May 2017

Oh, May!  There were high highs, low lows, and everything in between.  You’ve left me exhausted.  It seems best to focus on the many bright spots this month brought.  Here you go:

Abby finished preschool for the year!

 

Abby with her teachers, Ms. Susie and Ms. Kolleen on the last day of school
She really had a wonderful year and learned a lot!

 

Walking in for the school’s spring program

You can see her class’ cute performance here.

 

We spent a morning at the Greenville Zoo.

 

 

 

We were adopted…by a snake!

 

We were first introduced when it attempted to hitch a ride in my friend Michelle’s van.  The kids spotted him crawling up through the wheel well!  Ryan bravely climbed under the van to tickle the snake’s tail until it dropped down.  Ryan was Michelle’s hero!

 

Since the snake has been spotted in our yard two more times, we thought it should be named.  “Sam” seemed like an appropriate, gender-neutral choice.  Sam is 5-6 feet long.  Intellectually, I know Sam is a good addition to our yard.  Emotionally, I feel quite the opposite. 

 

We played a lot!

 

 

 

 

 

Caleb’s first time in the pool!

 

 

 

 

Our dishwasher died.

 

Thanks to the joy provided by the car cart, I was able to purchase a new dishwasher by myself
with all four kids in tow!  Ryan pushed the kids around and around the appliance section while they giggled and cheered him on.  The positive shopping experience nearly cancelled out this low.  Same day delivery of a new dishwasher would have sealed the deal!

 

THE BREEDLOVES CAME FOR A VISIT!!!

 

 

 

A girls’ night bonfire in Courtney’s honor!

 

 

Back row:  Steven Edward, Sam, Ryan, Caleb, and Miles
Front row:  Abby and Eliza

(See how they’ve grown?!)

 

Believe it or not, there are many happenings that are not pictured.  We hosted four evening gatherings for family and friends, including our semi-annual Survivor finale party.  My mom enjoyed a huge retirement bash that earned its own post (I am working on it!).  Ryan took his achievement test and scored very well.  Whew!  The boys visited the new science museum in town.  Regular school wrapped up, with the exception of six US states and a math book to finish in June! 

And while the last two weeks have been filled with emotional upheaval and heartache, I am so thankful for the above memories and pictures.  What a month!