The cousins

The Shaffer's church had a meal for us after Lori's service here in Wichita. Someone was very thoughtful when they put out this picnic table for the kids. They loved it. Ben especially loved climbing under the table, and modeling his new hat.

When the pool gets old...

This sprinkler is a "treasure" that we "borrowed" from Grandpa Shaffer's house while they were out of town. The key to a great sprinkler experience is to have it very low, so you can lean over to take a sip without getting too wet. Unfortunately, Ben fell over outside and got a bit muddy.

Swimming anyone?

Ben is watching Sam closely, so he can try that next.


I'm not sure it was really warm enough, but the call came out to get the pool out. Both boys had fun, splashing and drinking from the water sprays.

Sam's Preschool Graduation

Sam graduated from Asbury Preschool last Thursday evening. The kids sang a couple of songs, then went up individually to accept their diplomas. Some of you know that we have been wrestling with waiting to send Sam to kindergarten until next fall. The decision was made more difficult because we were accepted by lottery to go to McLean Science and Technology Magnet School, which was the school we wanted Sam to go to. We found out the "lottery" only selected 12 out of 50 applicants for the kindergarten spots. Once you are accepted by the magnet school, all future siblings also are able to attend. So not only were we deciding about Sam, but later Ben. After a 2 hour parent/teacher/preschool director conference, many discussions with other teachers, and finally a phone call from the McLean kindergarten teacher, we have decided to wait another year. Our brother-in-law told Doug while he was in Oregon that we should give Sam another year to be a kid. He'll have plenty of time to be in school for the next 13 years. I'm thrilled because it means that Sam will be able to go to Bible Study Fellowship Children's program for another year, and will be able to attend with Ben beginning in January (once Ben turns 2). Sam will go back to Asbury 3 days a week and be in "Miss Dorothy's" Class. She has been Miss Ladonna's substitute several times. Sam will continue to receive Occupational Therapy for free to help him with some of his motor skill issues, and Ms. Dorothy will be able to help Sam focus on some of the areas that he still struggles in (following directions, staying on task....sounds like typical boy issues, huh!!)

Here is a picture of the first day of Preschool..

I meant to take a picture on the last day of preschool, but I forgot. So here is a picture of Sam after graduation. I think he has grown and matured quite a bit over the last year!

Here's a video from the rehearsal of a bit of the song they sang. Sam has been singing it around the house almost every day. He is on the 2nd row towards the left side. I had to play this video several times to find him, and I even knew where he was standing. Enjoy!

A Week Without Dad

We got a phone call from Doug's dad at 3:20am Tuesday morning that Lori has passed away in the loving arms of her husband, Lance. We were so glad that Doug already had a ticket, and was able to be there to be a support to Lance and Doug's parents.

Meanwhile, the boys and I tried to pass the time without Dad around to help us out. We kept busy with the last week of Bible Study Fellowship, Preschool, some River Festival activities - an afternoon at Botanica, and the closing night fireworks.

Saturday morning we went to Exploration Place to see the premier of their newest cyberdome theater production about a bird named Chirpee. Afterwards there was a chance to take a picture with Chirpee, and eat cake and punch to celebrate the premier of the movie.

Afterwards we all rode the carousel. Sam selected the Lion because it did not go up and down. Ben enjoyed the ride, until I tried to take a picture, then he was ready to get down.

Ben also learned to climb up in chairs, and now helps himself to the chair at Sam's desk and also the computer desk. So Ben began to draw with the crayons on Sam's desk.

He is still learning that the crayons go on the paper, not the wall.

Saturday afternoon, we went to Great Clips so Sam could have a "professional" haircut before Preschool graduation this week. Afterwards, we celebrated with ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. The chocolate ice cream with sprinkles, was enjoyed by all.



After the fireworks, we went to the airport to pick up dad. We got home around midnight, and put the kids to bed. We expected that we would all sleep in, but no such luck. Everyone got up around 7:30. Sam immediately wanted to play computer games with Dad, and whatever Sam does, Ben wants to do. Everyone is glad that dad is home!!

Monday, May 12

Doug's sister, Lori has been very courageously fighting lung cancer for 6 months. Doug had purchased an airline ticket to go to Oregon in June to visit Lori, but we got a call last Sunday that Doug needed to come out now. Doug was able to get a refund on his June ticket, and purchased a ticket to fly out Tuesday morning, May 13 and would return home the following Saturday. We spent Monday evening as a family, in anticipation of Dad being gone several days. We began our evening at a restaurant called Shorty Smalls. Doug's dad had sent us a gift certificate that expired on Monday. We were in luck as it was free kid's meal night. To top it off, the kids meals came with a fudge bar for desert. Ben loved his
.

Then we went to Doug's parents house to water plants and play in the backyard. Sam had a blast collecting sticks and Ben had fun playing around the swing set.

Silly Boys

Here's Sam with one of his many "birthday parties". Mom just wraps stuff up and Sam decides who each present is from. He'll say, "Joey gave me this." Thank goodness for old newspapers and scotch tape. Mom has probably had about 100 birthdays for Sam. Sam's real birthday is still two months away.

Zoo Visit

Mom had Newton Symphony practice today, so dad and the boys ventured out to the zoo for while this morning

River Festival Parade 2008

Lawn Boys

Sam and Ben are ready to start a lawn mowing business! They are working on obtaining financing to purchase these expensive lawnmowers. Dad is ready for them to start mowing!

Bike Riding

Sam's been enjoying riding his bike that grandpa Shaffer gave him a couple of years ago. Sam has had zero interest riding a bike until recently. He's getting better every day. He's ridden down a full block a couple of times. Steering seems to be an issue. Notice Ben in the background.