Raised Royal

The boys received Blue Crew tickets from Linda for Christmas and we decided to redeem the tickets today.  We went with a couple of my friends from work, and the boys already knew two of the kids since Liam used to go to preschool with them.

This truck was parked near the entrance, so we had to stop by and check it out.  We thought it was packed full of balls but these were just posters of balls!

Our seats were alllllll the way at the top.  The stadium wasn't too full so we probably could have found some new seats, but it was nice and shady and breezy up that high!

Our Blue Crew tickets came with coupons to the Outfield Experience, a bunch of activities for kids.  Karsten did a great job hitting at the Little K and had fun running the bases.  Liam did not want to hit - I think there were too many people watching for his comfort level.

Liam and I rode the carousel.  It was nice to get out of the sun and have a breeze as we rode around.  It was sooo hot once we got out of the shade.

Karsten and John decided to race to see how fast they could go.  They started pretty similar, but Karsten kicked in about halfway through and won!

Liam wanted to stop and take his picture on the L on our way back to our seats - hard to argue with a request to have his photo taken.  That never happens!

It was a fun day, and the Royals broke their losing streak and got a win!  Woo hoo!

Remembering David

Scott's uncle was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in mid-June, and unfortunately, he passed away on Thursday after a tough battle.  He had several weeks at home where he was able to see many friends and family, and he also was able to listen to the sprint car races (his famone final time the weekend before he passed away.

We aren't able to make it to the service on Monday evening, so we went up on Saturday to spend the day with Scott's family.  It was nice time together as a family, we just wish it was under better circumstances.

Scott was able to see three of his cousins that he hasn't seen for a while.  There were still four that he wasn't able to see; hopefully we'll see them sooner than later.

Liam and Karsten had fun with their third (or second) cousins...not sure about that.  Delaney and Morgan are his cousin's daughters, and they all had a great time together!

#cancersucks

Graduation Class T-Shirt

It's time for the annual photo of the boys in a shirt with the year they'll graduate.  It will be fun to see how they grow over the years as they near graduation.  This is Liam's first year in his shirt and Karsten's third.  You can find Karsten's first one here...I know I took a photo last year; however, it doesn't seem to be on the blog.

First day of school

It seems like I just posted the last day of school pictures, and it's already time for another school year.  Liam has been excited to go to Karsten's school since he went for Kindergarten screening, but when the first day got closer, the nerves kicked in (Liam's not mine). 

Luckily, he has an awesome big brother that knows the ropes and would see him around the school to give him a boost of confidence.  Plus, we made him a Ninja Turtle Brave blend of essential oils to help boost his confidence.  

The boys are getting so much better at smiling for pictures, it makes the process go much more quickly.  Now I just have to train myself that I don't have to take as many photos since they don't move as much!

Second grade for Karsten - sigh, please stop growing up so quickly!  

And this little guy is in Kindergarten.  WOW! 

Such sweet brothers

I think his backpack is as big as he is!  

Looking so grown up! 

Showing off their bags. 

You know you have a great school community when the priest and principal have a line for photos!  

Karsten was disappointed that a few of his best buddies were not in his class, but he got the teacher he wanted!  Would you believe she's been teaching for 30 years!  I need her secret to looking young!  

Once we dropped Karsten off in his room, we took Liam to his class!  He was in a good mood, saying hi to kids and parents he knew.  I hoped the bravery would hold!

He was initially disappointed that he didn't get the same kindergarten teacher that Karsten had, but I think this teacher is a perfect fit for him!  It's going to be a good year! 

Right after I took this photo, I gave him a hug and told him to have a good morning and I would see him at lunchtime.  Queue the tears (his not mine..comon') and he said he didn't want me to leave.  Thankfully, his teacher saw what was going on and came over and asked for his help with something.  I gave him a quick kiss and headed out the door.  I may have peeked around the corner outside his classroom to make sure he was okay...until Scott said I had to leave before Liam spotted me.  Scott's a wise one like that.

He's going to have so much fun in kindergarten - he will learn so much and make great friends!

When I walked up to get the boys, I spotted them together and Karsten was talking to Liam.  I thought it was the cutest thing.  The first day of Kindergarten hat added to the cuteness factor.

I had two adorable dates for lunch.  It was great to hear all about their morning - they both had so much to tell I had to keep reminding them to wait until their brother was done talking.

The stories quickly ended and they would rather play tic tac toe or the dot game than tell me tidbits about school. 

Can't wait to see what this year holds, I know it will go quickly and I hope they enjoy it and learn a ton!