End of the Soccer Year

Another year in our little sports world has ended. The kids all loved soccer. Amy had a few times when she didn't want to play, which I don't blame her being young, and no sibling on her team. But she'd get into it, and play. 

I love these next set of shots - Hannah - friend from church, on the opposite team meeting up with Katie as they run after the ball, crashing into each other and laughing. <3

Coach Heikoop with his crew.

Lee-Lee asking Coach James for a freezie. 

Was taking a shot of Laura and a friend, when two other girls jumped into the picture!

Jason and a friend, Katie. :) 

The Pastor Central Baptist - sharing with the kids at the last devotional. 

Katie and Hannah 

Playing in the park without shoes... 

Daddy and the kiddos. 

Showing their medals. 

And tickle time. 

Katie turns 9

Another birthday, and the traditional breakfast in bed. 

This girl was so excited, she was dressed and ready for her moment as princess. :) 

So grown up. Sigh...

Placed in his excersaucer to watch the excitement. 

Getting her own copy of Anne of Green Gables from Auntie Anne-Marie!

We recently switched to opening birthday presents in the morning as opposed to the evening... my family always did the evening - so we anticipated the evening all day - and then had to wait the next day to play... and James did the morning, so they actually played with the new toy/item that day. So, we're trying the morning - at least for family gifts. And the nice thing is there is better lighting, so I don't have to use the flash. 

Decorating the cake - all the kids watching it happen. (Katie was playing with a friend downstairs) 

Then a few more friends joined - so we have Kayla, Avia and Hannah that came to celebrate. 

Painting time.

I love the color here. So summery. 

Afterwards, they had a water fight - joined by Erik and a friend - Josh - and the little girls. 

Matching swimsuits. (Katie had two so she lent it so they could match) 

Then they made a mud hole to splash into. :) They all got a good hose down after. 

Spaghetti supper. The girls at one table. 

And the guys on the island. 

Katie's birthday cake. She was given a bunny for her birthday a few weeks earlier - so I did this playmobile bunny theme for her cake. :)

And the girls. 

The next day - with her birthday gifts and cards! 

Love this girl we've been given. Watching her grow up and especially when she wants to, bake, clean or look after the kids - all this taking on responsibility is so neat. 

Katie

My Katie - nine - which is hard to believe. 

I took her for a quick practice time - and she was happy to oblige. 

Jason is 11 months

 We styled his hair for fun and took his pictures of 11 months...

Jason's latest and greatest

-He's almost pulling himself up onto furniture!

-Likes to look at books

-Bangs two toys together 

-Stands holding onto furniture

-He takes a bit to warm up to people - just watches them for a while before giving them a smile. :) 

-Needs his momma - like always. <3 He can only be a part from me so long before he needs me to cuddle him. And I don't mind that at all. 

-This kid is our only one that needs to have different toys every so often. I think that's in part due to not moving much yet - and needing different stimulation instead of the same old toys. When our Early Intervention Coordinator comes by and brings her bag of toys, he loves it!

Can't remember what else... still working on more stuff, and honestly can't believe we're almost at a year old. He still laughs and switches to staring on a dime.