The Leonard Family: Lots of Family time...and a graduation!

I thought a little bit about Jack's graduation from Pre-K. I knew we wanted him to graduate with all of his buddies from Woodchase in Smyrna. Even though we have been gone about 7 weeks, it was where he had been since he was 18 months old. It was after work on a Thursday night and we were making our way across town after a hectic day. I was excited for him and knew it would be sweet. My parents came to meet us and it was fun to see all of the teachers and their buddies. It started out with a cute show with songs and some speaking parts by the kids..... then the slideshow started. Well maybe it was more of the slow heartfelt songs they played with it about friends. Gracious...the tears started flowing. I think a sob even slipped out. I was not quite prepared for the overwhelming emotional response. There were the pictures of all the little ones in Jack's class over the years. All the memories and the reality that this stage of life is over for us with him. AND THEN.....here they come in their caps and gowns smiling and proud. I think my eyes were puffy the next morning.
We are so proud of Jack and his gentle nature. He is so very smart and always sincere in everything thing he does and says. He is a sweet child that makes our life a happier place every day. Exciting new things to come!

We spent our Friday night in just about the most perfect way possible...we met the Reilly's at Polo Outdoors (Basically a private park and playground INSIDE the neighborhood!) we were the only ones there and took a picnic dinner and the kids played hard! They are having the best time playing together and being neighbors. It is such a treat to get to have best friends down the street. It is really happy! Elizabeth and I sat on a blanket and talked while the guys played Bocce ball and the kids ran around. Are you serious? Is this our life?! Happy times!
Saturday we all headed to Decatur to see Anna's ballet recital. She did such a great job and we loved seeing all the grandkids together! We went to a neat restaurant afterwards and hung out on a big patio while the kids ran around. Steven and I got the night off and left there and went shopping (I got some MUCH needed new clothes!!!) and then went to a fun little restaurant. We got home and I was asleep on the couch in about 10 minutes. Yikes..not quite the romantic evening!
This morning we got up and headed to Gainesville to meet Poppa, Nunno and the kids to go to the Murphy Family Reunion (Granny's side of the family). It is always fun to see all my cousins...and the second cousins! There are SEVEN great grandchildren and they were all there! Granny was proud to have her crew there! We got home and let the kids watch Toy Story while I made some dinner and got ready for the week to start!
It was a really fun weekend with lots of good family time! We are living for this Memorial Day weekend! FOUR days at home with no big plans except for REALLY HOPING for warm weather so we can break in the POOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Steven and I have been doing a 35 day challenge with eating and drinking (and I am doing a competition at my gym too for body fat % loss) and it ends FRIDAY MORNING! I may be having cookie cake for breakfast. Yikes!!! I will be VERY ready for my vino on Friday..... I will try not to have it at breakfast.

Sweet BIG man graduating from Woodchase Academy

Jack and Andrew - Best buddies all grown up!

Poppa with his Jack!

Proud grandparents!

Jack cooperated for pictures for about a minute. We didn't get a great shot of the four of us, but we have the memories! Ha!

Jack was so proud of Anna!

The five grandkids! It's not always easy to get everyone to pay attention! Please look at sweet Lucy. She was ABSOLUTELY beside herself about the ballet! She loved watching it and thought the ballerinas were so great! She talked about them and their tutus, their pink and their ponytails!