Team Germany!

Myles switched to a different soccer league and their uniforms are legit! This league is more economical and better organized than our city's rec league. I do love Castle Rock, but their sports programs make me roll my eyes. Pretty sure my 4-year-old isn't going to be a pro soccer player and we shouldn't need to pay those kind of fees fo volunteer coaches. Anywho, rant over. Love this little German player who has quite the celebratory dance any times he scores. I really need to get that on video! :)

Spider Monkey

We celebrated Emma's (delayed) and Luke's (early) birthdays by going to Spider Monkey. It was a fun, sweaty time. We ate Little Caesar's pizza in the parking lot afterward--keeping it super classy! :)

Labor Day Weekend

We stayed close by for our holiday weekend, but still managed to get a lot done. We went up to the Fort Collins Temple on Saturday (about 3 hours away round trip). The McNeils joined us and we swapped watching each others kids at a nearby park while we each went. It was a good, but long day. We will be so happy when our Denver temple is open again in October. That night we joined the Salley's for an outdoor movie in their backyard along with some other friends.

Sunday, we were spoiled to dine with Groesbecks and try his homemade pizza--SO GOOD! Our kids provided the entertainment by arguing and fighting with each other. :) We also enjoyed a nice afternoon/evening at the new Deputy Parrish Park that opened right behind the kids' school.

Monday, we went up to Decker's and the kids and Bryan fished. The kids did better than I thought they might with stream fishing and spinners, ha! We still had our fair share of tangles and snags. Bryan managed to land a couple fish so we weren't skunked. I sent Bryan fishing solo the next weekend so he could actually fish. :) That afternoon, we closed down the neighborhood pool. Long live Summer! Colorado does have a wonderful September and this year has been no exception. I'm grateful for his because I am not ready for cold, snowy weather!

Myles' First Day of Pre-K

Myles was excited for his first day with Mrs. Kristen. She is wonderful (both Luke and Emma had her) and took Myles in last minute. We feel blessed that it worked out for Myles to go there---he is loving it!

Mrs. Kristen opens the door at 9:00 for Pre-K. A few days into school, we arrived a few minutes early and I told Myles he could get out and play on the grass. Well, he was so excited that he waited 2 inches from the front door anticipating Mrs. Kristen. It reassured me that I made a good decision.

Rockies vs. Braves

We caught a day game of the Rockies vs. Braves. I was unsure who I was going to root for given that I grew up watching the Braves. However, I couldn't name a current Braves' player. I guess the only reason I know any of the Rockies' names is thanks to Luke. :) It was a slower game, but the 8th and 9th innings were action packed and the Rockies won with a walk-off home run. Go figure that after five brothers I would ever want to set foot in a baseball stadium again, but I love it. 

Girls' Night

Emma and I had fun girls' night while the boys were gone camping. We met up with another friend and her daughter for a "fancy" dinner at Chili's, hot tubbing and nail painting at their home. Emma then had a sleep over with me in my room and loved watching TV in bed. The next day she watched cartoons in bed and helped me bottle pears. Love the time we had together.

Father and Sons Camp Out

Bryan took Luke and Myles to the Father and Sons campout at Chatfield Reservoir. Myles was pumped that it was boys only...to the point of giddiness. :) Bryan observed that, in reality, he spent little time with his sons because Myles and Luke were too busy playing with friends, ha! Luke skipped his soccer game that morning in order to stay longer and play on the lake.

Catching Frogs.

Livin' Large.

Day Date

We were invited to go boating with some friends from church. While the timing wasn't great for Byran's work, he made it happen and we had an absolute blast. Myles tagged along and enjoyed the boat ride. He attempted Wake Surfing with Bryan, but it didn't quite work out. It was such a nice break from the usual routine and good for my soul! Loved the sun and being on the water.

Tandem wake surfing didn't work out for Bryan and I either, but it was hilarious trying it out.

Just Myles and Me

Myles adapted well to being the only child at home for a couple weeks before his Pre-K school started up. Shocker. :) He will be very upset though if you call it preschool. "It's not preschool, it's PRE-K!!!!"

Swim dates at the pool.

Shopping buddy.

Sous chef.

Biking buddy.

First Day for Emma and Luke

Emma and Luke started school on August 14th. Emma has Mrs. Webb (same teacher as Luke last year) and Luke has Mrs. Chambless. They were both happy to find out who there teachers were for the year. They're off to a good start!

Swim Days

We soaked up many swim days at our local neighborhood pools this Summer. It was sad that our weather was still ideal for swimming and being outside, but school started up regardless of weather. 

Back to School Feast 2019

We held our annual back to school feast. The kids requested fine dining of hot dogs. I was happy to oblige them! For dessert, we devoured our usual chocolate fondue with accompanying brownies, marshmallows, graham crackers, strawberries and blueberries. The theme for our family this year is, "We can do hard things" inspired by the scripture Matthew 19:26, "With God all things are possible." We wrote down or drew difficult things we have accomplished whether individually or as a family on our tablecloth then discussed these with each other. We talked about potential challenges and how we can help each other do hard things. I can't believe how quickly the years are going with our kids. This is the last year I have with a kid at home. Next year, Myles will attend full-day Kindergarten and I feel my heart strings being pulled on already. I definitely have days where I sprout 10 new gray hairs and my wrinkles deepen because of these three monkeys, but I learned so much about my "mothering heart" this Summer. I love these kids more than I can begin to articulate. I hope nothing but the best and brightest for them this school year.