time we got home! You can't tell from the picture but even his shorts were covered with his drooly mess. He didn't mind one bit, though!

Eli's Party

Last weekend Caleb and Luke went to cousin Eli's birthday party and had a blast. Eli had his party at an indoor pool with a really fun "frog slide." The kids had a blast and Caleb loved swimming and splashing around with his cousins. Thankfully, Luke just watched from his stroller (full of snacks) and didn't need to swim. (I really didn't want to get in with him!)

Pirate cupcakes-Yum!

 

With Daddy Joe

Reagan, Ava, and Caleb 

Eating Machine

Luke is an absolute eating machine, and has the belly to show for it. Most of the fits that he throws have something to do with food, and we hear the word more "mma"  many times a day. While he has refused to eat pasta of any kind over the past few months, he decided that he liked pasta with red sauce last night.

Favorite foods: green beans, avocado, mandarin oranges, bananas, raisins, and crackers.

Spits out: carrots, potatoes, and pasta (usually)



Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day spent with those that I love the most! We served in the nursery during the 9:00 service, so while our morning was slightly rushed, the rest of the day was perfect. We had lunch at Granny Sue's, where she was surrounded by her family. Having Caleb and Luke there meant FIVE generations were present!  Since it was a rainy afternoon nap time was extra wonderful and I spent the evening playing with my boys and eating yummy takeout. Creed got me a cookie cake Saturday night, and I'm embarrassed to say we (mostly me!) finished it off last night. (I told him no more cookie cakes!) 

I hope you all had a Happy Mother's Day, and a very Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and grandmothers (and great-grandmothers!) that have been such an awesome influence in my life. Love you all! (And, my boys sure love you too!)

Fun with Grandma Beth

After Derby, Creed and PeePaw went down to Kentucky Lake to fish so the boys and I got to spend time with just Grandma Beth. Monday morning we took her to KaZoing for some indoor fun. Both boys had a blast and I think we were all wore out by the time we left. Luke is so wild and used the wide open, carpeted spaces there to really become a proficient walker.

Derby 138

This year my Dad treated us to wonderful Derby tickets. (Thanks, Dad!) We had a table in the Champions Room, which meant a place to rest our feet and a buffet of yummy food all day. Our table was next to the window overlooking the paddock, which was beautiful. We were able to "people watch" from the balcony and watch the races from the 2nd and 3rd floor. Caleb and Luke stayed home with Marshma, Papa, and Aunt Dana, (Thanks, ya'll!) which meant they didn't miss us at all!

Caleb in his Derby hat

Luke looked good in his hat, too!