1st Grade French Immersion

Winter is one smart cookie. This spring she was tested for the PALS program. PALS is the gifted and talented program for the county we live in. While I knew she was smart, and remarkable, and amazing, and all the things a mother would think of her child...I had no idea that she is by far one of the smartest little girls her age. She tested with a 94%, which means out of 100 students her age she is smarter than 94 of them. She has been reading at a second grade level since the middle of Kindergarten and I'd bet she is pushing that level even higher. There aren't many word she can't figure out and her flow is smooth and steady. Her hand writing is atrocious, but she can read for sure. Her neighbor hood school just wasn't going to challenger her enough and help her reach some of that full potential. So we decided not to enroll her in the PALS program but instead the French Immersion program where she will spend half her day learning subjects in French and the other half learning in English. She is very excited. She is drawn to anything French or Parisian. Her back to school clothes included a beret. At 6 years old she is friendly, outgoing, loves to make new friends, enjoys learning about everything, but particularly the stars and outer space right now. She is her fathers child to be sure. I love and adore her so much. I can't believe she is in first grade, I remember being in first grade. Have fun baby girl!

Bear Lake Summer 2012

I have put my order in to have a baby with blue eyes. So far, I have 3 children and no blue eyes in the lot. I grew up in a family of bright blue eyed peepers, at least on my dad's side. I myself have eyes that change colors slightly and love it when they shine that bright blue that is typical of a Dutton. While this is a very silly image of Ledger all dirty from the fun of our family weekend, it is a great example of his amazing eyes.

 Blue eyes are overrated!

 This was a great family weekend. Cory's family does a little trip every year where his parent and all his siblings and their family gather together. One of their favorite things is to play board games.

 Porter

 Mercedez

 Sawyer

 More games!

One of the best family vacations EVER! I really had such a good time and enjoyed every ones family so much. I told Cory when we were leaving I needed a souvenir so I could always remember what great experience it was. It is moments like these that I know our plan to have four kids is the right one for us. I love family! I am lucky to have such a wonderful one and to be apart of my husband's fabulous one as well.

Swim Lessons

Ledger is a very funny little boy. He makes me laugh a lot. In the photo below he is telling his swim teacher "no no don't make me jump in, I do it myself." He sees that finger waging at him a lot from me. Now he puts it to good use with others.

 Winter did great with her lessons. She took right to the water like never before. Putting her head under and holding her breath.

 Ledger liked to do things on his own. He is still getting use to putting his head under the water.

 He often was looking around for me for reassurance.

 Winter learned to dive down into the water and kick with her feet out and her hands out front.

 She doesn't even have goggles on here.

 Learning to float on her back.

 Where's mom? Ledger I'm right here taking your photo!

 

After watching a lot of swimming during the Olympics they wanted to be "real swimmers." I took this photo with my phone.

4th of July Picnic in the Park

Huntsville picnic in the park. The kids had a really good time and loved the big fun park. This is a tradition in the making!

 I love his expressive little face. I could just gobble him up.

Cabott 5 months

My Baby Boy and Me

It's 3 a.m., they're all asleep,

and no-one's here to see.

As we rock slowly back and forth,

My baby boy and me.

His little hand is feather light

Tucked up against my chin.

I hold his tiny hand in mine,

and stroke his baby skin.

The house about us creaks and groans,

The clock hands creep around.

He snuggles closer to me still,

And makes his baby sounds.

I love these quiet hours so much,

And cherish every one.

Store memories up inside my heart

For lonely nights to come.

All too soon he'll be grown up,

His need for mama gone.

But until then I still have time

For kisses and for song.

Time for quiet hours like this

With him cuddled in my arms,

Where I wish he'd always stay

Protected, safe and warm.

And yet I know the day will come

When his tiny little hand,

will be bigger than my own.

He'll grow to be a man.

But until then he's mine to love

With no one here to see.

As we rock slowly back and forth,

My baby boy and me.