SOCCER

Most of the organized sports in our city begin after Kindergarten; soccer is the exception.  JP and AA attended weekly lessons indoors throughout the winter.  Since the age groups are 3-5, 5-6, (and so on), we took advantage of the six overlapping months when JP and AA could be in lessons together.  Although there clearly was a difference in skill, the two loved to be in the same class together.

This summer, SoccerWorld offered a single month of outdoor lessons.  The catch?  Only for 5-6 year olds.  Try explaining that one to AA!  Each week she dressed in her soccer clothes and kicked the ball with the boys before and after lessons.  

There really isn't anything organized about soccer for 5 year olds though!  The hour is mostly spent burning off energy and learned basic concepts of the game.  JP is improving though!

After tonight's final practice, I tried to snap a photo of JP and his buddies … of course, AA joined in!

I couldn't decide which of these snapshots best captured their personalities … 

I think this one wins.

GIGGLES

This little man has the cutest giggle!  He just melts my heart.  I really do not consider myself funny, but apparently everything I say to him results in the sweetest laugh.

ONE YEAR AGO

One year ago, we were enjoying a family vacation at Mackinac Island.  

One year year ago, A and I commented on how easy life was … JP and AA were growing older and we were out of that baby stage.

One year ago, I took a pregnancy test.
One year ago, my heart sank as I watched the pregnancy test display a "+" sign.
One year ago, I didn't tell A about the "+" test and stayed awake all night wondering how I was going to break the news to him.

One year ago, I bought this bright yellow "B is for Boat, Mackinac Island" shirt.
One year ago, I handed A a brown paper bag with this shirt inside and told him there was a present inside.
One year ago, A thought he was opening a brown paper bag full of beer.
One year ago, A's heart sank as he realized what was really inside.

One year ago, A and I cried and cried.
One year ago, we were terrified.
One year ago, we remembered what the high risk obstetrician and my neurologist had recommended: do not get pregnant again.

One year ago, we decided to place our fear in God's hands.
One year ago, we reminded each other to place our fear in God's hands.
One year ago, we reminded each other AGAIN to place our fear in God's hands.

One year ago, we had no idea just what God had in store for us.

One year ago, we could not fathom just how much joy a new little baby could bring.

One year ago, we did not know what we were missing.

One year ago, one of the best journeys of our life had just begun.

COUNTY FAIR

There's just something about the smelly, sticky, (and trashy) county fair that brings out the joy in all of us!  We made our annual appearance this afternoon.

JP and AA picked out three rides each- not to our surprise, they chose the same three!

We (well, they) fed the goats and the petting zoo

and a few baby goats on the loose followed JP around!

Inappropriate footwear did not stop JP from attempting the free climbing wall!

BOAT RIDE

Daddy is home for his one (and only!) full weekend all summer!  We tried to pack in as much summer fun as possible!

We rented a pontoon and enjoyed a lazy afternoon with our close friends and Grandpa A and Grandma K.

The little boys even had a chance to navigate the waters. 

And the brave ones went went for a dip in the cool water. (Not me.)





Baby J spent the first few hours fast asleep in his car seat.  He then sat in the shade and smiled and kicked to his delight.

After 4+ hours in the sun (and after eating way too many snacks!), no one wanted to get off the boat.  Such a fun day!

ACTIVITY MAT

 This twenty dollar Fisher Price activity mat has sure seen it's share of baby drool over the years!  Both JP and AA loved spending time staring at the colorful rainforest animals, trying to negotiate their flailing limbs.  Of course, now there are several more sophisticated, fancier, and modern versions of the mat.  I debated about purchasing a new one for Baby J.  However, after seeing him coo, kick, and now rollover (!) on this mat, I think I'll save my money!

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

GENES

JP and AA really look nothing alike.  They really never have.  

And then comes Baby J.  

Who will he look more like?

My vote is JP.

GROWING

And just what is happening to my baby?  In just three months Baby J has grown from a newborn to a real baby!  He always wants to be upright and engaged in the commotion.  Today we brought out the activity jumper for Baby J to stand in.  He needed to be packed in with blankets … but I think he's ready for this fun!

Just where is that pause button in life?

SUNDAY DRIVE

Since all three kids were quiet in church today, A and I left feeling empowered and overly- confident of our parenting skills.  (These feelings emerge quickly after oh-so-small victories, and are quickly deflated in a few minutes!).  We decided to take an impromptu drive to a nearby town.  After living in our city for almost nine years, we've never ventured to this little town before.  The drive was just beautiful and the destination was surprising for the kids … a toy store!

We will definitely need to frequent this little place (and cross our fingers that the Big Kids won't learn that we could actually buy things!).  Baby J and I watched the others ride a carousel all hand carved out of wood.  

 We walked from room to room in the toy store … each area showcasing different themes of play.

 We played a round of mini-golf … and no one seemed to mind that it DOWN POURED in the middle of our game!

 And, we ended our afternoon with a large scoop of ice cream.