Our Family

The end of May was busy, busy, busy.  But between dance recitals, soccer games, and preschool graduation we had a real treat!  We had VISITORS.  The las two years I have been slowly trying to convince my dear friend Amanda to come visit me.  Last year I went to her in Flordia and was spoiled with Wicked and Disney World.  Let's just say that Temple, TX didn't have quite the same allure....except, well...ME!  And Amanda bought it.  She came and I finally got to snuggle her new baby and we just talked, talked, and talked (and maybe drank large amounts of Diet Coke).  We ate at Rudy's got our 1/2 box of Shipley's donuts, and did some Austin shopping.  Overall it was so good to just be together again.  She was even her for our Favorite Things party.  She was such a good sport having me drag her everywhere.  The kids loved having a baby in the house!  Love ya Amanda!

But with all the excitment and hello's...we also had a dreaded goodbye.  The end of May also brought the departure of some very loved friends.  Saying goodbye is just rotten.  We loved the time we've spent with the Roeths and how well our kids got along.  This is Ben with his mini me.  Cute Ben would always play with Spence....it was pretty sweet.  We sure love this family!

Natali had her very first dance recital on Saturday.  She did such a good in her ballet number.  This year she did tumbling and ballet.  She hasn't decided if she wants to do it again next year.  She looked so cute in her costume (the little stink took it off before I got her picture in it).  I think her very favorite part was the make up.  She is just like her mother in those regards!  Good job little princess!  We love you.

At the end of the dance season they held a little award ceremony for all the dance students.  Natali earned a medal for completing her first year of dance!

On May 17th Isaac graduated from his Preschool.  He was VERY excited.  They had been practicing for a long time.  He thoroughly enjoyed going every Tuesday & Thursday this year.  His teacher was Ms.  Julie.  There were 8 kids in his class, 7 which were little boys.  At graduation they gave a compolation of pictures and things Isaac had done in through out the year.  One was a self portrait.  In the picture Isaac drew himself....and for his shoes he drew them 2 different colors, green & blue.  I thought it was so cute because often Isaac in known to wear one of each of his different colored croc's.  This sweet boy will start kindergarten next year.  In someways he is ready...he can't wait to be a big kid and go to school with his sister.  He knows who his teacher is and gives her hugs every time we pick Natali up from school.  I just can't imagine not having him with me.  He is still so tender hearted and sensitive.  He is growing up way to fast.  I love him so much.

9 years I got to marry my best friend.  9 years ago I never would have thought we'd still be in schooling of some sort, that we'd be in Texas, and that I'd be so exhausted as a mother (I was so naive)!  But as I look back at this adventure we've been on since then I can't imagine doing it with anyone else.  And despite the surprises it has been the BEST adventure.  It makes me wonder...where will we be in 9 more years.  (Really I'd just like to know where we will be moving next year).  I am grateful for the wonderful man I married.  He loves me and tells me every day.  He tries hard to balance his roles as father, husband, and provider.  He makes me smile and laugh.  I felt scared getting married, it seemed like taking a really big gamble on someone else.  I was so independent.  Sometimes I am surprised on how dependent I have become on someone else.  That's how it is suppose to be though.  I am grateful for Ben, the friendship and love we have for each other, and the foundation of the same eternal goals.  Happy 9 years babe!

 For Natali's school play she was assigned the part of Little Bo Peeps lost sheep.  She was slightly devastated that she was "just a sheep".   After a hearty pep talk from dear old dad, you know the one "EVERYONE is important, if little bo peep didn't have her sheep than she wouldn't be little bo peep. etc. etc." By the end tears were gone and life was okay.  I TOTALLY procrastinated making a costume for her.  I didn't even think about it.  Thankfully a friend saved me!  Her daughter also was the sheep in their school play and let me borrow the costume.  Super cute, right!!!  Natali loved it.  She was the best little sheep ever!  Nailed her lines and danced & sang.  Way to go Natali!!!

Isaac did such a good!  I was so proud of him.  He only scored 2 goals but the kid did great running up and down the field and cheering on his fellow team mates.  He always had a big grin on his face and looked forward to the post game snack more than actually playing I think!  It was great going to games and supporting him together as a family.  Now Natali wants to play next session (especially after seeing Isaac's trophy at the end).  We'll see......

We were able to have Dad with us at home during the day before he did a night shift at the hospital.  We played and enjoyed the day together.  That night after pizza and cake I took the kids to the gymnastics place here and they could play, jump, and run there little hearts out.  It was a great day to be 3!