Last Day in Karate

For months now, Eli has been lacking in his motivation to continue karate. It has been like pulling teeth to get him ready to go. We finally decided he had put in enough time to take a break and try some other sports. Eli was so excited on his last day of Karate!

His last day ended up being a "B day" which meant gear, cup, and mouthpiece.....he doesn't like those days. As I capturd a few last photos, Eli gave his typical gesture asking "WHAT?" He can be such a goofball at times!

The funny thing is that once Eli gets going, he starts enjoying himself and is smiling by the end of class. We aren't sure he even know what he really wants. I guess we will see what happens over the next year.....For now, Eli will spend the next 4 months exploring the world of Flag Football (more pictures to come.)

Juggling June

One major event in June was Vacation Bible School at Crossridge Church. Eli was so excited (because I was so excited) to finally be able to attend. The theme was "Saddle Ridge Ranch" and boy was it full of non-stop activities! The program was M-F from 6:45-9pm, so we were pretty exhausted by the end of the week.

The weekend of Father's Day, we all went to the Denton Air Show.....in 100 degree weather. Despite the intense heat, and 2 broken shade umbrellas, we had a good time. Every 15 minutes there would be another jet or plane or glider sailing above our heads in loops, twirls, and other tricks. Check out the Family Video section of our blog to see some clips of fighter jets!

On another evening, I took the boys to a concert in Little Elm Park. After enjoying the playground, we walked over to the stage where the boys were overwhelmed and overjoyed by the LOUD music! There is another cute video clip of them running around at the concert.

The next morning, we met a karate friend at Lowe's for the Saturday kid craft workshop. The boys each got an apron and safety goggles to take home, as well as a hammer and monster truck kit to build. The project was complete in about 15 minutes and the boys were thrilled with the new toys they had made.....all for FREE!

June ended with a short drive up to the Celina Balloon Festival. We had gone last year, and looked forward to seeing the balloon glow and fireworks again. Unfortunately, it was too windy, so the balloon glow was cancelled. At least we still got to enjoy fireworks with our friends :)

Daddy's Bike Race

In June, Jerry joined a team of 3 riders and entered a 24 hour bike race.....in 100 degree weather.....the race was from 10am-10am. The boys and I came to visit around noon, but only stayed for about an hour....100 degree weather.

That night, we returned to find that one team member had dropped out of the race from heat exhaustion. Now it was down to 2 to take turns riding....with 12 hours still to go! The boys and I hung around for a few hours and visited with Jerry between turns.

By 3am the other team member had fallen asleep during his break, and was "out cold" as Jerry put it. Common sense prevailed, and Jerry realized he alone could not keep up with the other team of 4 riders. Reluctantly he notified the officials, and settled in for some much needed rest. In the end, Jerry was pleased with his performance and endurance during the race. Don't be mistaken.....there will be a next year, folks!

May Memories

May arrived, and the weather was finally warm enough to take the boys to the lake beach at Little Elm Park. Eli happily swam in his Spiderman arm floaties, while Isaiah ran around in his Spiderman life jacket. Sand + shovels + buckets + water = heaven for my little boys!

This year, we ditched the blow-up pool and tried out our new Slip 'n Slide. Eli was a little hesitant, so Mom had to show him how to go about throwing yourself down and gliding on your tummy.....sorry, no pictures of that! I'll admit it was pretty fun, even at my age. Jerry was shocked when I told him :)

One Saturday, a friend called to invite us to her FREE neighborhood summer festival. The fun included several bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, snow cones, and cotton candy. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning.....I'm a sucker for anything that's FREE!

The next week Eli participated in a homeschool Field Day event, organized by a playgroup we are in. The kids enjoyed a variety of competitive games, which reminded me of church camp in years past. At the end, everyone received a medal to wear proudly around their necks.

We wrapped up the month with a Batman birthday party for Eli's friend Austin. Upon entering the "Bat Cave" the boys got to decorate their own masks, watch Batman cartoons, and take pictures in the photo booth. After a yummy lunch, all the kids gathered for a visit from Batman himself! Both boys were very cautious, but I finally convinced Eli to pose for a picture with Batman. The party ended with birthday cake, popsicles, and a cupcake decorating table! I think we all left with a major sugar rush :)