Kate's Recital

Kate had her tap/ ballet recital debut last night. 

Her performance was nothing short of magical.

Equally outstanding, was the performance given by Ethan and Drew in the audience. They clapped, they cheered, they discreetly ate treats, they watched, and they were q u i e t  at all the right times, through a 3 1/2 hour show that started at 7- their usual  b e d t i m e!

Their future wives will thank me.

It should be noted that E-man fell asleep for the last half hour of the show, so he was just barely awake when we took this picture, but he did cheer up after a tickle from Dad-O.

Such good kids, we have. I'm so thankful.

Kinder picnic

Well, our first year of public education is in the books. 

It was a great year for both of them. They really love school and really thrive in a school setting. 

Kate's teacher, Ms. Quicksall, retired this year and she was especially emotional. She was the greatest teacher for Kate. She's a no-nonsense, rule-following, kind of teacher, who LOVED Kate. She was going around at the picnic saying goodbye to all the parents, and she walked up to me, started to cry, said, "no, I can't do it yet," and walked away. It was really hard to say good bye to a teacher who loves my Kate almost as much as I do. She assured me that all teachers will love Kate like she does because she's such a great kid- spoken like a great teacher. 

I realized right there at that picnic that being a twin must be the greatest thing on earth. They are such great friends. They each have their own friends, but they're always happy to see each other and they integrate their circles of friends so well. These two are lucky ducks.

Ethan's teacher was equally suited for him. Ms. Brisco was sweet, fun, and demanded "quality work" from him. (Ethan told us a few weeks back, "I don't want to go to first grade- they expect quality work." Funny kid.). I know she holds a special place in her heart for this kid, whom she could hardly say his name without placing the word "sweet" in front of it. We were so lucky to start things off with such fantastic teachers.

I tried to get some pictures with friends, but already, they're too cool for that. I did get a couple, both so fitting. Girls (Kate and Liza), snuggled up close as can be, smiles, big as can be.

Boys (Ethan and Cole), not to be touching, not to appear as thought they like each other or that they're having fun.

Both had a great year with great friends.

Sad it's over, but happy summer is here. Time to party!

Ethan's tball

Ethan finished his tball season as well. It wasn't quite as magical as Kate's. Sports on the boys' side never are. But he sure had a great time. That kid can hit a ball.

One story that I don't want to forget. I know my writing won't be able to give this sweet story it's justice, but I will put it down here for memory's sake.

At the end of the season, there was a single-loss elimination tournament. I explained to Ethan before the game that if he won, he would play again on Wednesday. If he lost, tball was over. I did not, in any way, tell him this to add pressure, just information. Kate had already had her tournament, so I was just explaining that it was like Kate's. More like, "have fun, this may be your last game," kind of talk.

Well, they lost the first game of the tournament. T-ball was over. Wahoo! I mean, darn. Too bad.

He was very quiet after the game and the whole way home. 

I thought, good. I want him to care. I want him to want to try harder next year. Maybe this sweet little thing does have a smidgen of competition in him, after all.

After we walked in the door, with tears in his eyes, he handed me his hat and said, "here. I guess you can just throw this away."

Now I'm thinking, oh great. We've got a quitter. And I started to get a little angry. Luckily, though, I decided to dig for answers before I got mad.

Me: Why would I throw it away? You could still wear it. 

Ethan: Well, I can't play t-ball anymore.

Me: Why not?

Ethan: Because you said if I lost the game, t-ball was over and I can't play anymore.

Oh, this boy of mine is going to break my heart time and time again, isn't he? He thought that by losing this game, his future in America's favorite sport was over. 

I pulled him on to my lap and explained that it was just the end of this season. He would play again next year and the year after that. Those big blue eyes looked at me and said, "Really?"

Yes, really, sweet thing. I will sit through as many baseball seasons as you want to play. I will cheer loudly and enjoy every minute. 

And I will eat snacks.

Kate's tball season

Kate had a WONDERFUL first year of softball. The girls on her team were darling. The coach was fantastic. And, they were good. Really good. 

The bar has been set high, that's for sure. 

Kate, Emy, Presley

 And if I'm being honest, Kate had the cutest cheering section on the team. This little boy in his ballcap cheered. his. heart out.

And while I care not what activity my kids are involved in, there is one this I do care about.

This is one thing about my family that I will stand strong in. I believe in it with all my heart.

 We WILL support each other. 

We will be there. And we will be there, loudly.

And, we will eat snacks. 

Whatever snacks we want, no matter the calorie count or mess potential.

Back row: Coach Chris, Ryleigh, Presley, Emy, Aubree, Maya, Coach Brian
Front Row: Kate, Aleah, Beah, Paige, Kylee