Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday was Preston's very first field trip. It was also his very first bus ride. I was able to sign up as a parent chaperon and tag along with my big boy. He had a BLAST!! We went to Venetucci Farms where we saw horses, goats, pigs, chickens, geese, tractors, gardens and tons of pumpkins!! I want to share some great pictures of our adventure.

 Before we left for the pumpkin patch.

 Preston was super excited!

 Posing on the tractor. He loves tractors!

 Shaving the corn off the stalk for food for the pigs! 

Fun little contraption

 Preston hanging out with the pumpkin. 

I love this candid shot of him.

 Corn!

 Pumpkin!

That pumpkin was huge, he made me carry it. 

 My boy! He is so handsome. 

Missing tooth and all :) 

 Preston's Kindergarten class. They were making silly faces. 

Preston is of the left with his tongue out. 

As for Zac, he was busy having fun with his BFF Madison, whom he lovingly calls "Mandy." 

 She dressed him in pink. From what I heard, he was a pretty good cook :)

More dress up fun!

In another week, Preston will be on fall break for 2 weeks! I am so excited to have him home again- even for just 2 weeks. We have lots of fun adventures planned to keep us busy, including another trip to the pumpkin patch (this time with Zac), playdates, movies, swimming, and maybe some surprises along the way. 

More adventures to come... 

The Tooth Fairy

Preston lost his very first tooth last night. It was a very exciting time in the Shoats house! He came to me with his tooth half out and sideways and said, "Can you pull this out Mama?" It was easy at that point to reach in and snatch it out. Here he is in this mighty proud moment. 

Preston asked me to write a note to the Tooth Fairy asking her to leave the tooth. (He saw that story line on an episode of Super Why.) When asked why he want to save his tooth, he said, "So I can show all my friends, my teacher, Uma and Papa." Bragging rights I guess.

Here is the letter and the tooth. It's hard to believe that tooth had been in his mouth for 5 years! Where has the time gone? His other bottom tooth is loose as is one on the top. And so it begins... 

For those wondering... yes- the Tooth Fairy was good to him :) 

More adventures to come... 

Colorado Balloon Classic

This weekend the boys and I went to the Colorado Balloon Classic at Memorial Park here in Colorado Springs. It's shameful to say that in 14 years of living in this beautiful city, I have never attended this event. Probably because I am not an early morning person and the Balloon Classic kicks off at 6 am. This year I promised the boys that we could go, so we did! I was lots of fun! Everyone had a great time. (Zac was a bit cranky- he takes after me & does not like to be up and about in the morning!) Here are some fun pictures of our morning...

 It was really cool to see the balloons lift off.

I love the gorgeous mountains in the background!

 It was chilly in the early morning, and Zac was cranky, 

But it was totally worth it!

 Preston was super excited to get green in his hair!

Zac did not want to participate (no surprises here)

 All smiles at 6 am!

Overall, things have been slowing down since Preston started school (exactly a month ago today!) Yikes!! Zac is getting used to the all the together time with Mommy, and Preston is making lots of new friends in school. His teacher is very sweet and funny. She fits the perfect mold of a Kindergarten teacher. Preston really, really likes her. Which is a total relief here! 

Here is Preston after school Friday, excited for the 3 day weekend!

I am getting busier. My fall schedule will include volunteering at church, joining a weekly bible study group, volunteering in Preston's class in reading groups and joining the PTA. I never really saw myself as a PTA mom, but here goes! 

Zac is doing very well with the diaper to potty transition. He was full swing this summer but regressed after Preston went to school. (Zac had a very difficult time with Preston being gone all day) but now I am pleased to report that he wears underwear all day and "accidents" are becoming few and far between. Thank Goodness!! I have explored the option of preschool for him when he turns 3 in late November. As of now though, we are both enjoying spending all day everyday together. 

More adventures to come... 

First Day of Kindergarten

Can it really be time for school already? Wow!! Our amazing summer flew by super fast. Today, it is Preston's first day of Kindergarten. He had 2 years of preschool so we have had the "first day of school" before, twice. But this time it's different. My man is a Kindergartener!! He is going to school all day- every day.

I thought I would share some pictures of him on this momentous day!

 Walking to school with purpose!

 All three boys together. It's hard to tell from the picture but they are ALL holding hands.

Big smiles leaving the house.

People keep asking how I am holding up. I do miss my little man but I am so excited for him too! He loves school and loves learning. What an awesome year he is getting ready to have! Mommy is so proud :)

Zac is the one having a hard time. He keeps asking for Preston and has been very clingy and emotional today. I hope he recovers soon and learns that it's awesome to have Momma all to yourself- all day every day! 

For now, I am counting down the time until I get to go pick up my little man. 

More adventures to come...

T-Ball and the Sky Sox Game

It's no secret that Preston absolutely loved T-Ball this summer. He looked forward to and attended every single game and practice. There were two games cancelled (one because of smoke from the fire, the other because of lightning) and both times it was devastating for him. He is already asking about next summer, if he will be able to play T-Ball. My response... "Oh yeah little man! We will for sure be doing this again!"

