Grayson is 7!

Grayson came crashing into this world 7 years ago! I cannot even believe it sometimes.
He has turned into quite the handsome lil fella!. Grayson is creative, thoughtful, helpful, hard working, funny, learning how to use sarcasm appropriately, always willing to share, and though he'll never admit it, he is quite the HAM!

We celebrated Grayson at school with his class friends. Miriam, Weston, and I brought in donuts and milk. The party continued after school with neighborhood friends, pizza, an obstacle course, and Italian Ice.

I am not joking when I say those kids ran that course for 2 full hours. I brought out the dry erase board and a stopwatch. They kept going and kept trying to get the fastest time. It was fun and awesome. Jared even got in on the course, but got stuck in the tunnel and had to finish the course while still inside the tunnel. We were all laughing so very hard!

Grandma and Papa K stopped by after dinner for presents and fun. After they left and the younger three were in bed, we played cards and watched Harry Potter.

Gigi and Papa came on Saturday. They took Grayson to lunch and to Wal-mart where they purchased him a new bike and helmet.

Overall, I'd say it was a pretty fabulous birthday.

Another Great Soccer Season

We have really loved playing soccer! 

It is hard and definitely a sacrifice to make practices, games, and all the details fall into place. But, it is worth it. We had pretty amazing coaches this year too! We have forged some of our favorite friendships (both the children and the parents) through soccer. 

Ethan U10 with Coach Henderson and the Blue Bombers

This was our first year with goalies. Despite the added obstacle, Ethan continued to be a dominating player on the field. He can strike a goal with both left and right feet and is quite the soccer player. He is aggressive and has great ball handling skills. He has also learned how to be a team player over the last couple of years. Passing where appropriate and setting up team mates for great plays.

Grayson U8 with Coach Bishop (not pictured) and Coach Krause (AKA Dad) and Team Awesome

Team Awesome pretty much wiped the floor with every team they played this year. They really had a team of little go-getters. Grayson, like his big brother, is a fantastic striker and often led the night in goals. He is learning the art of the humble brag. Grayson has also stepped up his team skills and is learning to share the love with his teammates. Ethan better watch out. Grayson has a lot of natural ability and a strong work ethic. I see these brothers becoming quite competitive with one another as the years go on.

Landon U6 with Coach Schroth (pretty much our favorite person in Sorrento) 

and 

Team Mint Chocolate Chip

I LOVED watching Landon this year. Last year, he and Grayson played on the same team and I felt Landon got a little lost in the shadow of his older brother. This year, Landon really came into his own. He is a fantastic defender and scored at least one goal in every single game. As always, he is smiling the entire time even when the other team trash talks him on the field (I know they're 4 and 5, but I witnessed it!) Plus, Coach Schroth is phenomenal and loves this team with her whole heart. She even threw us a party and Landon and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to go and have some one on one time! 

End of the Year Festivities

The last month has been a total sprint! I am exhausted and so happy that TOMORROW is our last day of school. 

Up first is Grayson and his classroom awards ceremony.

Grayson and his friend, Julia, giving the welcome announcement. Grayson has become a great reader this year.

Grayson and his teacher, Miss Durias!

The Fan club!

Next up, Ethan! Ethan rocked the 2nd grade!

Ethan's Fan club!

He received A LOT of awards. Including perfect attendance, All A's all year, and several reading awards. Yes, that's a tablet back there.

Ethan and Mrs. Walton

Last, but not least, Landon was promoted from Pre-K. His teacher Mrs. Brown and her assitant, Mrs. Reyes, put together a wonderful program. We were blessed to be at a fantastic school with stellar teachers! 

Refreshments and Goodies

Landon received the 3 Musketeers award for being friendly and sharing with his classmates. He also received the Perfect Attendance award.

Landon told the audience he would miss specials the most over the summer.

Mrs. Brown, Landon, Mrs. Reyes

Landon, you are off to great things!

Landon's Fan club!

