First Day of School

So the first day of school came and went and my baby headed off to Kindergarten. So far it has been a great year for both of them. We're so grateful for such a wonderful school, right around the corner from our home.

Sigh...

Just a little pic I snapped of her the other day.  When did she get so big?

Kiley Jean...

A few pictures of Kiley from our photo shoot with Kristen LeAnn Photography.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl...

My Sweet Kiley Jean,

Today you are 5.  I almost can't even believe it.  5.  It seems like just yesterday you were born.  It seems like just yesterday you completed our family in a way I never imagined possible.

You are one truly amazing kid.  I am constantly in awe of what an incredible little person you are becoming.  You are a kind and caring friend to all people and your heart is as good as gold.  You love with every fiber of your being and I hope that you never change that about yourself.  You are adventurous and daring and really afraid of nothing.  You play soccer like a super star and concentrate on your dance steps like a girl twice your age.

5 means kindergarten, and change, and new friends.  I know that you'll face all this with determination and strength because that's just the way you are.

Keep up the amazing job at growing up to be something special.  You're already off to a great start.

I love you,
Mom

Little Bahia Key...

We took the kayaks with us to the keys, and one day when we were feeling particularly adventurous decided to kayak out to Little Bahia Key.  It's a small limestone island right off the main State Park.  The waters were VERY rough on the way out, but we made it.  It was totally worth the effort because the kids had so much fun exploring the little island.

Family Pictures...

While my friend Kristi was visiting we did a little family photo shoot out at the beach.  I'm holding off on sharing the good pics of all of us because I may end up using one as our Christmas card.  But here's my absolute favorite from the shoot.  Kiley and I together, and a cautionary tale to not sit too close to the water when trying to get a group shot.  The waves rushed in and everyone jumped up (and off my lap) and left me sitting there.  Nice.

Kiley Surfing {A Few Favorites}

Here are a few of my favorites from Kiley's first surf lesson.  Special thanks to my friend Kristi for taking all the pics while I hung out in the ocean with the kids.

Little Surfer Girl...

For 2 years now Kiley has begged us to let her take a surfing lesson.  Yes, you read that right, 2 years.  Since she was 2 1/2 years old.  My deal with her was always when she could swim across the pool by herself, taking breaths, that I would sign her up for surfing.  Well, wouldn't you know that happened first thing this summer.  So after waiting 2 long years she finally got her wish.  She did great on the board and got at least partially up every time.  Now, of course, she's begging us to buy her a surf board of her very own.

You may notice that she's wearing a life jacket while surfing… that's totally because I'm freaky-paranoid-my-kid-is-going-to-drown-mom.  She really didn't need it (and she repeatedly told me she didn't need it).  It just made me feel a little better.

Let's Go Surfing Now...

Kristi and her girls were here a few weeks ago for their annual girl's trip to Jacksonville.  While they were here all the kids (and Jonathan) took a surfing lesson.  Jacksonville Surf & Paddle did a private lesson for us and they were phenomenal with the kids.

Kiley's Portraits...

These are the pictures I took of Kiley while Cole was at camp.  Hard to believe how big she's getting.

Soccer {part 1}...

Both kids played spring soccer this year and the season finished a few weeks ago.  Here's some of the best of Kiley.

So done...

I really think this is how everyone looks and feels after a day at Disney; hot, wet, sticky and exhausted. We sat down in some shade to rest for a second and the kids dug a treat out of my snack bag.  I couldn't resist taking a few pictures of Kiley sitting on the ground, looking DONE with the day.

Belle...

One of the things we were able to do this trip was to go to the Storytime with Belle attraction that wasn't quite open when we were there the last time.  What a fabulous time!  The kids got to be part of the "show" and dance around with Belle.

Spinning on the Teacups...

Our kids LOVE them some teacups.  I'm glad I pulled the big camera out of the bag before getting on the ride because I love these pictures.

Jumping Water...

The kids always love seeing the jumping water at Epcot.  Since it was a warm day we let them get a little wet jumping up and trying to catch it.