Kenzie and Mason have been gone for over a week now, sharing their time between both sets of grandparents. This was such a blessing for Cindy and me as we have been going crazy trying to get the house ready to sell. We hear glowing reports of the kids behavior but consider the sources potentially biased.

Kenzie had her last tee-ball game today. It was so amazing to watch how many skills the kids had picked up in just six weeks (all due to the coach, I'm sure). Kenzie hit a pitched ball and there was actually an out made in the first inning!

Teacher Janet called home today to tell Cindy that Kenzie had a tough day. Janet was preparing them for tonight's "graduation", telling them what to expect, as well as explaining that tomorrow is their last day of school. Kenzie started crying uncontrollably. All she wanted was a hug, and Janet held her for about 15 minutes while she just sobbed. Moving out of the city is tough for Kenzie, and moving away from her friends is unbearable. We're trying to make it as easy as possible, but change is tough, especially at five! Friday we're going to her new school, so hopefully we can build some anticipation.

Tonight MacKenzie graduated from preschool. After two years, tomorrow is her last day with Ms. Janet.

Zeke is happy to report that his tail has healed completely, sans a bit of hair, and life is back to "normal."

Kenzie turned five yesterday!



Here's a shot of those that we're willing to have their picture taken (including one in tears about it) - the total kid count was 18! Top-left: Kiley, Nathan, Jacob, Nathan, Joy, Krista, Lexi, Payton, Riley, Kenzie, Mason, Lane, Nico.

Grammy got a lesson on the monkey bars from Kenzie.



Then Mason showed her how to go down the slide.



But he needed a little lift from Grampy to get on the bars.

We're going to be moving into a new home - one that has enough room for the kids to grow up in (and give me my own bathroom). We like the schools better and think that the smaller class sizes will be a great advantage.

Check out the 3 acres that the kids can call their new yard! We're super excited but Kenzie isn't so sure yet. She's most sad about losing her mural. Kina has agreed to come up and paint her a new one, but Kenzie isn't yet convinced it's going to be "exactly" the same as the old one.

Cousins Lane and Cheyenne have been staying with us, which has been great. All four kids play really well together. But, I do start to feel a little sorry for the boys every once in a while. Witness what happens when the big sisters are put in charge of wardrobing decisions.



but wait, there's more:

Let me remind us all that MacKenzie is not yet five.

I answered the phone tonight and heard, "Hello. This is Nicolas. Is MacKenzie there?"

I handed the phone over.

For the next 8 minutes and 8 seconds (yes, I timed it) I heard things like, "you did? that's cool....oh, yeah...that's cool...so, you're camping? are you, like, packing up now?" Cindy and I looked at each other with angst and confusion.

We were eating dinner. Kenzie brought the phone to the table, held it in her left hand, elbow resting on the table, while she poked at her food with the fork in her right hand. At one point in her conversation we heard, "oh, Nicolas?" Then, it was Mason who then chimed in, in a silly teasing tone, "NICOlas, NICOlas" over and over. It made us all giggle, especially Lane and Cheyenne who have been staying with us for a few days.

At the end of their conversation Nicolas' mom asked to speak with me. She explained that she had left Nico and his dad home alone. They started watching "Pimp My Ride" (on MTV) and Nico decided he needed to tell Kenzie all about it. She came home and agreed if he could dial all by himself, which he did. Not sure that's a milestone I'm happy he reached.

Playing in the sprinkler with Lane and Morgan.

Jumping on the trampoline at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Mason snuck some chips when he shouldn't have (witness the orange cheeks). As a result he was told that he could have no birthday cake. Eventually he got some, but he was so sad watching everyone else load up.

Kenzie got kicked out of the t-ball game today! (By Cindy, the coach.) She got benched and had to sit the remainder of the game on the bleachers. Now, before I start getting phone calls about what a cruel world it is around here, read on. Kenzie threw a huge fit on third base, later defending her actions by saying, "I was up until 10:30 and then got up too early." She kicked Cindy in the shins!! After the game Kenzie had to stay sitting on the bleachers while we all enjoyed a snack and took our sweet time getting ready to go. She is also benched for the next practice.

On another note, last night Grampy asked her which was her favorite position. Her reply: "the one right next to Elliot. He's goofy."