His teachers did an "unscientific guess" of what Landon will be when he grows up. They think he'll be a teacher because he loves telling stories and writing! His teachers know him! I love that they love him.

More of Landon's Fan club!

Grayson is 6!

Grayson is such an amazing child! I love that he is in our family. He is so inquisitive and full of life. He had a pretty epic birthday week.  On Monday, he got to ride in a limo and eat frozen yogurt as a reward for his contribution to the school's read-a-thon fundraiser.

On Wednesday, his actual birthday, Landon, Miriam, Weston, and I met him at school for lunch adn brought him an Italian Ice.  Later, the Cottle's came for dinner and we enjoyed some of his favorites: roasted broccoli, roasted chicken, buttered noodles, and more Italian Ice.

And, finally, on Friday, he was awarded the Terrific Kid award for Respect at the monthly assembly. 

Horses, Horses, Horses

Grayson fell in love with horses when he attended the rodeo with Norb and Sabra. Then, we moved to the country and we see dozens of horses anytime we drive anywhere. Naturally, this fueled his desire to ride a horse. So, to celebrate his 6th birthday, we went to a horse ranch and rode some horses.  Grayson and Ethan actually did a riding lesson and were able to groom and prepare their horse. They also got to do more than just saunter around the arena on the horse. Their favorite thing was trotting with the horse and learning to lead the horse by the reigns.  I think these pictures speak for themselves.

On the way to Dreamcatcher Horse Ranch, we passed over Sugar Loaf Mountain, the highest point in Florida at approximately 347 feet above sea level. It felt like we weren't in Florida at all. It was so beautiful. Jared's ears even popped!

Grayson doesn't like cake, but he loves donuts. Aunt Stacey made him a yummy donut cake.

Katy and Miriam have really become friends. I am sad we don't live closer.

Ethan and Grayson participated in a riding lesson and were taught how to saddle, brush, and clean the horses.

 

Ethan getting Tommy ready for a ride.

Ethan had a great time and Tommy enjoyed his post lesson carrot.

Grayson got to ride Nick. Nick was a little lazy, but did manage to make our birthday boy's dreams come true.  Not sure if you can see that Grayson is wearing a Bolo Tie and Cowboy boots. (Bday gifts from Gigi and Papa). He is also wearing his "cowboy" shirt. This is the shirt Sabra bought him to wear at the rodeo, so naturally it is a cowboy shirt.

The horses at the ranch are actually rescues and it was so fun to see how healthy they are after being brought to the ranch. Many came from sad circumstances. Nick, Grayson's horse, only had one eye. They were all so sweet and full of personality. 

While Ethan and Grayson did their riding lesson, the younger children participated in pony rides.  Norb got some great shots!

Another wonderful birthday and a fun day with family.

Back to School

We started back to school! I am happy to report that everyone is finally adjusting to the long school day and being away from Mom all day. We held our annual back to school feast the night before school began. Chicken wings were requested once again, along with yellow rice and green beans.  While cooking the chicken wings, our neighbors hens came strutting into the yard and Jared felt like he'd been caught! Sorry girls, it is exactly what it looks like.

Every year, we introduce a scripture/theme for the school year. This year I changed ours at the last minute. I just kept having a feeling that we needed to focus on courage and faith in Christ when faced with trials and the tumultuous world. 

"Be Not Afraid, Only Believe." Mark 5:36

On Monday morning, these cuties were ready to go!

Grayson was brave and I was crying all the way home.

The school had this cute photo booth set up! I really love our new school. It is beautiful and everyone is so friendly.

Grayson's teacher, Miss Durias. They had a rocky beginning, but now Grayson has decided to "get along." So glad, I was a little worried we were in for a rough year.

Grayson has had difficulty adjusting. Ethan, of course, loves school and structure and is living the high life. Grayson is my free spirit and it has definitely been an adjustment.  The photo above was taken one day when Landon, Miriam, Weston and I went to the school to eat lunch with Grayson.  After nearly four weeks, the tears have finally dried and he is doing well. Phew!