end of school performance and the last day of school

I was worried for weeks about how Ben would handle the end of year performance if I came to watch as he struggles when I join in school activities.  The teachers let me know he had done great in practice and that he would likely try to escape to me but insisted I attend.  I had Ben practice in the auditorium a couple times and let him know I would be in the audience but that he'd need to stay put.  What I didn't know until after the performance is that Ben had suffered a pretty terrible bloody nose just minutes before they performed.

Overall, just the fact he stayed on stage for the whole performance (albeit with help and encouragement) and joined in a few times with singing and hand motions was a big success.  The clips don't show his nose bleed starting again but it thankfully held off until the end when I could help him.
You can watch clips of the 3 songs they performed and Ben's antics here.

***

The following week was the last week of school and Thursday brought my last day of freedom for the Summer.  Ryan was out of town on an extended work trip so rather than strolling or shopping or sipping coffee al fresco, I spent my last day of free time mowing the lawn.
I had promised Ben "fries with mommy," while Ryan was gone and decided the last day of school was perfect for the special treat.  We also had to hurry to Ben's first swimming lesson with Meagan for the summer that afternoon.  I couldn't think of a better way to officially start Summer and let the big and small adventures begin.

Ben painted cards for his teachers and therapists. :)

 

Each kiddo colored squares (you can see Ben's at left center) and one amazing Mom sewed quilts for both teachers.  She even found fabric for all the things they did as a class like the zoo, tie dye, Dr. Seuss day and Disney on Ice.

 

*The last two weeks of school were horribly emotional and stressful for me.  I had a very busy Spring and there are LOTS of end of year activities even at 3 years old.  Several parents and I remarked how it would be nice if everything didn't come at the end of the year in terms of field trips, etc.  I think I was fearful of not having any time without Ben for the whole Summer but also sad at the reflection and growth the end of the school year brings.  More seasoned mom-friends of mine say this doesn't change as the years go by but I hope I'll be better equipped to deal with the emotions next year.

a few firsts

Ben's first time roasting a weenie over the fire pit at MeeMee's.  We'll do this again at Breck in July. :)

Our first family bike trip and Farmer's Market visit of the season.

 

My first time seeing horses at a drive-through.  In Hays, America on our way home from the Wichita wedding.

This much contentedness and peace from both my boys simultaneously was a first.   That I was planting at the time was an incredible bonus.

My first hydrangea-as I've never had enough shade before this house, and the hail damage it sustained the day after planting.

First Crocs to be procured in the Heimer Haus.  As they're super easy for Ben to put on and take off, great for the pool, and supportive, they won't be the last.

First veggie planting attempt at this house.  We only have one small spot with enough sun for maters and spicy peppers but we're giving it a go.  Now grow! grow! grow!

2nd annual Gaylord St. Festival After-Party

As Memorial Day weekend neared this year, we were fearful we'd have to cancel our 2nd annual Gaylord St Festival After-Party, but Mother Nature complied and gave us only a short sprinkle and a cool evening to welcome summer.
The festival was lots of fun with nearly perfect weather.  I worked the day before which meant we didn't head to the festival as early as I would have liked but it was a good time.  Ben refused to come out of the bouncy house when his time was up which caused me to go in after him.  I had told him not coming out would mean a direct ticket home and his Dad nicely walked him all the way home, had a talk with him and brought him back for one more successful attempt.

 the bmx stunt bikes were a hit

my boys and their shirts and their ice cream-two peas in a pod. :)

We got home just in time for friends from Wichita, who now live here, that had never been to our house to arrive.  They were quickly followed by new friends Chloe, John and Raffa.  Chloe is a graphic designer who makes the Remember the Day prints I discovered a couple years ago that have become my go-to gift for babies and weddings.  She has returned home to Colorado as we did and lives not far from us.  It was great to meet her in person and I look forward to getting to know her family better. 
After the short sprinkle, the welcoming summer was in full swing with many great friends and dear family who are usual Heimer Haus-gathering guests.

this picture makes my heart smile

As with last year, it was delightful to party into the darkness of night and have another day off on Monday to continue relaxing.  A BBQ at MeeMee's on Monday was a great way to start summer and prepare for the push to the end of the school year.

The sun came out Monday so I could enjoy my new festival find. :) Yes, they might have had to stretch this men's XL a couple times but now it fits like a glove.

the zoo goes to the zoo

Today both of Ms. Corina's classes (morning and afternoon) spent the morning at the Denver Zoo.  They have obviously done this before and let go of any hope of everyone staying together and set meeting places to start the day and for lunch. 
Ben enjoyed his first ride on the zoo's carousel and we'll clearly be doing that on every trip going forward. 
We ate our lunch as a family a little early and scooted home so Ryan could get half a day of work in.  Overall it was lots of fun and Ben enjoyed seeing his classmates as we ran around.

carousel delight

the new sandbox was a hit