Ready for the Next Chapter

Well, we've been talking about it for years. We've been planning and saving diligently for about two years now. We've re-landscaped, painted, replaced broken tile and have been purging unused items for the past few months. We met with the realtors back in May and came up with a game plan. We've finally been brave enough to explore the possibility of something different for our family. If there was a way I could just pick up our little house and move it, I would. We have put our house up for sale with what we think are amazing realtors. They truly have our best interest at heart and they are excited to help us find a new home. Within six hours of it officially being listed, we already have people coming to look at it. I hope this is a good sign so that we can start our house hunting. I've watched enough hours of "House Hunters" to know how to do it. Good things to come!

LOOOONG Day of Basketball

Today was a LOOOOONG day of Basketball. We started with team pictures at 8am for Nathan followed by his game that started at 9:00. He was so cute. He wanted his babies to watch him play so he propped them up in a chair. After the game we went to Chick-Fil-A for breakfast and to let the kids play in the play area. We had to head back to the YMCA so that Thomas could get his team pictures at 12:15 followed by a 12:40 game! Woo! What a long day. Both boys played well. Both of them got emotional towards the end of the game. I think they were disappointed that they weren't scoring enough baskets. Getting up so early makes a big difference to these boys! (Going back to school will be a rude awakening.)

 

Science Lab Fun

Today we met up with some friends at the Winter Park Library for an hour of science lab fun. The boys learned about thunder storms and sound vibration. There was fun experiments for them to see, too. We also discovered a great used book store in the library. Can't wait to go back again.

Nathan Loves Basketball

Here is a picture of Nathan first game. He did awesome! All the kids are rather territorial about the ball so they don't pass it. Instead they want to be the one taking the ball across the court and making the basket. Nathan would grab the ball, hold it like a football, and RUN!! Who needs to dribble?? He made almost all the baskets that he tried. Afterwards, he shouted "That was amaaaazing!" It's going to be a fun season.

VBS For Both Boys

Today both boys started vacation Bible school. Last year Thomas went and had lots of fun. Nathan is now old enough to go, too. Thomas knows three boys in his class and Nathan was reluctant to stay since he couldn't be with Thomas but quickly warmed up. Nathan came home with two crafts and excited about going back. It's weird having three hours to myself! I spent today visiting my mom and going grocery shopping with my sister. What a fun week it will be for them!!

Super Wolves First Game

Thomas had his first basketball game and all the kids had a great time. We didn't officially keep score but let's just say we didn't get lots of baskets. ha! Thomas did a great job playing defense. That was something that he was practicing during the week. Nathan has his first game next week. The boys are enjoying all these fun activities. They sure are keeping us busy!

Reciting a good sportsmanship pledge before the game

Thomas and his best friend Jayden

Splashing at the YMCA

Once a week at the YMCA they have splash day for Nathan's age group. He was excited to give it a try. By the picture you can tell that he just loved it. He can't wait to go back and splash with the kids. He is loving his summer days!

Keep Celebrating

The best part about birthdays is that you can celebrate for an entire week! Nana and Papa got Nathan a special birthday present that had to be ordered. While we were there visiting this week he got to open it up. A new backpack!!! He already knows that his "babies" will fit just perfect inside to take them to school in the fall. Thanks Nana and Papa!

Another New Smile

I have never (and I mean NEVER) seen a kid fiddle with a tooth as much as I saw Thomas wiggling, wiggling, wiggling his tooth! After days of asking "Is it ready to come out?" Ken finally put dental floss around it and pulled it out. Thomas was a happy boy and $2 richer.

Firkin fun

Our friends Ashley and her son Cameron invited us to join them at Firkin and Kegler for a little bowling fun. We started on the big lanes. It was a little surprising to find out that Thomas was too "old" to use the bumpers. You have to be six and under. Huh! He did his best and finally got the hang of it. Then we did a round of mini bowling and of course the arcade. The boys picked a whoopee cushion and a paddle ball. Both were broken by the end of the day. Go figure. It was a fun way to spend a Monday morning.



Nathan Turns FOUR!

All Nathan wanted for his fourth birthday was to have a Monster Truck party. Ever since we went to see the Monster Truck show in January that is all he has talked about. I have to admit I was a little bummed. How do you make a monster truck party cute??? Well I tried my best and I think he truly enjoyed it. Other than the minor one hour monsoon and the splash park not cooperating, I think everyone had fun. We were very thankful that everyone wanted to share in Nathan's special day even though it was Father's Day. It's hard to believe that this sweet boy is already four years old. We can't imagine our hearts without him.
 

Good Morning! Ready to open his presents!

"GUM!!!!"

 

Excited to try the gum....before breakfast!



The Monster Truck tickets (invitations)



The "VIP Pit Crew" passes for when the kids arrived

"Body Shop" Everyone could get a monster truck tattoo

"Victory Circle" The gift and party favor table

Inside the goody bags (The girls got pink monster trucks)

The two babies got special burp cloths!

"Arena Popcorn" We had to keep it in the bucket or the wind would blow it away.

Homemade cookies by Elizabeth and me.

It turned into the motto for the day!

Protecting the food!

Sarah (my childhood friend from age 5) and my Dad

Happy Eli!

Holli and her sweet brother Tyler

McKinley having lunch with Nana

The Krattinger Family

Nana getting a tattoo

It dried up enough to play!

Family Photo Time: Monster Truck shirts "FOUR Wheel Fury" Ken's said Crew Chief, I was the Crew Manager and Thomas was the tire changer.

So tired from a fun day!

Nathan added to his collection!

The "Dip Sticks" we forgot in the fridge by accident.