The Veldmans: We love summer!

I forgot how much I love summer and being able to be outside the with the kids. Have I mentioned before that I also love our neighborhood? There isn't a day that goes by that we don't have an invite to hang out with some little one at the park, or just hanging out riding bikes, etc. Although I wish that we had family closer, many of our neighbors have become like family.

Like I said, we have really enjoyed being outside. A few weekends ago Mema & Boppa came down to hang out with us for the day. We all went to Pahl's Market (the local nursery) and picked out lot of pretty flowers, and a bush to replace the one that the rabbits ate.  They helped us plant everything, and gave me a little tutorial on how not to kill all of my flowers this year. I'm glad to report that they are still holding strong and look quite lovely. We had a great day, and were able to end the day with dinner on the deck and some delicious dessert.

The following weekend we were supposed to head up to the cabin. There were some last minute changes in plans and Nate went up by himself while I stayed home with the kids. We got to meet up with a friend at the zoo, and enjoyed the afternoon outside with our neighbor friends. Nate cut the trip short and returned home late Saturday evening. Sunday we got to celebrate Ava's BFF's birthday with a party at her house (Avery).

This past week was a big one for Ava. On Monday she graduated from preschool!!! Mema & Boppa joined us for the graduation ceremony and celebration (Uncle Wes attempted, but got stuck in traffic from hell). Ava sang her little heart out at the program like she always does. We had dinner at "school", and the completed the night with a giant bouncy house and balls outside. Thank you Mema & Boppa for coming to celebrate. Ava was so glad that you came!

This weekend Uncle Brent, Aunt Lisa, & cousin Reece came to visit.  Reece spent the weekend with us, while Brent & Lisa went to celebrate their anniversary. We had a great time with him, and are so glad that he came. Saturday we got to celebrate our friend Tyce's birthday with is Superman party.  The kids had a great time, and Reece found a new pen pal (one of our neighbors). This morning we headed off to the donut shop to get some donuts for our "donut picnic" at the zoo. What a great way to start the day!  So, after donuts we took Reece to the zoo before his parents arrived at our house for lunch.  It was such a beautiful day today that after nap we were able to go and enjoy some swimming at the pool in our neighborhood.

It will be another busy week. Tomorrow morning Grant will not follow his normal routine. He will no longer be going into the toddler room. As of tomorrow he is in the preschool room. One going into preschool and one going into kindergarten. How did they get so big?!? We'll see what he picks up in this room. Hopefully all good stuff, including being potty trained!

We're hoping to go and watch Nate play softball tomorrow evening, and have a little picnic outside (usually the kids sit still if they're eating). Wednesday both of the kids start swimming lessons. We are trying a new place near our house, and this will be the first time that Grant has done swimming lessons. Then Friday we have Auntie Lisa P and her family coming to visit for the evening. I can not wait to see Nick & Sadie. I haven't seen them since visiting KC earlier this year after Sadie was born.

I have plenty of pictures to share with you. Some of them are older, I just forgot to get them off of my phone earlier. Hope you all have a great week!