Fun Day

The day didn't start out too fun.

Nate doesn't know at this point that he has a couple of vaccines and a finger prick coming his way. Friday was his five year checkup.  He was supposed to have two more vaccines, but since he is starting school next year we were able to delay those.  He handled it all like a champ, just a couple of tears.  I did have a very inexpensive surprise to distract him.  It worked!

Now on to the fun.  We left the doctor's office and headed to the zoo.  We've had a fun summer with lots of activities, but we have not had a day out that was just us - just me and my sweet boy, who is growing up so fast right before our very eyes. :(   We had a great time. We took our time at each exhibit (as much time as Nate wanted) and talked a lot about most of the animals.  Here are a few highlights...

 

We finished the day with treats from Dreamcakes.  It was our first Dreamcakes experience.  I had a banana fosters cupcake.  It definitely lived up the the hype.  :)

I love this child so much!!!  Children truly are a blessing from the Lord. 

Soccer

Nate started his second season of soccer a couple of weeks ago.  It has been even more fun this go around.  Nate actually knows (for the most part) what's going on and is a lot more confident.  When kids play soccer at this age, there is not a lot of strategy.  There's usually five or six kids swarming the ball.  Last year Nate was a little timid and afraid to get in there.  He is no longer timid.  He definitely still gets distracted at times, but is much more focused this year.

Praying before the game

Nate and Denson - Denson's dad and Darren were childhood friends.

Beach Trip

I love the beach.  I am so thankful that we are only a few hours away and can visit once or twice a year.  Our last beach trip was in May.  We all stayed in my parents' VERY small camper.  Nate was sick with a stomach virus and felt pretty miserable most of the trip. 

Thankfully, this trip was much different.  We had a wonderful time.  The weather was great.  I am so thankful for another opportunity to enjoy a few days at the beach.  Darren has been crazy busy at work, so this time of relaxation was great for all of us. 

My parents joined us for a couple of days.  Nate and my dad are headed out to the "sandal" (as Nate says) bar. 

They made it!

We found several hermit crabs and this sand crab.

I love this pose.  :) 

 We had a very short photo shoot one afternoon.  Here are a few of my favorites.  I really need to learn to use the Photoshop Elements that I purchased a couple of years ago.  It is so stinkin' hard to figure out!

We had to have one night out for ice cream and the Bass Pro Shop.  Nate said they should call this one the Shark Pro Shop since it's at the beach. 

We always camp at the beach, so we don't eat out much.  But, we have to have seafood at least one time.  One restaurant had gator bites for an appetizer.  Nate is really into talking about what animals are carnivores and herbivores and which animals eat other animals.  We've talked about how there aren't many animals that eat alligators/crocodiles and how they are at the top of the food chain.  I asked Nate if he wanted some gator bites, expecting him to say no.  He said yes and ate a bunch of them.  They were really good...kinda tasted like chicken...and what doesn't taste good fried.  He is getting pickier about what he eats the older he gets, so I seriously think he just liked the idea of eating a big bad carnivore. :) 

What Matters Most

I need to hear this every. single. day.

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"  Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  Matthew 22:36-40

Last First Day of Preschool

Today was Nate's last first day of preschool.  It made me so sad.  Can you imagine how sad I will be at graduation?  Our boy is growing up.  We've had complete peace that this (one more year of preschool) is the right decision for several months.  However, it is nice to hear from lots and lots of parents who share how they waited to enroll their child and are so glad or parents that did not wait and wished they would have.  I am just glad to have one more year with him. :)  This topic has actually been in the news a lot lately.  They call it redshirting, just like in sports.  We have a lot to pray about this year - public school, private school or home school.  All three are very real possibilities.  We'll see where God leads.      

Coyote Hunt Video

I just realized the video in the Coyote Hunt post was "private."  It is now public for those who would like to watch it. 

Words of Wisdom

I just read a great blog post, Developing Honor for Others in Our Children.  It's a must read in my humble opinion.  My favorite part:  ‘It is natural to be selfish, but it is supernatural to be kind and loving. It is only when we allow the Lord Jesus to speak with our words and use our hands and our voice to give His love that we can really know how to be close to others.’