The weather here has definitely cooled off and I am thrilled. I can wear boots and long sleeves and sweaters again. And the sun keeps shining! Arizona is wonderful.
Perry finally got to try out the boat during swim lessons. Quite fun for him.
Layla came with me to a baby shower for a friend. You know, having a daughter is absolutely amazing. She loves coming to girls nights (usually its to activity days with me though). And I love having my sweet little sidekick and friend with me. Of course, sitting at a restaurant listening to a bunch of ladies talk didn't keep her entertained for very long. When she got bored of all the talk, I let her play on my phone. Which meant a hundred pictures of chairs and the ground. But walking away with my Layla girl that night I had one of those moments. A simple moment. But, looking over at her, her hand in mine as we crossed through the parking lot, happiness shining on her face, and pride for being included in a mommy thing, and my heart swelled with joy, too. It was a hard to describe, pure joy feeling. I am just so grateful to be this 5 year old's mom and to have her friendship and love.
I took Layla and Macie to see a play about Elephant and Piggie one morning. Layla was so excited to go that the night before she carefully picked out her outfit and spread it out on the floor in anticipation of the play.
Kyler and Kacin played another season of soccer. They ended up being on the same team again. Which, logistically, was quite nice. They had a lot of fun playing and made some friends. However, it was definitely a rough season. Rough seasons can build character and give valuable life experience, and this season did just that for them. Kacin scored a goal during the first game of the season and Kyler scored a goal during the last game of the season.
When I was at Kacin's band concert (shout out again for that band concert. 6th graders are awesome. Especially the percussion section.), we saw this hanging on the wall from part of a social studies Mesopotamia project.
When Jenny and I were hiking, we noticed some male hikers with "man tights" under their shorts. And then the next day, what was Kyler wearing when we went to help the Schlink's move? You bet, man tights. I had to send a picture to Jenny.
We went to a park in Gilbert that is preserve for burrowing owls. We saw the cutest little owls there! It ignited Eric's love of birdwatching again and he is planning another birdwatching venture.
My cousin's son will be leaving on his mission soon. We gathered for his farewell talk at church. He will be an awesome missionary.
Layla had the first hot chocolate of the season!
We finally have Perry in a homework routine. That routine might include a motivating piece of candy each time, but at least he is sitting down and knows he needs to work. He may not be happy about it, but we are seeing progress. It's quite the effort and the feat for everyone involved trying to get a page of homework done. And Perry tells us exactly how he feels about it all. This particular night when Eric worked with him, we heard it all ("It's going to take forever, I hate you guys, Ahhhh man, only one side!, are you trying to kill me?"). He is quite expressive about his feelings. But, ultimately, he does it (with a lot of support). And Eric and I have learned to see the humor in it all (we just have to work really hard to hide that humor in front of our little guy). We really are proud of our little man! Things do not come easily for him and it is some tough work to get the eyes tracking, and the fine motor control, and the comprehension, and the recalling of words, but he is one strong kiddo to keep going and keep trying.
