blessings

I have lots of pictures from sports camps, swimming lessons, the New Kids On The Block concert, and play time with friends that I hope to post this week. We're gearing up for Leah's 5th birthday on Thursday, lots of fun with friends over the 4th of July holiday weekend, and our pool party on the 11th!

In the midst of all of this activity, I wanted to take a moment to say that this has been one of the best summers I can recall. I feel so blessed and lucky to be enjoying the summer with friends, new and old. The kids are all growing and it's so wonderful to see them developing new friendships ... and I'm enjoying that process myself.

Thank you to everyone that has provided support to us through the last 2 years as we've adjusted to life as a family of 6. I cannot adequately express my appreciation for the open doors willing to accommodate all 4 of our kids for play time, the open ears that have listened to the same woes time and again, and most importantly the open hearts that have provided endless encouragement and support throughout our process of becoming. Thank you all for making this summer such a wonderful time for us ... and there's so much more to look forward to!

but it's perfect weather for a swim!

Today was day 1 for Leah & Kaden's Little Guppies swimming lessons at the Gill Family Aquatic Center in Danville. Leah was super excited and went right down to do as she was told. I think it helped that her teacher from last year was back this year and recognized Leah! They were really happy to see each other. Kaden, on the other hand, had a rough start. He refused to get into the water with any of the teachers. Despite my best efforts (& Mike's), he wanted nothing to do with it if I wasn't going in with him. So I carried him back to the upper deck of the pool and made him sit with me for about 5 minutes. And, oh, how he cried. He finally settled down and agreed that he would like to go down the slide. After agreeing to go with a teacher, I walked him back down to the pool. I had to walk in with him as far as the slide steps, and from there he did great! He ended up with Leah's teacher from last year, who is WONDERFUL with the little ones that are hesitant to explore the water. Leah moved way up in the groups and was having a blast. I was able to snap just a few pictures after Kaden finally let me out of his sight.

Kaden playing with the rings:

Leah with her teacher:

(Yes, it's a boy! Can you believe she went with him?!

She's stretching that comfort zone, isn't she? I'm so proud of her!)
Kaden jumping off the side of the pool:

Back for more tomorrow, and hopefully they'll both be excited to participate so I can grab some better pictures!

it's too hot for camp!

So, the weather here is in the 90s, and of course this is the week for Hannah & Cody's SkyHawks sports camps at the park. Cody is participating in Flag Football and Hannah in Cheerleading. Since I had the little ones and it was so hot, we didn't stay for the full 2 hours to watch, but I did grab a few pics and some video when we arrived to pick them up.

Here's Cody taunting the coach because he snagged his flag:

And doing a little run/dance:
Hannah working on her cheers:

And her kicks:

Hannah's "De-Fense" cheer:

"Touchdown-Hey-Score 6!"

Kaden's favorite people

While Kaden certainly loves his Mommy, Totsie, Dolly, Nunny, and the rest of the women in his life, he has always been more of a Man's Man. Here he is with the two favorite men in his life.

Hope you had a wonderful Father's Day Papaw & Daddy.

And we miss you, Pappy!

Happy Father's Day

We opted for a craft project for Mike's Father's Day gifts. So off we went to Wal-Mart last night to purchase paints and canvas ... then it was time for the kids to get creative! They all did a fantastic job!

Leah:

Cody:
Hannah:

Kaden:

Happy Father's Day!

sidewalk chalk & pool-side fun

We had Papaw, Totsie, & Dolly over a few nights ago and while dessert was being prepared Dolly & the kids busted out the chalk for some super-cool sidewalk designs.

Portrait of Mom, by Hannah:

Waves by Dolly.

Underwater dinosaur by Leah:

Any help on this one?

Totsie by Dolly:

Underwater animals by Dolly:

While I was at work on Saturday, Mike ran several errands with the kids, including FINALLY getting Kaden in for a hair cut. We were invited to join Amy & her family at the Danville Pool for some cheap fun. I was even able to grab a few pictures of all the kids.

Here's Leah & Natalie ... they're getting so big - I can't believe they're almost ready for Kindergarten!

Natalie on the slide:

Zoey, swimming:
Kaden scoring a big splash on the slide:

Leah's turn:

Check out that grin ... think he's happy?

My favorite of the day. Ava was loving these!

(Don't worry, Hannah & Cody were there, too, but they were off doing their own thing and weren't close enough for the photo ops.)

Thanks for a wonderful time!

Mommy-Kid Day

After having one hell of a headache and a sore throat yesterday, I took advantage of the option to have today off. Leah has been asking a lot lately when we can have a "Mommy-Kid Day." Well, today was the day! Last night Leah kept calling me back into her room to go over her ideas for how to spend the day ....

