...Summer Reading...

Last fall when I started Emma's second year of preschool my goal was to have all my preschool children (especially Emma) reading. I wanted to make sure that my preschool kiddos were ready for kindergarten and kindergarten now a days isn't just about learning your letter, sounds, shapes, color, and so on , but it is also about learning to read. So as the school year progressed so did my students. Each student left preschool reading and Emma was no exception. Our favorite books to read are the BOB Books Series. I honestly believe that Emma is so successful with reading because she had a strong foundation in letter sounds and recognition. It is so fun listening and watching Emma read 3-4 books a night to me and as her teacher I am proud of her, this is a BIG accomplishment! So as I enjoy my summer and my time with my kiddos I just had brag about how incredible my daughter is. I can't wait to see how kindergarten goes!

Pumpkins!!!

If you read our blog you know that we have a family garden. We really have no idea what we are doing with our garden we just enjoy planting different fruits and veggies and love when they start growing. Well about a year and a half ago we planted pumpkin seeds around the fall, but nothing really happened. We didn't see any growth and just thought it was a lost cause. Fast forward a year and a half, multiple seasonal gardens later, and we noticed something growing. At first we thought it was a zucchini from the previous season. Then we thought it might be a cantaloupe or possibly a squash, all from previous seasons. Well we were pleasantly surprised that it was a PUMPKIN! Not one but two to be exact!!! Below are two pictures of our pumpkins that have decided to grow in the HOT Arizona summer.

Sweet Beginnings Preschool Graduation '11

Our sweet girl graduated from preschool Wednesday, May 25th, 2011. This was such a bittersweet moment for me. As a teacher I was so proud of her and everything she had accomplished these last two years, but as a mom I couldn't believe my little girl was finished with preschool and about to embark on a new journey. It was a tear filled graduation. I tried so hard to keep my composure, but the truth is I love each one of these kids so much and am really sad to see them go.

Here comes the Graduating Class of 2011!

Our sweet little Emma.

Singing our graduation songs.

Giving out diplomas...proud mommy moment.

Throwing their graduation caps!

The Graduates (missing Sammy)

The posters below are decorations I made for our snack area.

After graduation the sprinklers came on at the park and the kids cooled off by running in them. I had to include a few of these because the kids were having so much fun.

It truly was a blessed and fun graduation. A day I will never forget and one I hope my preschoolers always remember. I love you Abbie, Brock, Emma,

Corbin, Samantha, and Emmitt.

Good luck in Kindergarten!

...Summer's In Full Bloom...

School is out and the Chase family has been enjoying some much needed time off! For me it has been so nice to just RELAX, take my time getting household chores done, and most of all ENJOY MY FAMILY. This past weekend was Memorial weekend and we took full advantage of the nice weather by swimming and just enjoying time outside. Emma and Logan are two crazy kiddos when it comes to swimming. I hope to enroll them in swim lessons in the next few weeks.

We had our first summer movie this week and it was a blast! Emma and Logan love to go to the movies, they think it is the coolest thing. For me it is fun to have two kiddos that are old enough to enjoy movies. It is a great activity to do now that Arizona is reaching 100 degrees in the afternoon. We also had fun this week making homemade pizza and cleaning our house. Emma and Logan really are home bodies who enjoy just hanging out and playing with their toys.

So here's to a relaxing summer full of fun!!!

New Hobby - Newborn Photos!

Meet Baby Aiden!!!

He is my cousin Kayla's beautiful baby boy. I had the privilege of shooting his newborn photos this past weekend. I have dabbled in photography a little bit since Justin took up the hobby and love taking photos of my own kids, but never thought I would have so much fun doing newborn pics. I was so lucky to have such an amazing little man as my first client. We shot the pictures within a couple of hours and when I got home Justin helped me with the editing. It was such a fun new hobby that I hope to explore more. So take a look at Mr. Aiden he is adorable!!!

...Summer Bubbles...

This weekend we enjoyed a relaxing Saturday of playing in our pool and having bubble time. Justin had knee surgery Tuesday of this week so he relaxed in the house while the kiddos and I enjoyed the great outdoors. The weather in Arizona has been warm but not so hot that you can't enjoy yourself. We spent the entire day just playing outside, I love days like that!