Today's Toby

Happy to have the water feature back on at the playground.

Today was build-a-dino day at the library. Since this was our second trip to the library this week, we took full advantage.  

Since it was finally a reasonable temperature outside, Toby (and Spencer) finally got to play with the kinetic sand.  

Clearly this is both how to sit in a chair and how you read a book. Clearly.  

They may or may not have tied Dad up with the pool noodles. And they were very pleased with themselves.  

Will travel for Italian ice.  (Fortunately, there's a Rita's just a short drive away.)  

Look out world, these kiddo are looking fierce in their tank tops.  

Checking in on our Pro 1 Level swimmer getting some instructions from Ethan.  

One day, mixing baking soda and vinegar will be old news. But it doesn't seem like it will be this summer.

One more photo craft from 2nd Grade. This picture was taken Toby's first day of 2nd Grade. It says "I like flags", "I like reading", and "I like science". He gained a few more teeth over the school year, but everything else hs stayed consistent.  

Having some fun with a toy that Spencer got for his birthday. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Paradine.   

Today was Toby's last day of 2nd Grade and his last day as a Cheetah. His class waiting to go in. And the final exit.  

We shrunk Toby! Obviously, we're joking but this butterfly version of him from school was too cute to just file away.  

A rainy Sunday meant it was time to build a fort in the living room.  

  For Father's Day, Toby worked very hard to make Jason a special gift. Suffice to say, it will be well loved. For all our Dad's out there, thank you. Thank you for all the weary bedtimes, all the cooked meals, all the jokes, all the hugs, all the love. We love you and we are so grateful for you.

A quiet morning with some books on the couch.  

Since Toby has a summer birthday, we have to read to his class a bit early. He selected Llama Destroys The World.  

Toby had his 2nd Grade Promotion today. Since this is his last year at the lower elementary school, they do a whole ceremony to mark the occasion.  The entrance. Receiving his diploma. The graduation song they sang. Toby is all the way at the back. All the 2nd Graders, post ceremony. Happy Little Cheetah.  

Cackling over a dumb joke in a silly book. You like what you like.  

Tonight was the Summer Reading Kickoff Party at the library. They give out ice cream and tell you to read books. It's our kind of event.  

We also celebrated Toby's dance recital this past weekend. Pre-show seriousness. Pre-dance confidence. Their dance, March of the Toy Soldiers. Post-show flowers. Post-show brother love.  

It's possible that this was Toby's favorite part of Ben's Bar Mitzvah.  

I think this might be the first time Toby was throwing the ball himself instead of using the ramp. He remains an enthusiastic bowler.  

Some pictures from (the inside portion of) field day.  

Getting ready for field day.  

Toby doesn't want anyone to touch Slumbers (himself included) because he doesn't want Slumbers to get hot. As such, he's taken to kicking Slumbers whenever he wants him to go, including up the stairs. It's a very special bear who can take this all in stride. Slumbers, I salute you.  

Spying on Bananas (our neighborhood groundhog) as they munch on the neighbors grass.  

Toby's homework for this evening was to make an obstacle course. He had a hard time getting started, but eventually he (and Spencer) were having a great time.  

On a whim we decided to walk over to a local field to see what was going on. After running a lap around the track, they were thrilled to sit and take in some of the game.