Hunter's 10th Birthday!!

Hunter is TEN!!!! September 13, my first baby made double digits. With Covid still ruining all our plans....we kept his birthday simple. His friend, Charlie, has the same birthday. They are on the same football team. So, we surprised them with birthday donuts after the game to kick off their big day!

We had a small group of boys come to our apartment for a FUN party. We went to the park to play kickball, basketball, piñata!! They got super sweaty and had a blast. We walked to the apartment pool to swim for hours. I ordered pizza and the boys were having such a great time. 

They played games, laughed and acted like such big boys. Hunter doesn't love cake, so he wanted monkey bread as his birthday cake. So cute!!! I made a buffet of monkey bread, and Hunter was a happy boy. We sang Happy Birthday and ate piles of monkey bread. It was delicious and so unique. 

Then, we just had a couple of the boys spend the night. They made the biggest fort and slept in it!! We woke up to more monkey bread and decorations. He was excited to open his gifts. We got him a pop-a-shot basketball thing for the house. And a basketball jersey picture to hang in his new room!

But, I think his favorite gift was his very own checking account!!! I told him to save money, and I would match that amount on his 10th birthday. Then, we would go open his own bank account. It was such a cute process, a real learning experience. He will never forget his first checking account on his 10th birthday. He saved $100. So, I matched it and he opened up his account with $200!! Not bad for a 10 year old! Such great memories. Big milestones and one amazing, kind, joyful TEN year old boy! We love you, Hunter!

House Update

 We are officially in full blown construction. Adding on, new plumbing, electrical, A/C, walls, etc. Everything!!! While it is overwhelming. It is also very exciting. They say 6-8 months. They started mid July, so we shall see. We are hoping to be back home around February. 

I enjoy making my daily trips to the house. I am picking out everything. The fun decisions, and the boring ones. They all feel like big decisions. So, my mind is always a little preoccupied. I will look forward to when it's done. But, I am also enjoying the journey. I will continue to post updates, to track the progress. We are grateful, thankful and excited!

Back to School

 School year 2020!!! What an interesting ride this will be. Coronavirus has changed the way this school year will be. For starters, we have a delayed start because the hospital numbers are too high. So, we are starting online for a couple weeks before we go back "in person." 

FaithAnn is going to a learning pod during the virtual learning period. A lady in the neighborhood has put together a classroom, and she will be teaching the kids. Because first graders need as much hands-on as possible. I am so glad that we get to do this for FaithAnn. Meanwhile, the boys are home doing their zoom classes. This is very annoying and frustrating for me! I think these kids need to get back to school, real school ASAP!

FaithAnn also is very excited about her teacher this year. Mr. Drew. He is a young, vibrant, energetic man. He was full of smiles and laughs during their "meet the teacher" zoom. So, while this year certainly hasn't gone as planned...I do think there will be some wonderful memories made. 

We were glad when Sept. 8th rolled around. The first day, in 6 months, that the kids walked back into a school building. Amen!!!! They have to wear mask and follow (somewhat ridiculous protocol.) But, they are back in school nonetheless. We will follow the rules...anything to get these kids back to learning, back to their friends, back to LIFE!!! We have 1st grade, 2nd grade and 4th grade this year. We are ready!! Let's do this! 

Ears Pierced!!!

 FaithAnn has her ears pierced!!! We decided to start off the school year with earrings. She went with her best friends, and it was hilarious. There were so many tears, and lots of screaming. But, they all left with shiny new earrings. These girls, and their moms are friends for life!! I'm so happy we get to share this memory and milestone together.