Go Bulls!

Today was Kyle's first ever baseball game! We have been looking forward to this day for awhile. Kyle would often ask me how many Saturdays it was until his first game. Watching him play is pretty much the best thing ever (while the weather is nice). This morning was the lame and long opening ceremonies, where you could barely hear the person talking into the microphone. 

Kyle standing amongst the coaches:

Entertaining himself. Nice hats Kyle boy:

My sweet Bear was grumpy this morning. It may have been because we rushed breakfast to get out the door. He is really into giving kisses lately. The best is when he grabs your face and only wants to kiss your lips. He must understand that his kisses soften my heart because when he is about to get in trouble he'll say, "Hold on Mama, hold on." Then he grabs my hand and kisses it! Smart boy!

 After the ceremony. You can tell by his smile that he was loving this!

 After the ceremony we played on the bounce houses and got the kids sno cones. Then we went and spent an HOUR buying Kyle cleats. Perhaps the most painful part of the experience was when another dad and son from the league came in, tried on a pair of cleats, and were out within 10 mins. My dear Kyle, you sure do teach your Mama and Dada patience.

Proud Dad and son:

 With his pre-school friend Ryan:

 Homeless Bear. On this occasion we did not comb his hair before leaving, but even when we do it ends up looking like this:

Game Time!

Kyle played first base in the first inning and was very serious about keeping the ready stance. It cracked me up. He did awesome (when he knew where to look) and even got a kid out! Not bad for his first game!

He had some great hits too! The coach pitches a couple of times and if they don't hit the ball the tee is brought out. Only on his second time up did he need the tee, and his third hit of the game was especially awesome. 

His best friend Catcher. I love this kid:

Kyle coming into home plate. It's so funny that you have to remind this age to run.

Bear was a good sport and when Kyle wasn't looking we let him wear the batting helmet for awhile. Someone stunt his growth. I cannot believe he will be three this summer! 

Great job Kyle! You are excited about baseball and look forward to both practices and games. I am proud of you for finally deciding on a pair of cleats and for wearing your baseball socks without complaining! You have a great arm and a great swing! I know this season you will improve so much. We love you and had such a fun day with you!

My Sweet Boy

When I talk about my, "Sweet Boy," it is usually Nolan. He just has such a sweet disposition about him. Kyle can be very sweet too though, just like he was tonight.

  As we were putting the boys to bed I was telling Tim how I've had a long week. 2 migraines and 2 bad headaches out of 5 days of our week so far makes for a not-so stellar and productive five days. Tonight my headache I had earlier during the day came back. After we put the boys down I went and laid down in bed.
   Kyle came in and said, "Mama, I'm sorry that you have a head ache. I hope it will be gone tomorrow." I said, "Thanks buddy. Me too." Then Kyle suggested, "How about we say a prayer before I go back into my bed that your headache will go away?" "That's a good idea!" We both folded our arms and before I could start to say anything Kyle started the prayer and asked that his Mama's headache would go away. After he closed the prayer he said, "I hope it helps. I think your headache will go away."

Melt my heart.

Sometimes weeks are rough, that's just how it is. Sometimes days seem like weeks. And sometimes all it takes is a five minute conversation with my little boy to make it all better. I'm grateful for moments that remind me I'm doing what's most important, even when it seems daunting.

I love you my Kyle boy.

5 Year Old Q&A

1. What is your favorite color?  Blue and Gold, just separated
2. What is your favorite toy? Nintendo DS and the Wii
3. What is your favorite fruit? cherries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Pocoyo
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? pasta
6. What is your favorite outfit?  Angry Birds Star Wars shirt and my blue pants that are all blue
7. What is your favorite game? Lego Batman 2
8. What is your favorite snack? granola bars
9. What is your favorite animal? rhinoceros 
10. What is your favorite song? When I'm a Billionaire
11. What is your favorite book? No More Monsters Jumping on the Bed
12. Who is your best friend? Catcher
13. What is your favorite cereal? Cinnamon Life
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? play basketball
15. What is your favorite drink? Root beer
16. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Big doggie and baby doggie and little penguino and Christmas penguino and cowie
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Cinnamon life
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Soft tacos

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? Ludwig Van Beethoven

Papa and Grandma spoiled us with these delicious cupcakes! 

