For our precious FIVE year old...

Dear Harper,

Today you are FIVE...a whole hand!!  This year your birthday was spent at a soccer tournament in Redmond.  You were with Mom, Logan, Presley, and Rylan.  Logan remembered first thing in the morning to wish you a happy birthday, and then Presley and Ry also remembered.  At breakfast this morning the waitress asked how old you were and you said, "4 1/2" but then I reminded you that today was your birthday and you are now officially five.

This year was your first year at pre-school.  You went 3 days a week for a total of 12 hours.  You definitely learned a lot, writing and spelling your name and learning a lot of letters and numbers.  But school was not your favorite part of your week.  You were definitely most happy spending time with mom.

I love the sweet conversations we have.  You do talk a lot I think and ask questions like how I can get an apple tree to grow (you and Ry planted seeds this spring) and do you think I look pretty today to can I help you make dinner and can I have just a few minutes (at bedtime).  You learned about bees at preschool and shared many things that you learned...you used big words like pollinate and told us how the worker bees clean the queen. It's been fun to see your little crafts from school and watch you use your imagination when playing with play-doh.  You still like mom to read to you at bedtime, but also like it when Presley reads to you or when Dad makes up his own stories for you and Ry.

You participated in a year of gymnastics.  I thought you would love it so much because of all the tricks and jumps you do on the trampoline.  And you did like it (and looked so cute in your leotard).  This year it doesn't work out with your new pre-school schedule.  You are doing soccer this fall and we already had a practice where you scored a goal, so I'm thinking all those weekends at the soccer fields have taught you a thing or two about the sport of soccer (you look super cute in your tiny cleats and shin guards too).

I loved watching your confidence and independence grow this year.  Actually, when I think about it, as your independence grew, so did mine.  This year you learned to pump your legs on a swing and buckle yourself in the car, and I seriously rank those things up with potty training.  You like to take showers more than baths now, but when you do take baths you like to make potions.  You'll still hold my hand when I stick it out for you to grab onto.  You also learned how to ride your bike with your training wheels.  But you love riding your scooter in the garage and down the driveway hill.  Logan or Presley will give you the thumbs up sign and watch you fly down the hill.  You, Presley, and Rylan play "bank" in the garage on your scooters too--riding around buying things and then having to go to the bank to get money (leaves).  You do a lot of singing and dancing and make up your own songs.  Whenever I've left this summer and left Logan in charge, you'd say, "Can me and Logan be in charge?" and when I'd get home the kids would complain about you taking that to the next level.  You've also become quite a good swimmer.  You can swim all by yourself without your puddle jumper.  You jump in and can swim out to me.  You float on your back and your can go down the slide and swim over to the side.  We swam a lot at Cashmere this summer and when you got tired of swimming in the big pool, one of the big kids would always take you over to the little area and play chase with you through the mushroom.  I could hear you guys laughing clear over in the big pool.  You love their attention.

There were so many great changes this year for you, but I also want to remember some things that did not change.  You still love, love love your Kee Kee.  It's traveled all around with us for 5 years, even making the long trek to Hawaii this year.  You still suck your thumb, especially when you're tired.  You still like me to give you choices when picking out your outfit for the next day.  You still think you'll marry Rylan.  You like to be at the school with me and go to Mom's group with me too.  All of these things are so important to who you are beautiful girl!!

It's been so fun to see how you are learning new things everyday and watch your caring little personality develop.  I am so proud of the little girl you are and even more proud to be your mommy.

All the love in the world to you my baby!!

Mom and Dad

Rylan's Redmond Tournament (Aug. 22nd-24th)

Rylan tried out for a Fire Developmental team in the spring and made it.  Their first tournament was in Redmond...it was a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tournament.  There are not many U8 teams across the state so the boys have to play up when they register for any tournaments.  In this tourney they played against U9 and U10 teams and they did really good.  They were just one win away from making the championship game.  It was fun to watch Ry play.

Friday afternoon we left at about noon and his first game was at 4:00.  Good thing we left with lots of time because I got lost getting us to the field.  They won this game 5-2.

