Star Wars lunch box

As I tucked Gabe into bed tonight, I felt an overwelming wave of sadness.  A saddness that comes when, as a mother, you know that things will never be the same.  I looked at my son and knew that the time I had with him at home....is gone.  For a moment, I wanted it all back.  I wanted to stamp my feet and scream in protest.  In that moment, I didn't want this change.

I took a deep breath, sat down beside him, and told him how proud I was of him.  I told him how much fun he would have at school tomorrow and all the new friends that he would meet.  I tried to sound very convincing.  What I really wanted to say was, "Gabe, why don't you just stay home with us tomorrow?"  We can sleep in, make a big breakfast together, go for a walk, and maybe go to the library.  You don't need to grow up and go to school.

And, as I packed his new Star Wars lunch box, I took another deep breath and said a silent prayer.  I needed some strength with this one.

Then some images popped in my head.  These were images of my son that I could see so clearly.  I could see Gabriel handing a little girl candy at a birthday party when she didn't get any.  I could see him helping his dad and I with all the luggage in the airport this past week.  I could see him working on his latest book, Luke Skywalker meets Harry Potter.  I could see him playing outside with the neighbor kids all afternoon without needing anything from me.

These images made me smile.  These images helped me realize how much we have to look forward to as Gabriel goes to 1st grade.  My son is ready to start something of his own and it's time for me to let him go and be excited for him.


My sadness turned to joy in that moment.  We had so much to look forward to.  So many more days when I get to watch him become more independent and make a life for himself.  I took another deep breath and thanked God for my 7 year old blessing.

Tomorrow would be a new day and I was excited!

Stick and Ball

I had one goal for my little guys this summer.  I wanted them to ride horses with Pop and learn a little about the game he loves so dearly.  Polo.  How many other kids in the world have unlimited access to a string of polo ponies?  I think we are pretty lucky!   So, we went back to Sheridan several times this summer and spent many hours on the polo fields.  Expect to see lots of polo pictures in the coming weeks.

When the kids weren't riding Poncho they were playing a little stick and ball. 

And, little Eli is getting the hang of the game.  It was fun watching him learn how to hit the ball.  He was very determined!

Rainstorms

The rain storms in Colorado are the best.  Every afternoon in early July, the skies would darken and big raindrops would fall from the sky.  The kids and I would stand in the garage and watch in wonder at all the rain.  Then, we would hear the thunder and lightening.  It was magnificent!

After a few afternoons of just watching the rain, the boys decided it was time to play in it.  Gabe informed me they needed the proper equipment in order to survive a Colorado rain storm.  So, they went inside to get ready and came out looking like very professional rain catchers.

Let the fun begin!!

The boys were soaked to the bone when the rain stopped.  As Eli and I watched those crazy boys get all wet we just laughed and were glad to be standing in a dry, warm garage.

A little play time

The kids had so much fun while Auntie Megan was here.  We played and played and played. 

 Eli and Adaline loved playing with the blocks (when they weren't fighting over them).

Uncle Shrek's amplifier was Adaline's favorite toy.

Megan's new tablet was Gabe and Amaya's favorite.

And, at the end of the day someone was so exhausted he fell asleep playing his piano.  He just had to much fun with his cousins!

The Museum

Auntie Megan, Amaya, and little Adaline come to the big city.

View of Denver from the Natural History Museum

4th of July weekend and we get to spend the whole weekend together.  There is lots to do and the best part is that we get to do it together.

We decided to head to the museum.  The kids love the museum.  There is so much to do for every age.  Here are some of my favorite moments.

The whole crew

The Kid's Zone.  This is place just made for our little scientists.  The kids get to explore, play, and do experiments.  One of the favorite activities is digging for dinosaur bones.

Ahoy, there!  There is currently a pirate exhibit at the museum.   Their favorite part is being silly pirates!

But, the best part of the museum is the stairs!  Adaline just loves them.  She could have gone up and down the stairs all day if we would have let her.  Auntie Megan, are you tired yet?

After we explored the museum for awhile it was time to take a break.  Auntie Megan took the kids to the restroom and when they got back they were all laughing really hard.  What was so funny?  Megan told me that while she was in the restroom changing Adaline she hears someone open the bathroom door and say "Hellloooooo, Ladies" and when she looked around the corner it was Owen.  It made us all laugh pretty hard.

Climbing trees right outside the museum

Time to head home!  After all our excitement, everyone is tired.  On the way to the car we get into the elevator and two older ladies squeeze in next to us.  They turned toward the kids and asked "So, are you guys going to be a pirates"?  Gabe looked at them and said "No, I'm going to be a Paleontologist".   It was so funny because it took them completely off guard.  I just love our kids!

Baseball 2011

Moments from Baseball season 2011.   

The Hawks

Ready for the big game!

Number 6 (aka Gabriel) standing ready at first base.

Safe!

"The hitting machine"

During practice one night Gabriel's team named him the "hitting machine" because he rarely misses the ball.