snow leopards take the field - Lu's first soccer team

"I was nervous until I saw daddy in his coaching clothes then I knew I would be okay, because daddy is my coach." direct quote from lucia on the first day of soccer practice. she is aggressive, grunts when she steals the ball, and teeny tiny on the field.  i had to special order her shoes to get them small enough. the snow leopards have played the blue marshmallows and pink butterflies so far - it is a very fierce league:)

finally the real thing - emery goes to 3 year old preschool!

she could not be more ready or excited for her own classroom and school.  in fact she cries on the days that she does not have school.  since she is only going two days a week, that is a lot of days to be upset that you are not going to school.  she loves everything about school. . on school days she lays her outfits out and gets dressed by herself before she even comes downstairs. she packs her backpack and is ready to go! her teacher could be the sweetest, most calm, kind woman on the planet.  i even feel calm when i am around her.  emery told me today that special projects are her favorite part of school. . cutting, gluing, and creating things.

and here she is - ready to go!

all the kids before emery leaves for her first day

lucia was heading to her first day of gymnastics for the year

my favorite new school shoes

starbucks date on the way

she was captivated by the the bean table 

big time school for our baby. . . sigh

Off to Junior Kindergarten for Lucia!

Since Lucia has a late summer birthday we decided Junior Kinder was the perfect fit.  a get-ready-for-kindergarten year.  all the kids in her class (all 6 kids - awesome class size) are young five year olds.  she loves it. .  . last year she could give or take school. . this year she talks about it all the time.  she comes home with songs, bible verses memorized, darling projects, awesome stories, and retells of good books and new friends! her teacher is a rock star - the perfect combination of fun, structured, and intentional.

i know i am biased but could she be any cuter?!?!

lucia is the silliest kids we know.

frozen yogurt - diddiers date before school

parents stayed the first day and lucia spent a lot of time exploring the classroom and her favorite was the chalkboard. 

she drew her family at gymnastics on the rings!

first day fourth grade - the boys

How did we get to Fourth grade! I love these boys so much.  Their third grade teacher looped up with the class . .  the boys could not be more excited for another incredible year!

boys ready to go. . girls still in jammies

the long family came

we ended the summer with a very special visit from my brother and his sweet family.  we had never met gloryann before and it was so wonderful to spend lots of time with moses.  we spent tons of time at the lake and playing in grammy and grampy's yard.  we love them all so much!

prayer time on the beach. . 

family game of ultimate frisbee

moses. .  . 

gloryann 

wrestling with cousin moses

mel spent lots of time at the lake with us. .she is family too!

auntie grace and gloryann

chinese food out

the boys reading to moses

coffee on the deck

my girls

grampy and the boys

oh emery

gigantic basketball games

and a dunk for gloryann

this was lucia's celebration after she made a shot

dinner on the porch

lucia turned five!!! (actually 2 months ago - i'm behind)

We celebrated Lucia in the park with a big party!! She wanted princesses, candy, lots of friends (made her own guest list), sunshine, pizza and lots of park play - and that is exactly what she got!! it was so hot - the cake almost melted and some of the children did melt.  Lucia had a wonderful time and that is all that matters!!! Lucia we love you. . you continue to love to laugh, play and pretty much bring sunshine wherever you go! i just got these pictures off my lost camera so i have been waiting to post.








and here is a little glimpse into lucia's world and heart and personality. . . a birthday interview -

What is your favorite place in the world to be?

- portland, because i get to see bridget, lauren, papa, grandma, uncle adam, aunt cathy, uncle trevor, and all grandma's kitties.

Who are your best friends?

-the millers - abbey, anna, isaac and my school friends - london and aj. 

What is your favorite Holiday? Why?

- Christmas - i love sitting on santa's lap and i love it when the reindeer come!

What is your favorite season?

- Fall - we can rake leaves and jump in them, and i love the fresh air.

What is your favorite thing about our family? 

- i like everything we do except time-outs.

What is your favorite movie?

- Puss in Boots

What is the best feeling in the world for you?

- feeling good when it is sunny and warm and there is fresh air.

What is the greatest gift God gave you to share and impact the world?

- my sister emery

What is your favorite thing about our church?

- playing in the childcare

What is your favorite day of the week? Why?

- tuesday because it is a lot of fun

When are you the happiest?

- cuddling with mom. 

When are you the saddest?

- when emery takes things from me.

What are the things you are working on in your life?

- front flips

What is your favorite thing about school?

- pajama day

What is your favorite meal?

- snacks - cucumbers

What makes you smile?

- when pigs do funny things

What do you want to be when you grow up?

- dog owner

What is your favorite thing to wear?

-princess dressess

What is your favorite thing to play?

- kicking the ball and squirt guns

Favorite tradition our family has?

- cooking dinner and watching movies

what do you love about your brothers?

- when they play with me

what is your favorite thing about emery?

- when she decorates with me. she is my favorite sister in the whole world!