Swing Time

If you've been in our neighborhood lately, you've noticed a new structure has been erected. Just in time for Spring vacation, we have a beautiful new swing set in the backyard. No, it's not the crew from Extreme Home Makeovers. Our family pitched in to get the project wrapped up in a weekend.

Kaitlin and Matthew break for ice cream during construction.

Finished! Just in time for cousin Gina's arrival on Sunday afternoon. She spent a few days of her Spring vacation with us and was a great help with the boys.

Matthew likes a good push, so he can get some altitude.

Hope everyone is enjoying this great weather. Come back soon, Gina. We miss you!

Smiling Faces

This week has marked yet another milestone in Kelly World. Thomas started school on Monday. He attends Joni's Childcare and Pre-School three days a week. Yesterday was filled with excitement and emotion as Thomas headed out, lunchbox in hand, for his first day at school. There were lots of tears and a bad case of separation anxiety ... but, enough about Mama. Thomas did great. He was happy to return for Day 2 today, and even stayed into the afternoon. Big brother Matthew has been a great source of moral support.

And if Thomas starting school wasn't stressful enough (breathe, Mama) we also had to face Papa's first business trip since the boys came home. We all managed fine, though. There was a lot of talk about airplanes leading up to it, using Matthew's U.S.A. map placemat as a visual aid, and that seemed to help.

We had fun on Friday night when our good friend, Kathy, came for pizza and ice cream. An avid tennis player, she equipped the boys with new racquets and tennis balls. Expect to see them on the local courts soon.

Matthew takes Karate two days a week after school. If you're lucky, he'll offer you a quick demo, like this one on the couch.

Can't resist closing without another look at our Man of the Week, Thomas. We are so proud of him. As he says when Mama picks him up from school, "Lublu" (Ukrainian for "love"). Lublu, Thomas. Lublu.