CAMP CHAMPIONS 2015

I have been HORRIBLE at blogging this Summer.  I have no excuses. But I just had to document Preston's first overnight camp experience!  Camp Champions in Marble Falls, TX was a great growth opportunity and from what I can tell Preston took full advantage.  Now, I have FUNNY tales that involve four day worn swim trunks and never worn underwear--yes, it's true--but all in all I can truly tell Preston learned from his brief stay at camp.  Specifically he has not turned on his DS since being home and displayed some SERIOUS swimming skills at the pool today.  So proud of him!  And let me know if you are interested about this camp.  We are signed up for next year....I am impressed :)

Family Beach 2015

It is no secret that my happy place is a sunny beach with a drink in my hand watching my kids giggle and play listening to tunes with my hubby laying next to me.  Yep, I love it.  But our family beach trip was even BETTER this year with Nana and Pop along.  Lots of card games and family meals and QT with them made our trip all the more special.  Can't wait til Patrick is old enough to join in :)

Early Summer 2015

These pictures are just a GLIMPSE into our June.  Mommy has been mostly home full-time...so have the boys...and we have been BUSY!  Of course, the boys have had activities and Mommy has been playing some tennis but otherwise we are enjoying lots of family time together and lazy Summer days.  Mommy has had a little torn chest muscle issue and JC has had the tummy bug, but other than that--we are doing GREAT at The Parkers.  Hope you and yours are doing great as well!

Memorial Day Beach Trip 2015

It has become something of a tradition for The Parker Family to take a little trip to the beach on Memorial Day.  Mommy needs a little sunshine and the boys love a good "kickoff" to their Summer. And a fabulous beach trip it was!  We had three FULL days of sun ON THE BEACH--ie no crying to go to the pool minutes after unpacking a cartload of stuff on the beach--and some fun nights out at well.  And we were so grateful to have Miss Anna Grace with us...she made the trip much more relaxing for Mom and Dad.  Hope your Summer is off to a GREAT start!!!

SPRING 2015

What a BUSY and fun Spring we have had!  I am obviously way behind posting...but this rainy day has us stuck inside so I am catching up.

Where do I start??  Of course we enjoyed a super fun Easter this year and this bunny pic is one of my all time favorites.  Jeff says Preston is "too old" to go to the egg hunt next year so it may be my last....sigh...

Preston had a great first pitching machine season on the LA TECH PLANETARIUM team with Daddy as his head coach.  LOVED watching him hit the ball, actually pay attention on the field and MOST importantly saw some sportsmanship I was super proud of.  Still no scoring this year....that comes next...but his team was #1 to me!

Another of Preston's Spring accomplishments was his PERFECT performance in his Spring piano recital. Perfect.  Age 6.  Rhythm, dynamics, posture......and of course not a note wrong.  I really didn't want to push him this year until I could tell if he actually had talent and liked doing it.  But now that I know he absolutely does--on both fronts---we are going guns blazing next year.  Federation, Hymn Festival....the WORKS!  I can't wait to watch his talent flourish.

Can't leave out my John Cole who has been just a joy lately!  (Except for when he whines...ugh....) He has been cheering on his brother for each event...and will soon have his turn :)

And the BIGGEST news of the Spring is that Patrick Woodgate Singh arrived on 5-10-15!!  He is just a doll and we have all enjoyed getting some sweet baby love.  SO EXCITED to be this close to him and watch him grow up.  Gosh I'm going to be busy at the ballpark :)  Congrats KENDAL AND KEVIN!.  (Patrick will call me "Shel-Shel" or Shel if he wants....lol

And ME?  Well, I have the tennis bug BAD. I play literally every chance I get.  I came in SECOND in the 5.5 and under doubles bracket with my partner Nancy at a recent tourney.  I am playing in a Summer Squire League and driving to Monroe weekly for a league there as well this Summer......and getting some Mixed Doubles fun in with Jeff when I can.  I really have it bad......LOVE IT!

Lastly, Preston's second K year has come to a close and we are READY to tackle AEP 1st grade next year.  THIS WAS THE BEST DECISION!  If anyone has any hesitation at all about preparing a little boy for SUCCESS by giving him another year to mature so he is not the youngest kid in his class let me tell you it is the BEST way to do it.  Preston is reading so well and is a LEADER in his class.  His little friend Hydi nominated him for the "Citizenship" award in his class this year and he won one of four given.  Her mom told me Hydi nominated him because he is "kind. "  That, my blog readers, is something for a Mama to be proud of...and I certainly am ....

More soon!

Crested Butte 2015

Crested Butte 2015:  THE BEST FAMILY VACAY YET!

Maybe it's because although it is still a LOT of work to travel with young children,  it was a little easier this year.  Maybe it's because we had not ONE but TWO groups of family friends in town with similar aged children to hang out with.  Maybe it was the GORGEOUS weather (but not the best snow).  Maybe it was because Preston finally became a real SKIER!  Most likely it was a combination of all of these because we had the best time both being active and chilling out as a family.

Jeff and I have always worried what will we DO when our kids can out ski us.  Never thought it would come so quick but Preston is almost there. Could not BE more proud of how he learned and with confidence tackled something that is not easy to do if you've only done it like 8 days in your whole life.  SO MUCH FUN SKIING WITH YOUR KIDS :)

John Cole hung out in ski school until the very last afternoon.  He's just not there.  But he had LOTS of chocolate waffles and LOTS of hot chocolate and had a great time.

Just finished putting up the (every year growing amounts) ski gear .  Until next year.....