Fall Soccer

Ethan played soccer this fall on a local team for Kindergarten through 2nd graders. He was the tallest kid on the team and the only Kindergarten aged player. So I think they expected him to have more skills then he really had. Plus, this was his first year to play this sport.

He did pretty well once he caught on to the rules and how exactly soccer is played. Sure there was the occasional kick the in the wrong direction and yes, he did enjoy chatting with the opposing team out on the field, but overall he had fun and that is what matters.


What's funny is that he is a really good kicker and runs around our yard with the neighbors kicking the soccer ball all day long. But once he's out on the field he's like a limp noodle with no energy! He says he doesn't like everyone yelling and carrying on along the sidelines. (I can't say that I blame him!)

Meet The Neighbors

I want to introduce you to Nicole. Chances are if you've talked to Ethan much in the past few months you've already heard this name a few times.

Nicole lives behind us and a little to the left. She is 5 and just started Kindergarten, but at a different Catholic school in town. She has 3 siblings and Ethan has enjoyed playing with them all...but he & Nicole are what you might call "tight."

It's adorable to watch her standing by the edge of our property waiting for him to come outside. They both do this when the other one is eating or otherwise occupied inside. Then they head to the clubhouse for "secret meetings."
They are quite the duo and it's fun to imagine what their relationship might be like ten years from now. As we were sitting on the back porch watching Ethan play with the neighbors last night Nate said to me, "This is exactly why we moved here." I agree.

First Day of Kindergarten

Ethan looked so much older than 6 when he dressed up in his new school uniform this morning and headed out the door. He was just excited about his new backpack and the fact that he wearing a belt! It's the little things!!!

Watching him walk into school from the car was very hard, but it is time to let him fly. He had a great first day. Let's hope there are more to come!

St. Louis Trip

We took a quick weekend trip to St. Louis to get away before school starts for Ethan. On Friday evening we went to a Cardinals game. Saturday we headed around town and went to the City Museum - which was quite interesting and swam at the hotel. We attempted the Arch, but the line was too long & it was just too hot! By Sunday we were all 3 ready to come home.

6th Birthday

Happy 6th Birthday To The Boy Who Loves Star Wars!

Kentucky Lake

Over the 4th of July weekend we went with our old neighbors (and good friends) the Kessler's (Brian, Amy, Jake & Luke) to Kentucky Lake. The last trip we took there was when I was 11 months old.

We spent the day on the water and swimming. I was quite the dare-devil jumping off the boat.
Mom and Amy preferred relaxing on the boat more than swimming in the water with the boys.

We even rode the rocket behind the boat. First, I rode with Dad. We fell off before it even got going!
We went really fast and finally hit a huge wave from another boat that sent us flying.

Daddy's 31st Birthday!

How cool is it to have your birthday on the 4th of July? Beyond cool. You get fireworks. This year for Dad's birthday I made little pudding cakes all by myself. I did not clean up the mess, but I made the mess.

I think they turned out good. We even had a few extra that I took to Mama & Papa Vote. Dad liked them.

Then we shot fireworks off out in the country where all we had to worry about was catching the cornfields on fire.

HAPPY BIRTDAY DAD!