1st Day of 3s Class!

The boys started in the 3s class today!

There were no tears at drop-off -- for me or for them. There was no excitement at pick-up, mostly just a mix of  "Mommy, can we go to Abby and Maya's house?" and "Mommy, I didn't get to finish my peanut butter crackers!"

I'm thrilled the day was so uneventful. And, as I said before, I'm excited for the boys' growth this year. I think Miss Michelle will be just what they need. (Now, if only we can keep the confusion about Michelle the nanny and Miss Michelle the teacher to a minimum!)

As usual, my two can barely contain their excitement.

For comparison, here they are on last year's first day of school. Look how much more babyish they seem here.

The boys and their buddies, Avery and Marcus. I was hoping to get Penelope and Abby and Maya in the photo, but they wandered in fashionably late -- I guess it's a girl thing? Their friend Jeffery is in the 3/4s class this year, so I hope we get to see him a little bit.

Here they are after school let out. See? No tears! And this was Maya and Abby's first day of school EVER. Impressive!

It was also the first day of school for my big boy nephew Russy, who is in the FIRST GRADE. Lord. Look how big! I can't stand it.

And it was the first day for Kadija's kids, too! Kalonji is 12 and in the 7th grade. Alahna is 7 in the2nd grade; Aminah is 8 in the 3rd grade and Kwahli is 5 in kindergarten. I remember when all of them were teeny babies. Time goes so quickly.

Happy first day of school to all the babies and big-kids-who-will-always-be-babies-to-us!

Have a great year of learning and fun! We love you!

Happy birthday, boys!

Saturday, Cary and Dean turned 3!

We had a big cookout for them on Sunday, so most of their actual birthday was spent running errands with us to prepare for the party. But they didn't notice, thank goodness!

We spent way too much money, and made waaaaaay too much food. The wind whipped a little too much in the beginning of the party, causing important things to go flying and 3-year-olds to start whining.

But all in all, it was a really, really great day. So many  friends and family came out to celebrate with us, it was amazing! And because my cousin Keilan graduated from Howard University the day before, a huge cohort of Boston-family was in town and came to the party too. With all those people there, I still don't know how we managed to have too much food -- but guess what we didn't have too much of? Margaritas!

Because Sunday was also Mother's Day, I made Mommy Margaritas for the mothers. Those drinks were sooo delicious and a big, big hit!  I will have to make those again -- possibly at every function. Or just because it's Tuesday or something.

The kids enjoyed playing outside and eating 2,000 lbs. of sugar and I so much enjoyed seeing friends and family in one place, laughing and eating and enjoying life. It's truly one of my favorite things. As I turn 40, I know that one of the things I want to do more is get together with the special people in my life. Friends old and new, family near or far -- I don't want to miss an opportunity to hug you, and find out how your life is going. So be prepared for seeing more of me! (Or at least talking to me more!)

The boys got a thousand and one fabulous presents, but this one from my Mom and Dad really stole the show:

10, 9, 8, 7...

Even the two balance bikes we got them couldn't compare to those suits. (Pray for us as we try to teach the boys to "ride" a bike with no pedals.)

Lester and I are both exhausted from all the party preparation and partying and party clean-up! And I've got a ton of work to do to because Michelle has been sick, so Lester and I have had to alternate  days staying home to care for the kids.

So even though I had planned to do a big round-up of the boys' third year, I will have to leave this post short and sweet. Just like them.