How can it be? Nate and Lilly are SEVEN! It is all happening so fast. I'd say Kindergarten made time go by faster, but I think it was flying by even before then.
What can I say about all these guys have accomplished this past year? I'll start with the oldest!
Nate's like that Energizer Bunny. He just keeps going, and going, and going, and going.. You get it. He asks a million questions a minute and never takes any of my answers at face value. Sometimes I want to say "JUST BECAUSE!" but I know that will never do for Nate. He wants to know every detail of why everything happens, why people do what they do, what's going to happen in the future, and on and on. Maybe he will be a scientist and invent something super cool someday. In so many ways, I feel like he is so much like me. His need for attention, for praise, his need to please people. He's my go-to when I need help. He's always right there and willing to do whatever is asked of him. He loves to be needed. Nate did wonderfully in Kindergarten, worked so hard and always behaved himself in class which makes his Momma very proud!! He really impressed me with his ability to make friends and socialize. He was so shy as a baby, it still shocks me sometimes, how he loves to talk to anyone and everyone! He's ALL OVER his little brother at home, I mean all the time, like he can not physically keep himself from being in his face, hugging, squeezing, spinning, dancing, snorting, laughing, all of it. And Ben LOVES it about 90% of the time, so even though it's a little rowdier than I'd like it to be in the house, I'm working on getting over it! He usually goes down to his room to "bang" his toys. Literally, he bangs his toys together for hours and makes gun shooting and crash noises! He's still loves soccer, but really got into basketball this year with his new hoop in the front yard, and also loves hitting and catching with Daddy at the park.
Lilly stepped out of her comfort zone a lot this year too. She made new friends in her class and in other kindergarten classes. Of course she was well behaved (she barely talks!), but I'm also really proud she managed to stay out of the drama between some of the other little girls in her class (OH, it starts so early, bleh)! She's found a love for art and pays such attention to the details of her work. I can tell she is proud of herself, which makes me so happy. She also loves to read and write, and amazes me with what she has learned in such a short amount of time (smarty pants)! Lilly is definitely silly at home, loves to sing and dance around, wrestle with Nate, and smooch on Ben, but she is my quiet one for sure. If I tell her I need just a second to finish my coffee in the morning, she will sit quietly with me until I'm ready to get going (where Nate starts off full force in the morning and will bombard you until you pay attention to him). She's very nurturing with Ben and loves to help take care of him when he gets upset. She doesn't like anyone to be unhappy and I've often heard her saying things to life someone's spirits. She loves to play with her barbies and her barbie doll house, and also loves dressing her bigger dolls. She's very into "fashion" and "matching" and spends time picking out what she's going to wear for the day. It makes me giggle. I think she's planning on continuing dance next year and has mentioned she wants to try voice lessons, too (last night she asked me when she would be able to go on "America's Got Talent" and sing)!!
Nate and Lilly both have the HUGE hearts. As much as they drive me crazy fighting with each other, they are just as loving and helpful. I'm so proud of the big kids they have become and all they have learned this past year. Can't wait to see what the next year has in store!!
Here is our annual "Chair pic" on June 22, 2015!!
As soon as Daddy got home from work, it was time for their favorite part.. PRESENTS!
Ben tried to get in on the action
Ice cream treat to wrap up the day, from our sweet neighbors!
The next Saturday, it was time for birthday party! I LOVE this little water park. It's all shallow and you get the whole place to yourself for birthday parties. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast.