Dave (and Logan in the car) reminded Rylan he needed to look professional when he played and he remembered to tuck his shirt in.  

Corner Kick

I included this picture so I could remember how little our boys looked next to some of the other teams. 

And he scored!!

On Saturday morning we got up and ready and headed down to the hotel breakfast.  It was Harper's birthday too today so we quietly sang happy birthday to her.  We knew we had two games today, but we checked out of our hotel because if we lost we wouldn't need to stay the night. 

Hey buddy...game is in 2 hours.

They won the first game 4-0 but Ry didn't get to play too much.  He complained to his coaches that his stomach hurt so they let him sit on the bench.  

We had a few hours between games so the boys played soccer in this giant inflatable they had set up, I made hotel arrangements again for the night, and we went to have lunch at Burger King (Harper's choice since it was her birthday) and I bought Dippin' Dots for a treat. 

They made a good team in this thing. 

Halftime play with these two.  

The second game was another win 6-4.  Ry played a little bit more, but not much.  He did play alot better in this game, moving more and going to the ball and being a little bit more aggressive.  

We stayed the night at the Hilton again and tonight we had time to go swimming.  And Harper got to sleep with Logan so that was a special birthday treat for her. 

Sunday morning's game was at 8 AM.  I only fed him a banana and a granola bar.  I thought maybe his stomach hurt yesterday because of too big of a breakfast.  He played really well in this game...was quick and aggressive and made great passes.  He had one other (the first) goal of this game.  This team was U10.  

I think these three might have been getting on each other's nerves at this point. 

We lost to this team 5-7 but I think this was the game Ry played the very best. 

Team Picture

I wanted to note too that Ry was only one of three boys that scored the whole weekend long. 

The other two boys that scored were older guest players who joined us because we were playing in an upper age group.  

We drove home after this game and was home by one.

It was a really great first tournament for Ry. 

Lea's, Day-Lea's, Week 34

Day 232, Wednesday, August 20th

My oldest beauty turned 11 today. 

Day 233, Thursday, August 21st

Harper had a playdate today with her friend Macy. 

Day 234, Friday, August 22nd

The kids and I traveled to Redmond today for Rylan's first Fire tournament. 

His game was at 4:00 and this was his first goal of his Fire career. 

Day 235, Saturday, August 23rd

Being out of town means no cute chalkboard sign. 

Celebrating birthday lunch at Burger King in Redmond. 

Day 236, Sunday, August 24th

Presley was nominated by her friend Ainsley to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. 

When we got home from Ry's tourney,  I made sure to get a cute #5 chalkboard picture of the birthday girl. 

Day 237, Monday, August 25th

Back to school haircuts for the boys. 

Day 238, Tuesday, August 26th

I had some work to do so we went to Lincoln Park to play while I sat on the picnic bench to finish up.  They're doing "Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum in a dish...".

Harper's Fifth Birthday Interview

What is your favorite book?  My Little Pony books

What is your favorite food?  Corn Dogs

What is your favorite thing about school?  Playing

What is your favorite color?  Rainbow

What makes you feel happy?  Eating candy

Where would you like to go?  Hawaii

What was the best thing about being four?  Playing in my room

What are you scared of?  Monsters

What is your favorite sport?  Soccer

What is your favorite thing to do?  I like to play Barbies

What do you want to be when you grow up?  A princess or a ballerina

What do you like most about our family?  Eating dinner together

What do you like to do with Presley?  Play in her room

What do you like to do with Logan?  Play Barbies with him

What do you like to do with Rylan?  Give him kisses

What is your favorite thing about mom and dad?  They make breakfast, lunch, and dinner for me. 

For our 11 year old girlie

Our beautiful Presley,

You are eleven today.  ELEVEN!! And here's one thing I've learned this year...I adore you at this new stage somewhere between childhood and a teenager.

