May.May.

Oh my May.  You seem so long ago already, and I'm amazed how full a short time can be.  We finished up the boys' first soccer season at the beginning of May with their last games and end of season awards.  Hayden's game was first, and he did amazing!  Scored a goal & didn't lose his temper.  He even got the award for the 'biggest power kick!'.  We are so proud of him.  You were so much fun to watch my boy!

James' game was second, and he scored his first goal!!  The last goal of the game, amazing!  He really made amazing progress and played really hard all season.  He even was awarded the 'sportsmanship' award of the 'shark eyes' because of being the most encouraging player to his teammates.  Wow, we were so proud.  James was awarded 'best throw ins' and his team got special medals as well.  Great job James!  We had so much fun watching you play.

Beach season starts early in FL, and even when the water was still a little cold for swimming, we enjoy going to the beach.  Our boys never have trouble finding something to do or play at the beach.  They all absolutely love it.  It's one of our family's favorite places.

I guess the water wasn't that cold!

We had the privilege of attending the Homecoming service for my father-in-law at a church he served in Keystone for years.  It was lovely to see many familiar faces and for our boys to get to meet many of those friends.  The boys always love getting a chance to see their Grandparents!

Our typical afternoon play.

Our Calvin went in for his 2 year old appointment.  He weighed 31 lbs and was 37 inches tall!  Such a big boy and growing up so fast.

We had some really beautiful lilies this year in our yard, and I couldn't help but stop and take a picture of each one.  They only lasted a day or two before they wilted, but each plant ended up with several blooms

My sweet Hayden & his Mother's Day party at school!

I love these 'surveys' and how sweet Hayden was!

My buddy James & his Mother's Day party!  He even drew a portrait of me, which I just adore.  It is funny; I let him pick out my dress for the party, and it matched what he drew!

We were able to meet up with the Proses for Grandpa's birthday & celebrate with some fishing & fun!  The boys had a great time, but ended the weekend getting sick & spiking fevers.  It was a sweet but rough weekend!

Fish caught by James was so excited!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!  Your grandsons all love you very much.

Our sweet family of 5.

My Mother's Day view.  I love beautiful flowers & a sweet read.  My gift to my Mom was this book so that we could read it together.  and coffee- gotta love a hot cup of coffee with a little peace and quiet during nap time.

This kiddo fell asleep one morning while mommy was doing some school work.  He just couldn't wait till nap time!  I couldn't resist snapping some pictures of his sweet face.  love those lashes & lips.

James was playing peek-a-boo with me on a short trip in town.  Love his joyful imagination.

I was able to get away for the day to spend up at St. Simon's Island with the women's group from our lovely church.  It was awesome to spend some time in good conversation, soak in the beauty of the place around me, savor the quiet time to read & pray & write, and spending time in prayer for one another was a blessing.  I'm so thankful my hubs was able to keep our boys for the day so I could go!

This was the Bible verse of the month at preschool, and James was able to recite this when I asked him what we should write for our new board.  I was so encouraged and proud of his memory!

James learned was symmetry was at preschool, so he was practicing it with his tower.

The big boys had swimming lessons with their teacher Coach Sally, and they did great!  They made some great strides, and have continued to improve this summer.  We are so glad we had lessons early in the summer.

The boys & their buddies having an ice cream party at the end of the school year!

Our boys really wanted to go fishing again, so we were lucky to head out on our neighbor's dock to do a little fishing on Memorial Day weekend while Daddy was on call.  These are some sweet little fishermen.

These boys crack me up sometimes- they decided they didn't want to sleep with shirts on.  I can't help but just love their silly sweetness.

Hayden's last day of school!  It was hard to say goodbye for me, because the boys had some great experiences this past year.  But as time marches on & we all must move forward in the march, I have tried not to dwell on the sadness of the leaving.  We can count the blessing of what has been & be brave to go into the next.

Hayden's first & last day of the Rainbow class.

James' VPK graduation!  What a big, tall guy he has become this year.  He was so excited to go & celebrate.  It was a sweet day.

James & his sweet teachers.  They have been so wonderful this year, and we are looking forward to Hayden spending a year with them as well!

We were able to take a family picture & the boys got together with Mimi to snap a picture as well.  I'm so glad we could all be together.

James' first & last days of VPK!

We ended our month of May with an outdoor service at our church property.  It was a beautiful morning & we love our church family so much.  We are gearing up to build a church building on our property- would you consider making a donation to help us get started?  Here is a link.

Thank you Lord for this merry month of May.  For all it brought in special memories for our boys & seeing them grow & learn & thrive.  Thank you for endings although they feel sad or hard or painful to say goodbye.  Thank you for what has been given & let us dwell in that.  Amen.

Calvin is 2!!

My sweet little guy, my Calvin Dean.  I couldn't believe I was tucking in my 1.year.old & would be waking up with a 2.year.old.  I am so grateful for him in our family & couldn't imagine our life without him!

We were so excited to have some of our extended family come up & spend the night on Calvin's actual birthday (the night before his party).  We were able to sing & have ice cream cake, open gifts from Mimi&Grandpa and also Uncle Mike & Aunt Natassja early.  It was so nice to enjoy that extra time together, and Calvin had a blast being the birthday boy.

We gave him his gifts from us before our company arrived, so Jack got to join in on the 'new toy' fun with our boys!

The best part of their play was 'flying' the planes around&around&around the house chasing after each other.  Calvin's favorite part was announcing he was back, "ta da!"

We all got to watch James & Hayden play in soccer games that Saturday morning before the party in the afternoon.  It was so much fun to cheer for them, and they both did great.

The boys taking a 'selfie' with Mimi - hilarious!

It was party time!  Calvin asked for a 'Dusty' party, so that is what he got!  We used checkered flags, tissue paper clouds, and a little pop up tent for they to pretend to fly in Dusty.  What a blast!

Aviator sunglasses are perfect for an airplane party!

I loved seeing my little fly boy enjoy his party!  He loves Dusty & got such a big kick out of everything!

Happy 2nd birthday my sweet boy!!

We had special party guests this time, the Webbs!  James & AK have been buddies since they were born, and it was so much fun seeing them together.  James may or may not be convinced he will marry her one day! haha!  Calvin & Ansley were just about the same size, and it was great to have another 2 year old at his party.  Love our dear friends!

Calvin's buddy Truitt has been at both of his parties, and I hope they continue to be good buddies!

The boy Prose cousins!  Love these sweet little guys (and their silly faces) so much.

James & his buddies.  Not pictured: Hayden & Fletcher & Jack!

Grammy&Papa were able to drive down & make it in perfect time for the party!  We were so lucky they could stay the night and we waited to open their gifts till later when the party excitement had died down.  It was so nice to enjoy opening the gifts with each giver.  The best part of giving a gift sometimes is seeing it received!  Thanks for coming down - we love you!!

Calvin, we just love you to pieces.  Your brothers & you enjoy each other's company in a way that just warms my heart.  You have the sweetest little voice & my favorite was your precious 'Tank you". Your big brown eyes & dimples & cheeks.  Your fiery temper & all the time outs you've already had for throwing fits.  Your quick forgiveness & hugs.  You are just a joy - despite the random wakings are night & any temper that you've inherited.  You bring joy.  Thank you Lord for this wonderful gift. We love him so!!