Happy Birthday Boy

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Our happy "Happy Birthday" boy, James, turning two! James is our little baseball player--he loves to swing a bat at a ball. He doesn't like t-ball, he prefers for dad or me to throw the ball to him. For a 2-year-old, he has good coordination, and we get a kick out of watching him hit the ball over and over again. He also likes chocolate--so for his birthday cake, chocolate it is!

A foam bat and set of foam balls to hit were the perfect gift. Batter up! And boy does this batter look ready to play--check out his stance!  Happy Birthday, Jamesie!

Robbie Playing Soccer

Anderson and Anderson!  Here are some photos of Robbie playing soccer as a kindergartner and first grader. 

Kindergarten

Robbie quickly gained confidence in his soccer skills. At first, he was cautious about playing and needed a lot of  encouragement. We told him he wouldn't have to play on the field until he decided he was ready, and even then, Adam was right by his side, holding his hand, helping him know what to do. He is really good at running down the field with the ball, and just like I said with Michael, it is a joy to watch him play with a smile on his face.

First Grade Soccer:

After the game

 The boys with some of Robbie's teammates and good friends, and Emily cheering them on. 

 Mary and Rob came to visit and got to see a game with us, as did Adam's parents.

I really enjoy watching the boys play soccer. We bring our camping chairs and set up a spot and let the little kids run around while we visit and watch the game.

Fall Visit to Bill's Berry Farm

Here we are on our Fall visit to Bill's Berry Farm for some good old fashioned fun. We finished off at the petting zoo, and started out at the corn maze and hay pyramid with lots of other farm activities in between.

                   

 The corn maze--fun for all the kids both big and little.

  In the wagon being pulled by a tractor--on our way to the other side of the farm where they have a playground, tire swing, and picnic area. 

 Tessa and Rachael--such silly girls. 

   Cool kids!

 Adam and James Adam, just after sitting on a real tractor, pretending to drive.

 A local homeschooling, farming family that had recently taught themselves to play string instruments. If I remember right, they didn't tell anyone they were learning to play so they could surprise their friends and family with an unexpected performance. Wow!

  Tess and Rach looking oh so cute next to a little calf at the farm's petting zoo. Bill's Berry Farm is a family favorite. We bring home pumpkins from the patch, left over fresh, homemade donuts (if we have any leftover), and lots of good memories of time spent outdoors with family.

Back to School 2014/2015

Emily, Michael and Robbie are heading back to school on August 26th. They will all be together at CK Elementary with Robbie in first, Michael in third, and Emily in fifth. 

Miss Emily starts her last year at the elementary school. She'll be taking violin lessons as well this year and spending lots of time sketching, reading, visiting friends, and leading the younger kids in imaginative games.

 Michael will be in third grade, and will have the unique opportunity to be in the hi-cap class with other 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. He has a few other friends in the class with him, which is a plus. He will also try out soccer again, and violin and piano for the first time.

Robbie--starting first grade. Last year he was at an all-kindergarten school. He will be in Ms. Fox's class and will also try out soccer and violin. Michael and Robbie get a long great and like to also play legos, make-believe, build forts, ride bikes, and visit friends.

Tessa! She is four and won't be taking the bus to school with the other kiddos, but she will get to have lots of fun adventures with Mom and James at home. She likes to play board games, with magnetic dress up dolls, chat, and play with friends (Joey is her favorite friend right now--they have a blast together and are super goofy).

I can't forget this little guy. James didn't make it out for the before-school photo shoot, but I'll be spending a lot of time with him. James and I will stay busy taking walks, visiting with the neighbor dogs (Bailey is his favorite), visiting friends, running errands, playing outside, and learning lots as we go!

 
I'm not going back to school but I have had a hand in getting these kids back to school.

           Here we are on our walk home from the bus stop, with a view of the beautiful fields and orchards that surround us and the wonderful children we are raising here for a season.

Baby Yovi

We’re happy to welcome a new baby into the family.  It was a treat for Adam and me to meet her and visit with Marta and Ivan at the hospital. The kids adored her when they got to meet her a few days later.

Robbie adoring his new baby cousin.

Emily and Michael both enjoyed gazing at her and holding her.

Adam and I were happy to take turns holding our new niece.

Such tiny feet!

Boquets from Grandma Jeanne and Ivan.  How sweet and thoughtful!

Everyone looked so good!

Welcome to the family, baby Yovanna!