Where does the time go?

Yikes! 

It's been awhile, we've been busy.

Marcus was gone for a week in March so I was busy "single parenting" the boys.

 The major milestone the week he was gone was bringing Jaymeson to Kindergarten orientation!

Can't believe it!

We are learning the ropes of  "open enrollment".

Meaning, you can attend other schools in your district but it's based on a lottery system.  

So no guarantee that your kid will get into the preferred school.

Basically, it's a HUGE headache and heightened stress knowing that it's out of your control.

Not good.

So we were extremely disappointed that Jaymeson didn't get into the magnet school we were hoping for, but were relieved when we got the letter saying he was accepted into our first choice public school.  

Initially, he did not get into the Kindergarten Extra program, but we received a call last Friday that an opening became available, so today, he is now registered for that too.  

That means FULL DAY kindergarten!

And money out of our pockets.

(Yes, you have to pay for a full day of public education!)

On to other current events..

We were glad to be the pit stop for my parents in March as they traveled to and from Florida.  

They spent a long weekend enjoying the sun, a Twins pre-season game and great company with my Aunt Connie and Uncle Joe.  

Please say an extra prayer for Joe as he continues the battle with metastasized prostate cancer.  He's a fighter!

Braxton got his snuggles in with Nana.

and what good is a Papa if you cant "Hop on Pop"?!

 And, of course, we've been busy playing...

Here's the choo-choo train.  (I think Layla got de-railed.)

and it's never too early to learn computer skills.

I also learned some VERY exciting news!

News that I was sworn not to tell anyone else.

But, finally, after keeping the mouth sealed for what felt like forever.  

(It was less than 2 weeks.)

I was proud to reveal that I am going to be an auntie!!

Thank you Brother and sis-in-law!

Little Demery will be here late September!

Speaking of babies,

I was also busy preparing for and celebrating the upcoming arrival of Baby Girl Wilkinson.

My dear friend, Kaley, is expecting in May!

Here's the Mama-to-be holding the Sock Bouquet that I made for her shower.

I would also like to mention another special baby.  

My friend, Jilanne, is also pregnant and expecting a little girl!

My heart has been wrapped around her precious cargo,

she has learned that little Kaiya has a congenital heart defect called Hpoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Take a minute and send your thoughts and prayers to this little peanut and her family.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/traynor

And the last news that I have to share, 

and I hope this brings us up to speed.

April 9th rolled around and I now have a 5 year old!

How did that happen? 

I know I will continue to say that through out the years, 

but seriously, 

How did that happen?

Opening gifts before heading to MOA.

 We had a busy and fun day at Mall of America's Amusement Park.

Per Jaymeson's request, he rode the train to MOA.  

Marcus and he met up with Grandpa and got on board the public transit system.

We spent the afternoon on the rides and then dinner at Kokamo's with lots of family.

Jaymeson and Grace had a blast!

Drenched after the log ride. His dad was equally as wet. HA!

Did you notice the hair style?

It's a mohawk.

He's cool.

Grandpa with the boys.

Now that's a candle!

Happy Birthday!

We ended the day with Jaymeson saying it was, "The best birthday ever!"

Can't beat that!