One reason he loved it so much is because he had the coolest coach. Seriously! We totally lucked out this year with "Coach Tony." Having a great coach really does make a difference. Preston was so cute thanking him after the last game and shaking his hand. It also helped that his little buddy Madison was on his team. Overall, he had a fabulous experience. We are all so very thankful!!

 Preston

 "Official" Photo

 The team

Yes, he is the tallest on the team

(He gets it from me haha!)

 Accepting his award from the best coach ever!

He is so proud of that trophy!!

For our "End of Season Party" we went to the Sky Sox game. We have taken the boys to Sox games before, but not yet this summer. All four kids had a blast!! As we were walking in, we were approached and asked if Preston would like to join the team on the field for the singing of the National Anthem and to yell "Play Ball!" into the microphone. Oh my was he excited!!

Here he is on the field getting ready. 

He must have practiced "Play Ball" 50 times!

 On the field next to the players for the National Anthem

How cool is that?!

When the moment of truth came, Preston was a bit nervous and yelled, "Play game!" which was funny and totally adorable! He received a game ball for his participation and has yet to let it out of his sight. What a great experience for him! I am so happy for him!!

Icing on the cake...

Sox the Fox came over and played with the kids.

Even Zac had fun!

This week, as summer winds down, we have many adventures planned. We are heading out to the movies this afternoon, and will be fitting in time with friends before Rachele leaves this weekend. Did I mention that we have 2 weeks left until school starts! Ahh! This summer really cruised by. But it was a great summer, we all had a ton of fun!

More adventures to come...

Summer Time!!

Ok, ok, ok... I know its been a while since my last post. In my defense, things have been extremely for the Shoats bunch. But for those of you asking, I thought I would bring you up to speed on our Summer 2012!

Firstly, when I say we have been busy, this is almost an understatement. Preston has been enjoying T-Ball, swimming lessons and gymnastics practice. (Yes- we are always on the go!) In addition, we spend 3-4 days a week at the pool, almost every weekday we make a trip to the gym, we also have been spending time with friends and family. We go the park quite a bit (there are several of our favorite spots close). In the afternoons we fit in Summer Bridge & Kindergarten workbooks. Whew! That is exhausting just putting into words! In fact, I can't think of a single day this summer that we haven't had anything planned. Last month we spend 5 amazing days at VBS. The kids really had a blast!!

Rachele has been here for over a month now and still has a few weeks left with us! The boys are really enjoying spending time with "Sissy." Reggie started summer classes at CTU today. He is such a bright young man, we are so proud of his academic accomplishments. There is about 3 1/2 weeks left until Preston starts all-day Kindergarten (gulp!) so the countdown is definitely on! And my little Zac man is working on potty training. Hopefully we will be 100% soon!!

The fire here slowed us down for a few days. Not because we were in the fire or evacuation zone (thankfully!) but because we had some activities get cancelled and outdoor time was reduced due to poor air quality.  We still stayed busy and modified our plans to include the mall and Focus on the Family play area. It is great that the fire is almost completely contained (98% as of earlier today) and there has been no sign of smoke in the air for several days now. Today, we are inside this afternoon because of scattered rainstorms (hence the opportunity to update everyone) and I have a feeling T-Ball tonight will be cancelled. God sure listened when we prayed for rain!

Anyway, here are some fun pics of our summer so far...

 At the Denver Zoo on the 4th of July

Preston, Cousin Autumn, Rachele

 Splash Park with friends

Rachele, Reggie, Christopher, Madison

Justin, Zac, Preston, Ryan

 After leaving Madagascar 3 the kids 

couldn't resist the fountain. 

Clothes and all. 

 One of my favorite pictures of Preston

He is such a handsome little guy!

 Happy at the Circus. 

Both kids really enjoyed it!!

 Preston and Madison

Yes, the marriage is already arranged :)

 Chuck E. Cheese

Preston and Madison

 With swim coach Sarah

 Rock Climbing

 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Aren't they cute :) 

 Zac with Spiderman

At the movie theater

 First pony ride with Auntie Melissa

At Berthoud Days

First Pony Ride

At Berthoud Days

I promise to keep everyone updated a bit more often. School starts soon and things will begin to slow down. I have even started back-to-school-shopping! (Thanks Joey!) I am really going to miss my Preston but I am also looking forward to the one-on-one time with Zac. 

More adventures to come...

Denver Zoo

This past weekend, we headed up to the Denver Zoo.  We met up with family and had a great day. I was a bit worried about the cooler weather, but honestly it was perfect zoo weather. The boys had a great time! They love the zoo and they love seeing their cousins! (Two birds- one stone!)

Here are my favorite pictures from their zoo adventure...

 On the Giraffe- no surprise here

 Zac was very excited for an ICEE

 Eating ice cream after the sea lion show

 Just playing around

 This cracks me up!

Preston was pulling Zac & cousin Jameson

in the wagon. He was worn out!!

 Zac on Daddy's shoulders to get a good view of the animals.

 Me & my Pres

 Reggie, India, Preston & Billi

 Husband & Wife

 Preston my little HAM

Preston, India, Autumn & Zac

They had so much fun- and slept most of the way home. Preston is already asking when we are going back to "Uma's Zoo." He's so funny!