Fishing Tournament 2017

We had a not-as-hot-as-usual kinda day.

We were ready with seats, bait, snacks, and patriotic attire.

Then we waited for a bite.

And we waited.

We had pouting.

We had lots of snacks.

Then by the grace of God, we had a fish on just a half hour before the tournament concluded.

Faith was restored.

Kids were happy again.

Connor got a lesson in not giving up.

Noah was just happy with snacks.

Both boys ended up with goodies---Connor even scored his biggest trophy to date for 2nd largest fish. 

Another tournament in the books!

Until next year...

Summer time

Our summer days look a lot like this...

When Connor's at sports camp & we aren't running errands, you'll find us here.

Every day. Sometimes twice a day.  It's our bath time replacement.

Anna Maria 2017

School was out & we didn't waste any time to jump into summer.

We headed to Anna Maria for some family fun at the beach.

This was Connor's first time experiencing real waves.  The beach was perfect for boogey-boarding & he loved it!!

If the boys weren't at the beach, they were probably in the pool.  We couldn't have asked for a nicer house to stay in.

Connor was excited to sneak in a little fishing time too.  While we were all huddled around the pier surrounded by other fisherman, Connor reminded us often of just how many fish he was catching and how he's probably caught more than anyone on the pier.  Mr. Modest Fisherboy.

Connor and Noah couldn't wait to show everyone their Bean Boozled game.  The facial expressions were priceless.

It started out with Nana reading Connor books at bedtime when he'd have sleepovers.  As he's grown, its now Connor reading Nana stories before bed.

Goobs on a trolley.

Non stop fun in the sun eventually tricked this kid into napping.

Connor learned the art of frisbee throwing.

Pie Face got some giggles among all the little boys in the house.

Holly captured a family photo while we were all together.

At the tail end of our trip, we were treated to a dolphin tour boat ride (which was a hit with the kids)!  They have the best grandparents ever.

These little fish were constantly diving and under water, practicing with their goggles.  Once we tackle snorkel swimming, we'll be ready for a Keys trip!

Lots more summer fun to come!

Bye 2nd Grade!

Tomorrow is the last day of 2nd grade.  It is this time every year that I'm grateful Connor 'missed the cut off' with our school system & he started elementary school a year later than his buddies born just 2 months before him.  It makes the...

{Oh dear heavens.  My baby will be in 3rd grade soon...}

a little less painful knowing his buddies are going into 4th!  Haha!

Each year I've been spoiled (although I should refer to that as blessed), as each year of school Connor dominates.  This year- All A's, strived for perfect attendance (he feels bad if he has to miss for being sick), Math award (recognized as the strongest in his class), hit his AR goal every time, Citizenship award, is reading at a 5th grade reading level (all those awesome "Harry Potter" reads excite him now), and is always recognized for being the most kind-hearted, good friend in class.  At Connor's awards, his assistant teacher made a point to say that their class had a child join them midyear who could not communicate well.  Connor and this child (Ty) meshed from day one and Connor took him under his wing to help him feel included.  She said it was amazing how even though Ty had a hard time learning english, Connor and Ty just understood each other.  His teacher made sure I knew how Connor truly is a blessing to their classroom & that I am doing an amazing job raising him.  

Cue the tears at that point!

I am terrified to see him grow up so fast (each year just goes faster and faster), yet I'm so proud to see it all at the same time. 

Here's to the summer!!

Lucky us!

When you barter with another photographer & end up getting a free Mommy & Me session out of it!

My gift to myself for Mother's Day!

Side note: After working under another photog, I find it waaaaaaay easier to be behind the camera than in front of it!

The kids really had a great time, so it makes the pictures so much better knowing there was no bribery or whining involved! :)