Boys first day

Well, it's Joeys second year of preschool. Wow, time really does go fast. Joey walked into his classroom with all smiles and he was so confident. He definitely gets that from his daddy! I am so proud of him. He was so excited and he looked so handsome! He is an amazing little boy, and I just love watching him in action, especially when he thinks he is Spider man! He is a character who makes everyone laugh. I am laughing as I am writing this just thinking about him. I love you Joey!

Ryleys first day at Kindergarten

Well I know this is supposed to be a very happy day and a big deal (blah blah blah). I have feared this day for 6 years. My little girl left for Kindergarten. OK, I am happy for her, but part of me just wants her to be 1 again. I must be doing something right though because she has turned into this beautiful, sweet, smart and caring little girl.

I cried for days before and I cried again as I left her classroom. I am fine now. It definitely has taken me a few days to adjust. So, my first day of Kindergarten was tough. The tough day for Ryley was her second. I think it set in that this is every day now and all day. Ryley is like her mommy. She likes to relax in the morning. Ryley doesn't like to "have to" be anywhere at a certain time. Joe says she got that from me! She cried a couple of days going in, but Uncle G spotted her on line and she was all smiles. I feel better now. I miss her very much, but I look forward to seeing her smile when she gets off the bus. I love you Ryley more than you will ever know. We are so proud of you.

Summer Vacation

Well, we just got back from our summer beach vacation in Sea Isle City this week. Our beach vacation is something we look forward to months in advance. Ryley counts the days and usually starts to ask months ahead of time. It's such a wonderful time to spend together. It's so carefree. I love being able to just relax and have fun and enjoy being together. I don't have to clean or run errands or do laundry. It is a week dedicated to my family.

This year, Ryley enjoyed the water more than ever. She has always loved the water, but she is more comfortable now and jumps through the waves with no fear. Joey is so different from last summer. Last summer, he would not go near the water. He wouldn't even put his feet in. This year, he was swimming through the waves and jumping and loving it. Owen was a little more cautious, but he too changed since last summer. This summer, he would at least walk down to the water, put his feet in and if he was feeling crazy, he would let you take him in as long as you were holding him! He was adorable. TJ was such a good boy. He loved the sand and somehow figured out a way to get sand in every part of his body. He chased the seagulls and ran away from the waves. He napped like a champ on the beach and woke up with a smile the whole time. The kids loved playing with their cousins, the weather was beautiful, the family time was wonderful. What more could you ask for!

Owen's birthday

Joey turned 4 June 22nd. Just a few weeks later, Owen turned 3. Sometimes I still can't believe they are only 13 months apart. Joey was only 4 months old when I found out I was pregnant again. What a blessing! Now 3 years later, my little Owen turned 3. Owen looks up to his big brother. They sleep together every night and he always inches closer to him to make sure he is touching him. At times, they wrestle and hand starts flying and the tears come rolling, but they share a special bond. The Dargan kids are so close in age and are always together that they sometimes don't know what to do when they are not with each other. It's sweet!

We celebrated Owen's birthday at Dairy Queen. He had a smile on his face from ear to ear. He told me all he wanted for his birthday was candles to blow out. How innocent and adorable. Owen is such a sweetheart. He is tough, but has a huge heart and aims to please. He danced and sang and smiled the whole time. He loved being in the spotlight and celebrating with his cousins. I think the highlight was making his own ice cream sundae. He ate 2! Happy Birthday Owen. We all love you!

Daddy takes off

Sometimes we wake up in the Dargan house and receive a wonderful surprise. Daddy stays home from work. This stirs up a lot of excitement for the kids. Once they find out they usually start to dance around and jump on the bed and start singing some song about daddy not going to work. On these days, we may head to a park or have a special lunch or if we are really lucky, head to the beach. A trip to the beach and boardwalk is filled with smiles and laughs. It's just nice to have fun together. I love seeing the kids playing together and making up games and just being kids and having fun.

Joey turns 4

Wow, another Dargan birthday!! Joey turned 4 June 22. He talked about his birthday for months. We celebrated it in style with the Bossy Frog Band held at the Dargan house! He had a blast. Our family and friends celebrated with us and a good time was had by all. Time just goes so fast. Joey is growing into this wonderful little boy. He has an unbelievable amount of energy and it doesn't take much to get him going. He loves to cuddle, but will drop anything to run or have a sword fight. He often speeds through the house with his super Joey cape (from his Auntie Lauren). Sometimes he is Buzz Lightyear and sometimes he is Spiderman. He had this adorable run. It's hard to explain, but it's just natural. He reminds me so much of Joe and from what Grandma explains of Joe, he acts just like his daddy did. He has a captivating smile just like his daddy. Happy Birthday Joey. We love you!

Ryleys graduation

Ryley had her big day June 18, 2010. She graduated Lollipop School. I can't believe it's Ryleys last year of preschool. First of all, words can't express how adorable she was on her graduation day. She was so proud of herself. She practiced for weeks so that she knew all her songs by the big day. Every night at the Dargan house, there was a practice concert along with the help of Joey, Owen & TJ. One thing about Ryley is that she takes things very seriously. She wanted to be so prepared for her big day. It really was cute. She sang and danced on stage and even walked down the isle in a cap and gown. We are so proud of her. I remember dropping her off for her first day when she was 3. I cried. I cried again this past year and she was 5. I can't believe she is starting Kindergarten in September. For the past 5 and a half years, she has been with me. She would go to school for a couple of hours and I was always so excited to pick her up. The thought of her being gone all day every day makes me a little sad. I am proud of her and she is ready to go and I am excited to send her. I am just going to miss her. I remember bringing her home from the hospital and it was just Ryley and me. Now, she has just turned into this beautiful, caring, smart and amazing little girl. I am so proud of my daughter. Some day Ryley, you will read this. I hope you can feel all the love I have for you.