You are quite nervous to be a fifth grader.  You told me that you're afraid there will be "drama" with your friends and you're nervous about the puberty talk (thank you Logan!!).  You're also worried about the end of the school year already,  mentioning how you'll cry because some of your friends are going to go to Pioneer and how you won't be at the same school as Harper when she goes to kinder.  But you must somewhat excited too because you also said you're looking forward to seeing Ry at lunch time.  You told me that this year you can go over to his class lunch table and you'll give him and all his friends a hug.  You've become such a good and consistent reader this summer.  You've enjoyed long chapter books, and like your mama, you prefer to hold a real book, rather than read books on your Kindle.  I think you're mostly looking forward to seeing your friends everyday again.

I am sitting her at the park watching you have your first soccer practice of the fall season.  You are no more competitive this year than you were last year, happy to use this hour as social hour.  You just ran by me at a very slow jog pace, talking to Taylor and Kaylee about the ice bucket challenge.  We've tried lots of different sports activities through the years, but you just don't have the desire to make baskets, shoot goals, run and jump in track, or do organized gymnastics.  You just don't have a competitive spirit or bone in your body.  You are most happy doing tons of tricks and jumping really high on the trampoline.  Logan's PE teacher told him this phrase over and over (and he repeated):  "active for life".  We talk alot about that, how you don't have to do a sport, but you do need to be active daily.  I so loved watching you dance at Samee and Nate's wedding.  And you swim like no other--we often call you "our fish".  You have spent so many hours at the pool swimming and diving down deep. You can't wait to go to Hawaii again so you can swim in the ocean.  You're such a beach babe.  We want you to have a strong body, a strong heart, and a strong mind.

You are such a bright little star.  You've always had such a kind spirit and been such a sweet person.  I've seen you this year shed tears because of problems Logan was having in school, wanting to protect him, and often telling me what you'd say if you heard kids talk badly about Logan.  You are fiercely protective and loyal to him, and to your friends too.  You also have a sensitive heart too.  Logan has made you cry plenty this year from his teasing.  You are pretty good at letting it roll right off your back.  You have such a nurturing personality which has made you a good sister and friend.  And I should also mention what a loving cousin you've been to baby Miryn.  You are a little mama to her when you see her, so sweet with your words, and just want to hold her and love on her.  You write the sweetest messages in cards to mom and dad, and you write lovely thank you notes.   Because of these attributes you have quite a group of nice friends:  Taylor, Kaylee, Lauren, Kylie, Ainsley, Ella.  Be a person others know they can rely on.  Work hard to be a friend, but know that everyone makes mistakes that can hurt other people.  Never be afraid to own up to your mistakes and say you're sorry and mean it.  Other people you think of as a friend will hurt you too.  When they exclude you or say cruel things, try not to let it break your heart.  Realize that everyone makes mistakes, even you...remember to ask for forgiveness and be willing to give it, and show kindness and love to others.

I do worry about how our relationship will be evolving over the next few years. I know it's a natural progression.  I get it, but I can't say I'm ready to embrace that.  I love where you are right now...happily playing Moshi Monsters on the computer and listening to 1D songs on your IPod, watching Gravity Falls with Logan or My Little Pony with Harper, watching more tweeny shows like H2O all by yourself up in our room, writing your own little songs and designing and drawing dresses in your sketch notebook, Face Timing your friends, or playing High School Story.  Just today, you four built a big fort and you played zoo together.  You are so excited to go see 1D in Arizona--just the two of us!!  The next few years will be a see saw of up and down emotions.  You'll probably value the opinion of your friends more than you'll value mine.  You are still a baby in my heart.  Be true to yourself.  It is my hope that you'll always know how important your family is, that you know you were loved as a little girl and now through these tween and teen years and into adulthood too.

You have brought us more joy than we ever dreamed possible.  You are loved so very deeply, by your mom, dad, brothers, and sister.  You make us laugh, you challenge us, you teach us, and most of all, you make us love you a little more each day.  Keep being you...you're amazing!

