The End of VBS and Soccer Camp

Today was the end of VBS and Soccer Camp for Grady... and while I am happy to be driving less now, he had such a great time at both.  We wouldn't trade it for anything! 

G has been singing the songs from VBS all week, so we picked up a CD today.  Maybe this will help him remember all the fun he had and what he learned all summer!

 All the fun crafts from this week!

Soccer Camp was super fun today for the boys because they got to bring water guns to shoot coach at the end of practice!  Grady has come away from soccer camp with many stronger skills, better control of the ball when dribbling and also some life lessons about losing... Remember when I posted about how he hadn't cried, well, he ended up having a mini cry each night when he got his ball kicked out of one specific game.  :(  He did suck it up within 20 seconds or so and played happily the rest of practice, but w.o.w.  -- this is one competitive lil guy and I don't know how to break him of it.  Well, I should say "channel" it in a healthy way instead... I wouldn't want him to not be competitive.  That's who he is.  Besides... he comes from it naturally, on both sides!  Oh well, I imagine the problem will take care of itself soon enough.  We love our lil guy... competitive or not!

 Tongue out when he's concentrating... just like Daddy!

 Coach had to dress up like a girl... silly coach!

 Water fight time!

 Grady and Coach Josh

     

 Cole, we didn't forget about you... here is what you have been up to at practices...

 Eating some snacks...

 Watching the "big" boys intently...

 Looking at the airplanes...

 Stealing the balls...

 You really wanted to be part of soccer camp, and we had to go and physically collect you from it many times! 

 You found the water for the water gun fight!

 You pushed around lots of stuff...

Sometimes you ended up back in the stroller because, well, you're you and you never stop moving or getting into things... like peoples purses, tents, etc.!  

We LOVE you, you little Cole-Monster!

Grady - we love you too, and are so proud of you for putting forth so much effort, being brave enough to try new things and go out of your comfort zone, and for being excited and thankful about all of the special things you get to do.  You are going to really rock this world with your talents someday... you already rock ours, daily!  

Chick-fil-A and Brave

Tuesday Cole went to Mrs. Stephie's house for the day and Grady went to VBS... so I decided it was about time to spend my gift certificate to Coldwater Creek Spa (from my class from 2 years ago).  I got a facial... it was okay.  I'm sure as facials go it was lovely, but I spent the rest of the day with a stinging face and today woke up with pimples... which I haven't had pimples since high school.  She almost choked when I told her that I used nothing but water and bar soap on my face and that face lotion seemed to cause pimples.  Impossible - huh - yesterday 10 coats of THEIR FANCY lotion on my face, today - pimples all over.  (Note - I did not take take a picture of this because frankly, yuck.  You'll have to take my word for it!)  Interesting... I wonder what she would've said if I told her I never washed my face before bed and left my make-up on until I showered the next morning?  She probably would've called the face-police.  Anyway... the relaxation room is my favorite and I did enjoy 1 hour of peace and quiet and the massaging of my face and shoulders!  Next time I'll stick with a good old pedicure!

I picked up Grady from VBS and we headed over to Chick-fil-a with friends.  We had a crazy yummy lunch, a little playtime and then off to see Brave!

 Notice Grady with his crazy face and Kate sticking out her tongue... match made in HEAVEN!

There was this picture taking camera and the kids had a bunch of fun posing... 

(thanks for the pics Michelle!)

I was super excited to see this movie.  Like, way beyond what a normal 35 year old should for a children's movie.  I have to tell you, in my opinion -- not worth the time or the money.  Boo!  It was scary, depressing and dark.  Many (including G for a part of it) ended up sitting on mom's laps!  The other parents there all pretty much agreed that it was not great for little kids and was disappointing... maybe older kiddos?  I did love the main characters spunk and that curly red hair!  I was really hoping for something like Tangled - some sad and little scary parts but mostly funny, light-hearted and happy.  Not-so-much.  Oh well, this will not be purchased for our growing Disney Collection.  Even though the movie wasn't so hot, we had a great time with our friends and I enjoyed getting to spend a little time with just Grady!!!

Even though there were a few snags in our day, the truth is -- it was a great day anyway!  As long as my kiddos are happy, then I am a happy stinging and red-faced mommy!


    

One Word Wednesday - BUSTED

BUSTED

 #1...

#2...

 

#3...

Busy BIG Brother...

So this week we are getting just a taste of what it will feel like as the kids get older and are involved in multiple activities!  This week Grady is participating in VBS from 9-12 every day and Soccer Camp from 6:30-8:00 every night.  Whew - this kid was T-I-R-E-D tonight... and so was his Mommy!  It is fortunate that it's summer and I am lucky enough to be at home with the kids for a couple of months and can play chauffeur.  Yet another perk of teaching!  Have I mentioned before how much I LOVE my summers!?!

I had Cole with me this morning, but I did manage to get a couple of pictures myself and thanks to Katie and Michelle, got a couple more of Grady's fun morning at VBS!         

 Doesn't Cole look tired because he's missing morning nap thrilled...?

 

Grady, Brody and Ava - such sweet friends all in the same class!

 Arts and crafts

 Somebody is excited!

Grady came home today telling me about Noah and how Noah depended on God - 

love, love, love VBS! 

Soccer camp was this evening, technically Brittsh Soccer Camp... yes, the instructors are from England and all have accents... it's soooo cool!  They are super fun and friendly and have such energy... I have no idea how they do it!?!  Grady's group had about 15 kids - all boys and one little girl.  The kids acted like 15, 5 years olds... lots of silliness, name calling, not listening, and some whining.  NOT Grady however... I was shocked!  

There was no tears, no whining or complaining about it being 100 degrees... AND he listened and participated the whole hour and a half.  He also did everything right and really looked like he knew what he was doing.  I have to tell you this was a big deal.  I love my lil G, but he acts like a normal 5 year old most of the time.  Tonight was one of those times when I was so proud... and wanted to just squeeze him.  He's growing up!  We bragged on him BIG time the rest of the evening.  Richard and I wrangled Cole the whole time and decided to take turns the next few nights being with G and the other stay home, although it was good exercise!  HA! 

Warming up with Dad

 Coach trying to tag him

Trying to get the ball from coach

 Look at that smile...

 Silly game - yelling...

 Acting like a chicken...

 Lil' Man was doing some awesome dribbling!

 Running, running and more running!

         

Even though G was really tired tonight, he kept talking about all the fun he had today.  

I guess running all over creation is worth it...

 especially when you get to see this sweet, smiling, excited face doing the things he LOVES!