Soccer Time

Another year of Central Soccer - where a local church puts on a huge soccer camp for kids - once a week for about 8 weeks. In between a soccer drills and a game, there is a devotional for all of them - so it's an outreach as well. Such fun for the kids - and I like watching, as well as chatting with some other moms - a lot of Christian families, home-schoolers and a few others I know. 

Siblings practicing together - glad that they were on the same team. 

The other three getting some dog time in - which Leanne absolutely loves!

Pink Boots & Puddles

While waiting for some friends to show up - she put on her boots and played around in the puddles.

Reflecting...

Yeah - he's catching some air. :)

Nelly's Wedding Prep & Bridal Shower

These kids worked to put together candy packages for all the kids coming to Aunt Nelly's wedding. The candy was from Japan and had little faces on it. 

Playing a game all together. 

Sarah with the Portugal flag. 

The traditional gift from Mrs. McElrea and daughter - a kitchen Bride. :) I got one of those when I got married too!

Then - it was the last evening that Nelly would be alone without Peter before the wedding, so Rob organized as many siblings as able to meet behind her house, and surprise with all of us for fun!

Ben bringing Amy along. :)

Kids walking up. 

Opening the door

And SURPRISE... :) 

We all had some snacks and ice-cream in the little house with a prayer and song to "send" off Nelly before her upcoming big day. 

She turns 8!

How did my firstborn become eight? 

I love watching her grow up, becoming this sweet person that likes to learn, read, direct her siblings with events and games, leads confidently, and gets excited about what's going on.

And I don't remember if I shared this before, but in February - she came to me and said we needed to talk - and she told me in tears that she needed Jesus. James came and sat with us- and this little girl asked Him to take away her sins. Pretty amazing to see. Now the true learning begins! 

Her breakfast. 

Eight - and so happy. She's waited for this day for ages. 

My cute crazy girl. :)

Gifts from Auntie Anne-Marie who was so on the ball and had this sent a head of the game!

Sprinkles and ponies - super fast and easy cake for a tired pregnant mom to do. :) 

We went to the splash pad to meet up with some friends for an hour or so - which was a lot of fun for everyone - then back home and picked up Leah to celebrate the evening together. 

Leah and Katie - with Laura thrown in. ;) 

My beautiful eight year old. 

Playing with the wrapping

I found a doll's kitchen set at the second hand store - that came with a bunch of food - so she was pretty thrilled!

The girls painted a t-shirt for a craft. I loved watching their creativity and the way they just had fun with no stress about making it perfect. 

The finished product. :) 

A picture with most of her birthday gifts. :)