Memorial Day Mayhem

Florida boys through & through! Oh yeah, I'm not looking forward to the dating years!

We're incredibly lucky to live at the beach, but that said, we really don't enjoy the sand & surf as often as one might expect. We lead a busy life and downtime on the beach seems to fall pretty low on the priority totem pole. That's why we look forward to holiday weekends. We can cast the usual responsibilities to the side, and enjoy a fabulous beach getaway without the hassle of traveling! Priceless!

Jaxon continues to work on his surfing skills. That should easily attract the ladies in the future.

Baylor prefers to stay a little closer to shore, but can put on quite a show with his boogie board.

 

Grant would be completely happy to never even get wet! Something tells me that will change!

Surf's up!

You want me to do what? No thanks, I'll just watch.

Staying hydrated! It's very important!

A little mid-day siesta!

With the sun setting, we reflected on our wonderful day and life's many blessings. Life is good!

Goal

Jaxon & Baylor's first soccer season was an epic success! Both boys worked hard on the field and embraced the fun of being part of a team. Jaxon's competitive spirit was on full display, but he also demonstrated that he was gracious and a good sport. I'm so proud of him for showing such maturity at a young age.

Baylor also made us proud. In his division, the kids were less focused. Many were more excited for the half-time snack than the game itself, but that's okay. The kids worked on learning the fundamentals and had fun. That's the true goal, right?

Both Jaxon and Baylor seem to be naturally athletic. We had almost zero soccer experience prior to this season, but both boys' skills improved dramatically in a short period of time. I'm hopeful that next season will be even better.

Even Grant seemed to enjoy watching from the sidelines or maybe he was also just looking forward to the halftime snack?!

Our little soccer studs with their medals at the end of the season! Great job, guys!!!

Orange Stripe

Watch out, World! My boy is a lethal weapon! Ok, not really, but he's getting there. Jaxon takes his martial arts classes very seriously. Of course, it's Jaxon. So, what doesn't he take seriously?

Jaxon's board-breaking after the belt test.

Belt Ceremony

Looking fierce with that grin!

Field Day

I don't know about your grade school experience, but I can clearly remember the day that I looked forward to most each and every school year...Field Day!!! No school work, just competitive fun! A chance to show the other classes who ruled the school! Woo hoo!!! That said, I wasn't going to miss Jaxon's first Field Day.

Baylor had the day off from preschool so I signed him up as a volunteer as well! As it turned out, he was the extra team mate they needed to even out some of the events. Baylor was THRILLED absolutely THRILLED to be able to participate. The kids really welcomed him as a team mate. It was so sweet!

There are definitely days when I question the decision to be a stay-at-home mom. Today wasn't one! Loved that I have the ability to be involved in my children's special activities and document the memories!

Holy Days

Looking sharp, Jaxon! As you should since this is a BIG milestone...First Communion!!! After two years of preparation, Jaxon is now ready to receive the Eucharist like a good little Catholic. He took the whole process very seriously, and the entire family was on hand to watch as he took this important step in his faith.

BaBa, Ong Noi, and Uncle Kyle came down for the special weekend...

And Grandfather & Grandma surprised us by driving down for Mass! It wasn't meant to be a surprise, but a miscommunication led me to believe they weren't going to make it. Jaxon truly enjoyed having all of his grandparents there for his big day.

You make us so proud, buddy! You didn't do it to make us happy. You did for your love of the Lord.

Budding Entrepreneurs

Check out the little entrepreneurs! Jaxon & his buddy Ethan teamed up for the Second Grade flea market. Each student or duo had to come up with a product to market to their peers. Jaxon & Ethan decided to sell tokens to play their Claw games that were stocked with candy, miniature versions of the arcade Claws. The line to play was 10 kids deep at times. Keep it up, boys! Your parents are counting on you for retirement funds!

Fort Wilderness

The primary reason we participate in Scouting would have to be the opportunity to go camping with friends. I'm sure that statement surprises some of you. You probably thought I would say something about the Pinewood Derby! As much as all the boys enjoy the Derby, camping is definitely the best part of being a Scout, and our Pack's Disney camping trip has to be the highlight of the year. Fort Wilderness is great, but honestly, Disney excels at just about everything they offer.

While most of our Pack was "roughing it" in tents on the manicured grounds of Fort Wilderness, we were spending our weekend in a cabin. Anh says I can't call it camping when we're staying in a cabin, but I beg to differ. Four adults and 3 children in a 1-bedroom cabin is far from luxury. It's as close to camping as I'm getting with a 1-year old in tow! Grandfather & Grandma joined us as well, and I know for a fact they much preferred the cabin to roughing it in tents as they had done a year before when they escorted the boys alone.

While there's only 1 bedroom, the cabin is set up to hold a large group. The bedroom has both a double bed and bunk beds, and the living room has a murphy bed that folds down from the wall. Throw in a portable crib and we were all quite comfy.

Forget the beds, it's the luxury of having a private bathroom that really makes the camping experience luxurious!

Grant's attempt to claim the murphy bed! Not happening, kid!

It wouldn't be Disney if there wasn't an awesome pool, and Fort Wilderness does not disappoint. There's an elaborate playground complete and a waterslide!

And, there's always Dad!

And campfires for roasting s'mores! S'mores!!!

I was a little worried about how Grant would handle the experience, but he really enjoyed himself immensely. Not only did he score new Chip & Dale Chipmunk babies...

He met the real deal!!! He liked them, but didn't want them to touch him.

Even without a visit to the parks, Disney magic was in full effect!