Happy Birthday Kole

I can't believe my baby is 3. He is growing up so fast. I've said it before but this kid melts my heart. He is so sweet and fun to be around. He is easy going and friendly to everyone. I feel so lucky to have him. Not a day goes by that he doesn't make me smile.
He is all boy and loves anything dirty. He loves to play in the dirt or ride his bike around. He loves to go get all of the neighbor girls and play with them. He calls them "my girls" and takes good care of them. He loves to watch Tom & Jerry his favorite cartoon and loves chicken nuggets.

His only request on his birthday was that it was a blue birthday. I'd ask him what he wanted and he'd respond with "blue". It was a great day and a great celebration.

Saige Soccer

Saige also played another season of soccer. This is a fun age to watch. The kids kick the ball the wrong direction, block the goal, kick each other, get tired and sit down, etc. I love it. Saige is clearly taking after her sister and loves the game. She scored several goals and knew exactly how to play.

Soccer

We just wrapped up the fall season of soccer. This year Paiton made a competitive league. I wasn't convinced this would be a good thing for her because I didn't want her to feel pressured into soccer. But she was such a good player and I wanted to help nurture that talent. It has been a great experience and she loves it. She practices a few times a week and had a very busy fall season. This team of girls only lost one game and super fun to watch.
Paiton's favorite position is Goal Keeper or Defender and has improved so much this year. I absolutely love her coach and he has made this a great experience. He has fun with the girls and doesn't take it too seriously. He teaches them in a way that doesn't make them feel pressured or overwhelmed. Our winter is filled with tournaments and practice until we start Spring season. Here are a few pictures:

We played one tournament in the pouring rain. It was awful, but the girls had fun.

The girls took 2nd place in this tournament and only lost to a team that was a year older and much bigger than them. That is when we knew we had a good team.

 Coach having a few "words" with his girls.

 The famous tunnel that the parents make at the end of a game.

Back to School

We had a busy summer as usual.  A lot of trips to the pool and the lake, movies in the park, playing in the sand and sun. All of the fun had to stop somewhere. Every year I'm ready for school to start to get back into routines and schedules. I need schedules in my life.

All three kids went to school this year. They are growing up so fast. I happy and excited to start this new chapter in our lives.

Paiton started 3rd grade. I can't believe I have a 3rd grader. She is such a cute, friendly girl. She couldn't wait for school to start and was counting down the days. I hope she always loves school as much as she does now.

Saige finally started Kindergarten. Because her birthday is in October she wasn't able to start with her friends. She couldn't wait to start either. She loves it so far. 

 

 And my little man started preschool. This the only picture I have of the special day. Sad huh? What a big boy.

It's been awhile...

I'm determined to keep this going. It has been awhile since I have posted and I miss the random thoughts and memories I can look back on. So here it goes....a ton of catch up.

Lake Powell 2013

Last year we missed our Lake Powell trip and I was bound and determined to get there this year. We made a short weekend trip and hoping to make it one more time. I love that place!!

Here are some cute pictures of the trip.

 A lot of tubing.

 Be still my heart! What a great picture of a great kid.

 I think he loves it like his mama.

 A lot of this happening. The 5 hour drive took a little longer because we had to stop and pee a thousand times. I keep reminding myself it was worth it.

 Paiton the little fish. There are not many pictures of her because she is constantly in the water.

 Saige Love!

 A lot of sand castles and red sand.

 He found himself a rope swing.

 

 The two friends enjoying the ride. Saige and Teagan.

 A little family loving.

This is how Saige reacted to going home. She cried and cried. That is how I feel Saige.

Goodbye Paradise....'til we meet again.

Catch up....

So, life has gotten away with me. The days are flying by, the sun is shining, and the kids are out of school. It seems to be so crazy and I'm trying to soak in every moment of it. I guess that means the dog-days of winter are over and summer has begun. Hallelujah! So much has happened in the last few months and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of updated the blog with everything. So, here is one long post to catch up. 

First of all, Rory's family came to visit mid-April. This event really does deserve it's own post, but what does a person do. We welcomed with open arms his Mom & Dad, his sister Heidi, his grandma Dian, his brother (Jonathan) and his wife (Jessica) and their three kids (Noah, Julia, and Colton). It was a packed house to say the least. Kids slept on the floor and dishes need to be washed several times a day. There wasn't a dull moment but the week was so much fun. We did a lot of things together such as the Children's Museum, Aquarium, Lowe's HangTime, and played a lot of cards. We made a lot of memories that week and we enjoyed having them with us. Can't wait to see everyone again. Soon…..Soon! 

The kids loved having their cousins around for an entire week. A constant playdate. 

Another big event is Preschool Graduation for Saige. She is officially starting Kindergarten in the Fall. They had a little program and graduation event, she did so good. She is quite the little entertainer. What a sweetheart! Congratulations Saige, you little smarty pants!

She did so good on her parts. I thought she would be scared and  I was wrong. 

These girls are BFF's. Saige & Teagan.

Saige and Mrs. Beach (I love that lady).

We have started our traditional Sunday's on the lake. Our first day out was Mothers Day! What a great day. 

Probably the biggest thing that has happened to us recently is potty-training Kole. I thought he would be the hardest and I had heard nightmares about potty-training boys. Not Kole! We had talked and talked about it and he kept saying he would do it "soon". On Friday he played outside all day without a diaper and pee'd in the bushes all day. Paiton thinks that is why are flowers are growing so good this year. :) After he had spent the day outside with no accidents, I knew he could do it. Saturday morning, I announced there would be no more diapers and WWII started at my house. He wanted his diaper and I wasn't giving in. He had two accidents and never looked back. One week later, he is a pro. He is still better at going outside rather than a toilet but that will be our next challenge.You have no idea how happy it makes me.  I think I have purchased diapers every month for the last 8 years. Don't worry Huggies will survive without us, I'm sure. What a good boy. We have a lot of moments like this in public. A little embarrassing but worth it. 

I celebrated my birthday – 36! Wow, that number scares me. It was a weird birthday. Not sure if I was depressed or just not in the birthday spirit, but it went by as just another day. No big deal! If you know me, you know that birthdays are ALWAYS a big deal, but I wasn't feeling it this year. I have a song I love and the lyrics say; "Happy Birthday Me. I got love, I got happiness. I've got a good looking man that can cook and a house full of noisy kids. I've got love, and don't need nothing else. Take a picture so we don't forget." I guess that sums it up – I don't need anything, I've got it all, just trying to soak it all in. 

We took a trip to Lake Powell and had a blast. Pictures to come. 

Summer has officially begun. School closed the doors a few weeks ago. Paiton is onto a bigger and better 3rd grader. Wow! That is weird to say. The flowers are planted, the garden is growing, Sundays on the lake, snow cones, water balloons, bike rides, and swim parties are all in full force. I love this time of year and hate it at the same time. There is no schedule, no routine, 10:00pm bed times, but so many memories in the making. 

I love my life! I love my family! Sometimes I lay with these sweet kids at night and listen to them snore and think how lucky I am and wonder why was I chosen to be their mother. They are perfect, they are sweet, and they are the best things that have ever happened to me. Here's to me trying to soak it all in and cherish every moment, even though somedays I can't wait for bed time.