Meadow's graduation

Meadow had her last day of preschool for the year and had a little graduation ceremony in the evening. The kids worked so hard at practicing the songs and they all were really into it. Meadow went to preschool twice a week this year and always looked forward to going every day. She made a lot of great friends and we will be seeing many of them over the summer and will be attending the three day a week class next year. Her fine motor skills have grown so much. She can trace, color, and use scissors like a pro. And of course learned a lot about letters and numbers.

She has also learned so many valuable social and friendship skills, including keeping sticky fingers to yourself, and saying sorry even if it was an accident. I love this one too, do not touch other kids snacks as you are passing them out, and that includes licking. When I was volunteering one day I spotted one of Meadow's classmates licking each cup of applesauce as he was putting it on the table. Meadow's teacher handled this one with the grace of a preschool teacher. Luckily, no one had started eating yet. I wish I had been a better blogger this year because there has been so many fun moments and experiences at preschool. But, one of the mom's in the older class did an amazing job of putting together a yearbook so all of their field trips and fun events are documented in the book.

Here are some fun pictures of the graduation.....Starting to line up for the graduation show.
Some great dance moves

I was really impressed with how all the kids participated. They were definitely even more animated from the holiday show.

Meadow receiving her diploma and flower

Her teacher Ms. Kristen

Getting to sit with the parents

We went out to dinner at the local brewery after the show. The kids did great!

Ghanny and B Pom!

It is so hard to believe this school year is already over. I am so blessed to have such a talented and smart little girl in my life. She is turning 4 on Sunday.

Little Noise Makers

IT has been tooo long

Now that the Portland Marathon is over, I am hoping to be able to do a little better job of sharing things on the blog. I do really love it as a vehicle to share things with family and friends. It feels a little more personal than facebook. Although, facebook is a quick way to get information out. We have been having fun doing various things this fall. Thankfully, we have had a pretty nice fall with only a few bouts of rain. Unfortunately, the rain was pretty previlant when my parents were here and during the marathon. But, as an Oregonian I just grin and run through the puddles. Both the kids are doing great. Beckett is walking about 9 or 10 steps in a row, but still likes to crawl most of the time. He is a very speedy little guy. Meadow is loving preschool and seems so much more mature these days. Here are just a few pics from recent weeks.

Beckett loves to pull all the books off the shelf. After letting him do this a few times, we have since encouraged him to do other activities that are a little less messy. I love his his cheesy smile for the camera. He did crawl up there all on his own with supervision.
This was a messy spaghetti dinner

Posing in one of her preschool outfits

Beckett chatting

Beckett Crawling and Meadow singing

A little background on the video of Meadow. We have been setting up this stage with my yoga mat and taking turns with performances. Even Todd has sung on the stage. Would love to post that one. But, don't know if he will let me yet. I love the bowing at the end. The movie of Beckett was taken last weekend so he has become even faster.

Meadow turns 3 and Beckett is 9 months old

Life has been very busy at the Van Hee household. I just can't believe how time has been flying by. Meadow had an awesome third year birthday party and has been thoroughly enjoying all her gifts. She has been especially busy riding her new bike. Beckett just turned nine months old this past week. He is loving crawling everywhere and getting into everything. Even though he still does not have any teeth yet, he is eating any small mushy food he can get his hands on. He has been one of the easiest babies to feed. He pretty much likes anything you give him in any form. He is already enjoying drinking out of a sippy cup. He is still breastfeeding, but we will see how long he continues, because for some reason he just loves drinking out of a cup, or water bottle, or bottle. I will be sad to see this phase go, so I am hoping he will hang on for a little longer. But, it has been nice knowing that he will still eat even when I am away from him. He is such a happy smiley little guy.
I have been busy being a mom as well as starting to train for the Portland Marathon, which is in October. Todd has been doing his usual fun activities when he gets the chance, kayaking and mt. biking. Just wanted to do a quick recap, just in case I don't get a chance to post again any time soon. The kids and I are headed to California next week to see some friends and family. Should be a fun trip and hopefully, I will survive the airport part with the two kids by myself.

Here are a few fun pictures taken recently.
This is Meadow with the monkey she made at Build a Bear -we got a gc from the Wubbena crew for Meadow's birthday.
Meadow actually took this picture of me. I just had to post it because she did such a great job.

Beckett on his nine month birthday

Meadow playing dress up with all of her new fairy wings and tutus

Doing some pretend flying in the rosetta tinkerbell outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Dubach

Another 9 month photo

Hopefully, I can post some more pics soon and some video of Beckett crawling.

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