June 2011 being written in June 2012 so let's see how I do here and get used to it because my goal here at Memory Lane, a year later, is to catch up and of course, remain current for my family.  I know I have posted this very statement before (or slightly different, likely a worse run on).  Last time for this year....might next year at Memory Lane....no I won't because I'll have kept to my goal.  :)

Here is Noah after a an ENT visit.  This is prior to his getting tubes which took place after his Mother, 33 year old mother, got tubes put in.  Yep~not surprised huh with it being The Relle Clan!  Over the summer thanks to the Apple Creek Silent Auction where I spent more money than planned (with both boys solo)....impressive huh, Noah and I did Gymboree classes?!?!  It was so surreal being there with Noah, not the same without Karen, and a bit disheartening to know that I would only be able to experience a portion of the fun that Jack and I had together with Gymbo the clown.  The rest of the summer continued the young, vacation love that is brought on with parachutes, bubbles, and love.  We have had swim playdates, food adventures (blueberries), and Noah's first hair cut.  Although his hair was not "Cousin It", it was time for the top to be cleaned up as we patiently awaited to see what it would grow in like.

In June I left the boys with Nick to head to Memory Lane Inn in Tyler, Texas to spend the weekend crafting with the girls.  Nick took advantage of the minus one adult and flew in to spend time with family back home. The boys did great and I believe he is going to market the process of picking up ladies by flying solo with 2 children (specifically an infant).  I started off slow but then I was on a crafting roll.  These jars are filled with strips of paper to give us ideas during the hot summer days at home so that we don't get into a habit of staying in because of Noah (OK....really the heat......just sounds better saying "Noah" was the reason).  Karen had gotten Jack a giant, cardboard "J" awhile back and was going to fancy it up.....but in the end.....I had to do it.....great gift Karen. :)  Just Kidding.....we all LOVE it and how it came out.  It means so much to Jack that I that I (with a lot of help from Karen) put even more love than was already there with Karen buying it for his "J" collection.  My other big project was using a clearance box from Hobby Lobby and filling it with 365 things that we love about Nick.  They were in specific fonts according to who shared the bit of love that they so much appreciate about Nick.  It was things like, "He reads me My Daddy using lots of cool voices."  "He is willing to say, "Never know what the future holds." when referencing having another baby".  Cheap (his favorite) and thoughtful!!

While I was crafting the weekend away (literally day and night) the boys played with Nana and Gramps (& had a small visit with Papa & Bebe).  Swimming, eating, playing, playing, playing.  They had a great time and I am glad that it was another opportunity for them to easily get to spend time with family over the summer holiday.

Prior to the summer I signed Jack up for LSU's Mike's Kids Club.  When we arrived back from our weekend adventures he had a package from Mike the Tiger himself.  Jack was so excited.  The coming football season was going to be his first actual visit inside Death Valley and he knew when opening his box....that it was official....he was finally going to go to an LSU Tiger Football game.....because he was Born a Tiger after all. :)  He thought the plastic member card was his ticket and guarded it with his lil' purple and gold heart.  Since summer was in full swing we decided the Relle's needed their own pool.  Started out with building a sandbox the size of Tiger Stadium trying to level out the ground.  And I can say now the summer after that it was unsuccessful.  Noah was a fish, Jack practiced his swimming skills from lessons (Swim Survival.....10 minutes a day....intense.....but WOW).  If we were out of the pool we had to be in the water and if not there......we had to be inside.  We would have dates just to get out of the house.  I just love my boys!!  And to finish up this post I've so kindly photographed our sweet boys during one of the many tornado warning....I came up with the great idea for the boys to wear their bike helmets....just in case.  Nick laughed, the boys were confused.....but I'll remember those that were supportive when I am a millionaire for copyrighting the idea and custom helmets.

Chef Jack

I "might" have a problem with discount sites.  One day when on leave I bought 2 Groupons to a local culinary school for children called Young Chefs.  I had read about it and was so excited to take Jack on a Mommy and me date night to cook together...well, in the end with returning to work I didn't end up using both and actually we barely got in one.  After the bookmark contest party I had to be somewhere...I'm sure it was important...but Nick headed with Jack to meet up with Derrick and Willow (& Laurel) who were in the same boat...trying to not loose money.  The kids seemed to have a great time making their banana pudding with sprinkles, although it was far (not the closest location to us) and apparently tight quarters.  Pics came out cute.  Thanks boys

Finalist

Shana my long term sub shared a contest at A Real Bookstore (a new local bookstore).  Children are able to design bookmarks and the winner from each of the 4 age groups would have their bookmark professionally printed and distributed at the store.  My class and their book buddies entered the contest that day, but the entries were due the next day.  So students had their parents sign their entries and bring them to me so that I could deliver them to the store by closing that Friday.  Nick had something that night so I had to pick up both boys but I knew that Jack would LOVE to participate.  So we headed home, used an art work from Apple Creek as a model and he got to work.  We loaded back into the car and delivered the stack just in time.  Well, to my surprise I received an email a few weeks later stating that Jack was one of the finalist and that they would like for him to attend a party where they would announce the winner.  A few other students (Shana's little girl too-who was a winner in her age group-Yea Madeline) were finalists too.  Jack entry is the one with the caterpillar that he made with finger prints.  Isn't is so cute?!?!

 Although Jack wasn't the winner in his age group, he was so proud of himself (and so were we!).  The day of the party he got dressed up, practiced saying his name and shaking hands, and walked up tall when his name was called....and was even a trooper when the lady kept calling him Jake.  You can see he is trying to correct her but then decided to just go with it.  Once they announced the winner he just stood up there smiling. Bless his heart...he was so proud of the attention which was so unlike him...so proud I tell you.  And in the end he got a certificate (with the name Jake on it), a book, and one of each of the 4 winning bookmarks (although we went and took a lot more than one for Madeline).  And the cake too which was tasty!!

Jack and I have already started brainstorming the entry he'll be making for next year!  

Shambles-The pictures say it all...Hurry up summer!!!

Fedora

 "Hey, What are you doing in here Mom!"

 "You want to take pictures of me?  Wow, I feel special...doesn't happen often."

 "Just watch baby brother....I am very experienced."

 "A little bit more sass!"

 "It's hard to be as good as me....At this rate we'll be here all day waiting for a smile."

"Mom, I was already smiling so now your silliness makes me smile double.  Oh well, at least Noah is finally smiling.  I knew you could little brother!"