Our day started with a much needed sleep-in (that finally kicked my headache!), a laid back breakfast, and getting dressed and ready while Hannah & Cody were at swimming lessons. We eventually had everyone bathed, dressed, and ready to go. Hannah & Cody went across the street to spend the day with Terry, and Leah, Kaden & I made our way out the door. We hand-delivered a few birthday invitations and stopped at the post office to mail the last of the bunch. I had prepared a picnic lunch for us (PB&J, Cheez-its, bananas, lemonade) but the weather just wasn't cooperating. So we improvised and met Dolly at work to have lunch with her & some co-workers. The weather was still a little on the rainy side, but I crossed my fingers and drove us to the Zoo when we were ready to leave the museum.

And, would you believe it? But luck was actually on our side and the weather was great! The Zoo wasn't crowded at all, and we had a nice time strolling around. The kids were, as always, thrilled to see the penguins, polar bear, and elephants. Leah was sad that the koalas are gone and had lots of questions about when the cheetahs would arrive. As we made our way back to the car, it started to sprinkle again - perfect timing!

Kaden fell asleep in the car on the way back to town, while Leah just yawned a ton and swore she wasn't tired. Stopped at the bank, then came home to pick up Hannah & Cody. Then we all loaded BACK in the car to head BACK downtown. We met Jennie, Dolly, and Jason at the Murat so that Jennie & I could try one last time to get lottery tickets to Wicked. No luck for us, but that just meant we got to have dinner at Hot Box Pizza with Dolly & Jason. The kids love the pizza there ... or maybe they just eat it because they know they get Tootsie Rolls when they're done :-)

We made it back home without melting in the pouring rain. I feel so relaxed tonight! It's amazing how the day to day chores can cloud your mind ... and I too often forget how much fun it is to be a mom.

Leah & Kaden, I loved our day together today. I can't wait for the next Mommy-Kid Day.

Now, Leah, go brush your teeth because it's time for bed!

concert in the park

Last night we ventured out for the first of this season's Summer Concert Series at Arbuckle. We met Cole & his mom for a yummy dinner of KFC, fruit, Cheetos, candy, and the best chocolate chip cookies! Super thanks to Karie for providing such a wonderful dinner ... and it's definitely OUR turn next time. On our arrival to the park, we spread out our blankets and Kaden lined up the kid chairs:

The kid definitely has my attention to detail and desire for order, see that grin?:

Our beloved Cole:

Leah, looking serious while eating her candy:


Cole and his fabulous mom, Karie:

Leah being silly:

Cole & Leah holding hands:

Kaden, sitting on the chairs after he stacked them all:

A great night for all of us! Looking forward to the next concert night!

Go Leah! (Warning: proud Mommy post ahead!)

Oh, my.

Leah, Mommy is SO proud of you!

You started talking about soccer some time last year. No one was quite sure how the idea got in your head, and we were honestly surprised since you've never been the "run around and get dirty" kind of girl. (I'm reminded of the first time they tried to have you finger paint at daycare and you screamed and screamed until they washed your hands.) But you kept mentioning soccer and we signed you up at the next opportunity. We hoped that playing soccer would expand your comfort level around new adults and new kids and help you prepare for school.

The first practice was rough. I was reminded of your first gymnastics class, where you stood against the wall with your fingers in your mouth and just watched the other girls. But we had a wonderful coach (and assistant coaches) and Coach Tuttle held your hand and helped you practice. Each week you seemed more relaxed and seemed to have more fun.

All season you were willing to kick the ball back in bounds or at the start of the next play. And you'd run along with the pack, but rarely made any effort to actually kick the ball if other kids were trying to get to it, too. During one game a couple of weeks ago, you kicked the ball "several" times and we were ecstatic! Well! This week ... our last game of the season,

Leah came out to play!

I managed to snag one clip of you kicking the ball "several" times. Papaw has another video of a different time! What's super exciting is that you kicked the ball even though Hayden, your team mate and a heck of a player, was trying to get it, too. I'm not ashamed to admit that this proud mommy had tears in her eyes, I was so happy for you!

Rock on Leah! We can't wait to see how much fun you have in the fall!

a boy & his boots

Kaden received the gift of Cole's cowboy boots. It's as if he has been living his entire 3 years to this point as an incomplete little man. He LOVES those boots! I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that Papaw has cowboy boots, but the child will wear them anywhere, anytime, with anything.

Example #1, in his pajamas & cowboy boots playing on the swing:

Same pajamas & cowboy boots riding a bus:
Sneaking his boots back on after lights-out and falling asleep in them:

Sweet dreams, cowboy!

fun with cole - part 2!

We had a blast playing with Cole, Emily, & Elizabeth after Leah's soccer practice. We had so much fun that we invited Cole & Elizabeth to our house the following night. (Emily was at her grandma's for a special Big Girl sleep over.) Hannah & Elizabeth seem to have a bond:

Isn't he handsome?

Elizabeth:

I think she just wants me to leave her alone so she can get back to the sand box:

Cole & Leah taking a stroll with Leah's baby:

Cole & his mommy:

Elizabeth really liked this stroller:

Elizabeth & mommy:

Thanks for making another long night pass quickly! We're looking forward to our next play date.