We Love You,
Mom and Dad

Presley's 11th birthday interview

What is your favorite book?  The Swift Boys and Me

What is your favorite food?  Buttery noodles

What is your favorite subject in school?  Reading

What is your favorite color?  Blue and hot pink

What makes you feel happy?  When we all go to Froyo

Where in the world would you like to go?  To China to adopt

What was the best thing about being 10?  Going to Hawaii together

What are you scared of?  Bats, spiders, snakes, drowning

What is your favorite sport?  Basketball

What is your favorite thing to do?  Jump and do tricks on the trampoline

What do you like most about our family?  We all work together and we're funny

What do you want to be when you grow up? A writer of novels

What do you like to do with Harper?  Play Winx on the trampoline

What do you like to do with Ry?  Play Minecraft

What do you like to do with Logan?  Play 1, 2, 3 on the trampoline cause he bounces me high

What is your favorite thing about mom and dad?  They buy me things. 

Lea's Day-Lea's, Week 33

Day 225, Wednesday, August 13th

All the kids were outside playing "Capture the Flag" with glow sticks. 

That row of lights marked the half field.  The other lights are the kids holding their own lights. 

Day 226, Thursday, August 14th

I spent Thursday and Friday at the Global Leadership Summit. 

Lots to take in in two days. 

Day 227, Friday, August 15th

Soccer ball to the window on a missed shot by Logan. 

This is the second window this summer. 

Day 228, Saturday, August 16th

One of my favorite moments so far this year. 

Presley receiving her 1D concert ticket for her 11th birthday. 

Day 229, Sunday, August 17th

I love when these two get comfy together in the same chair. 

Day 230, Monday, August 18th

Ry and Presley had playdates with the Kerr kids. 

Just two boys trying to fix the motorcycle chain. 

Day 231, Tuesday,  August 19th

Mom and Harper talking about being 5. 

Super Sized Saturday

 Thomas, Amy, Alyson, Mylee, and their cousin Madeline, Samee, Nate, Miryn, and Grandma all joined us in Wenatchee for a fun Saturday.  We started with breakfast at Wild Huckleberries, then went to float the river, and then had a late lunch and birthday party for our sweet August kids.

Well hello backlight...this is all of us. 

Photography is not really in my set of skills. 

We finally all made it up to our house and the float the river team got ready to go. 

Thomas, Dave, and Nate had to take several trips to get all the tubes and all the people down to the river. 

Rylan, Harper, and I got to watch Miss Miryn at home while they floated. 

I didn't get any floating pictures this time via text, but I did take a few of our time with Miryn. 

We stacked rings. 

We cruised the furniture. 

We played roll with the soccer ball. 

Samee told me that Miryn would probably fall asleep at some point for her nap so I laid her down and went to the kitchen.  I looked over to check on her and found Ry had climbed in and was teaching her how to play Minecraft on the IPad. 

So we loaded up and picked up the birthday cake at Safeway. 

(She did fall asleep in the car on the ride home)

Harper wrote this sign to warn the river crew to be quiet because "baby sleeping". 

We had a nice big lunch and opened presents. 

Presley's turn

She got the 1D movie.

And then she opened her present from mom and dad...tickets to go see 1D in Arizona with mom. 

(I know this is so many pictures of this moment, but I want to remember her reaction forever)

She cried (not gonna lie, I did too).

Bless her heart. 

I'll never know what it's like to give away a million dollars, but I bet it wouldn't be as good as this moment was...truly priceless. 

Harper opened her presents too.  She was so happy with the My Little Pony things and her new soccer shoes. 

Logan and Rylan got a little message from Papa Berries.

Our special birthday kids blew out the candles. 

That's Miryn's daddy taking pics too. 

I think Mylee had spent too much time with those crazy Nelson kids. 

Sweet Story:  The next day I was cleaning up and asked Rylan what he'd like to do with the monkey picture from Papa Berries and he told me to put it with his other one.  I didn't know what he was talking about so he closed his bedroom door to show me the back of it (we never close his bedroom door going up the stairs) and there was another monkey picture with a message from Papa.  So we hung them both up together.