 My favorite boys

 With a tired and happy Mom:

I don't know how we missed a picture with Papa and Grandma! I hope your fifth birthday was everything you wanted it to be! We went to Chick-fil-A with cousin Logan for lunch and had your favorite soft tacos for dinner! I can't believe you're 5!!

Oh March...

I was typing myself a little re-cap of 2012. Just the major things I could remember. For some reason March's notes still crack me up.

January- Kyle turned 4! Had a, "Mario Kart Wii," birthday party for Kyle.

February- Tim got sworn in! Flew to CA with the boys to visit Chris, Jenny and the girls. Found out Jenny was pregnant :).

March- (Accidentally) brought home vodka from the grocery store.

April- Tim turned 28!

May- 6 year anniversary. Woot woot! Taylor came home from college. Charlotte was born. Gabby and Mo got baptized.

June- Bear turned 2! Hosted a baby shower for Alli. Packed Taylor for his mission. Hosted Taylor's farewell brunch. Charlotte's baby blessing. Said good-bye to Taylor.

July- Kyle learned how to ride without training wheels, trip to Payson with Pete, Ale, kids and Curtis, Candace and kids, Roger and Carol and Andy.

August- Kyle's first day of pre-k. Went to Greer with the Konkles.

September- Flew to CA for my best friend, Kristina's bachelerotte party. Flew to Utah to meet new niece Eleanor! Watched Roo-Bear for a couple of days. Nephew Pierce was born. My mom had her stroke.

October- Flew to Argentina and spent 4 weeks with my mom. Saw my mom and dad for the first time in almost 1.5 yrs! Tim started a new job working at a law firm much closer to home.

November- Returned from Argentina. Turned 28! Parents temporarily returned home.

December- Spent with all of my family in town. Met nephew Pierce. Skyped with Taylor on Christmas! Family pictures with the entire Ray family.

(You can read March's post here).

Kyle van Beethoven

 We celebrated my big boy's birthday this weekend. I don't know whether I was shocked or not when Kyle requested the theme for his birthday party-- Ludwig van Beethoven. Yes, definetly the first time I have heard of a Beethoven birthday party but not surprising to me that my Kyle boy is the one who requested it. And just in case you are wondering, Hobby Lobby, Party City, Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon, and pretty much everywhere and anywhere do not sell Beethoven decorations. I did find some music notes at Party City :).

The amazing cake:

How can you look at that and NOT smile?!

Playing "hot potato" to Beethoven's 5th symphony. I wonder how many kids at this point were thinking, "What type of party is this?"

We had pizza, strawberries and dip and then cake. Getting ready to blow out candles:

Roo-Bear looking so old with his new hair cut:

 Mo-town! One of Kyle's favorite people:

 Bear always content eating food:

Somehow we served all of the kids cake and asked if anyone else wanted a piece and then Kyle piped up, "I didn't get a piece yet." Ha! Poor birthday boy! He waited so patiently.

  Kyle wondered why no one sold a Ludwig van Beethoven pinata, but was just as happy to have a pirate hat pinata. We almost didn't do a pinata this year but I am glad we did. It is always so funny to watch the kids give it their all. Poor Nolan-- every time he hit the pinata it came swinging back at him and would hit him in the head.

Cousin Bentley:

Go Whitman!

Watch out for Moose!

 Kyle's facial expression screams that this is serious business:

The kids waited so well in line and cheered each other on:

With the loot:

I put this tag inside of the candy bags:

Primos. Kyle looks a little too natural with that root beer in hand:

Our fam looking WT:

Orphan Nolan:

With Grammy and My-Pa:

This year was the first year Papa and Grandma were at Kyle's party. My parents are temporarily home from their mission. At this point we don't know when they will return to their mission. We are so grateful for the progress my mom continues to make recovering from her stroke and are thankful for the time we get to spend with them. 

Ludwig hung out at the playground. We were going to play a game with him but the kids were having enough fun running around. Oh well. He looks kind of scary but Kyle isn't ready for me to throw him away yet.

That night Kyle told me, "Mama you are the best mom I ever had." I'm not sure what other moms he is comparing me to, but I am grateful I am his mom. He will always hold that extra special part in my heart as the first person to call me Mama. I love you Kyle. I love that you have varied interests in life and that Ludwig van Beethoven is just as cool to you as legos, video games and playing outside.