Echo (playing catch up)

I didn't do well blogging this summer. Even though Rob tried to pick up my slack, we left out a few great things so I'm going to play some catch up over the next few blogs. . .

The last weekend of July, Rob's company had his 2nd annual Echo Conference. I was able to help out during registration, and then attend 3 of the key note speakers. I unfortunately kept forgetting to take pictures, but if you want to read more about the conference or see some pics you can check out http://www.echoconference.com/blog.

I really enjoyed all of it, but my favorite moment was watching my hubby perform as Johnny! Yes, Johnny & Chachi performed a 90s medley. Here it is!


If you want to see it in better quality with a wider screen you can click on it, and watch on youtube. :)

Bedtime Convo with Ridge

Ridge: When I wake up, do I get to watch a show?
Me: Yes, but remember, don't get out of bed til the sun wakes up. If you wake up early, just lay still and quiet until you see the sun.
Ridge: When the sun wakes up, a lion is gonna come
Me: A lion?
Ridge: Yeah, a lion. And I'm gonna punch it!
Me: oh, you are going to punch it?
Ridge: Yeah. I'm gonna be a bad guy and punch the lion. (He makes a dramatic punching gesture)
Me: ok, but don't be a bad guy until the sun wakes up. Ok?
Ridge: The lion is BIG mommy. I gonna punch it! ok?
Me: Ok. I love you.
Ridge: I get to watch a show when I wake up?
Me: Sure Ridge. Sure. Goodnight!
Ridge: I punch it!

Don't ask me what all that means. I have NO idea.

Charly's First Soccer Practice!

Rob & I had no idea how she would do with soccer, but she was a champ! She was so excited to wear her new soccer shoes & soccer socks that she picked out. And she has bright, shiny silver shin guards underneath those socks! And of course, she has to have the pink ball. Here she is with her friend Bella. They had matching shoes! This was a huge hit!

Listening to her coach. . .

And learning to stop the ball. . .

She was really into it, and worked really hard. She turned sporty on me! But then, of course, my "girly girl" came back as soon as she was off the field. In the car on the way to church she asked, "Wait, am I wearing my soccer outfit to church?????"
I said, "yes, but I brought your flip flops so you could take your cleats off."
Horrified, she says, "Mom!! I don't want to wear this! Well, maybe the shirt, but not the shorts."
I reply, "I'm so sorry Charly, you don't have a choice. I don't have anything else."
Softly she says, "ok."

Sweet girl.

Mr. Independent

Here's Cobb walking to school this a.m. He started racing me. . .

And actually got pretty far ahead! He said he knew the way.

We got a picture with his wonderful teacher today. Here's Mrs. Bush!

1st Day of School

Cobb had his first day of Kindergarten yesterday at Norton Elementary. What a big boy. He was excited, I was nervous. He "knew" all there was to know, I still had questions. He was brave & thrilled to be there, and I cried as we walked down the hall away from the classroom. Yes, I admit it. My little boy did MUCH better than I did. He had a great day. He told me that it's okay to miss him, and I told him I was excited for him.

We drove over to Stacey & Jeff's house to drop off Charly & Ridge. Then Rob, Cobb, and I made our way over to Norton. Here he is ready to go with his new backpack!


walking into school. . .

At his seat in the class. . .

Cobb with his class at the opening of the castle ceremony. . .

Picking him up was my favorite part of the day.

As we walked home, he told me all about school, what parts were funny, what was hard (lunch), and what song he learned in music. He was very chatty! I asked him if his teacher was fun. He said, "well, she's fun, but not very fun." This is probably good because it means she is fun, but maybe consistent in discipline as well. I like this. When we got home we had fresh baked cookies & milk to celebrate.

This morning he was up and ready to go for the 2nd day. He was excited to go back. And the walk to school took us only 10 minutes. The only problem was that I didn't bring my license so I couldn't walk him down to his class. Charly & Ridge were disappointed b/c they wanted to see Cobb's big Kindergarten class. So we sang, "Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow! Your only a day away!"

Gotta go pick up my big boy!!! So very proud of my Kinderman.

Our trip to Destin (part 3)

Here is a little video of our trip. This is the final post on our trip I promise!

Our trip to Destin (part 2)

Tons of pictures!!

Our trip to Destin (part 1)

So far, we have had a great trip. I'm (Rob) at the Sandestin Starbucks because they have free WiFi... thus, I'm able to update our blog. We wanted to post some pictures of our time with our kids. They have loved the beach (even Charly is warming up to it).





Okay, I'm not able to put more pictures up here for some reason... I'll post more pictures tomorrow.

Oh How You've Grown Up!

My sweet baby boy is now 6 years old, and I can't believe the time is going so fast. I have taken an unintentional sabbatical from blogging (oops), but I'm coming back because I just can't resist talking about my boy.

Dear Cobb, you are such a grown up boy now. Six year old and heading off to Kindergarten. We can no longer hold you in the air with one hand (well, maybe daddy still can).

We can no longer dress you up like James Dean or turn you into a bunny at Easter. . .

You no longer sit on tops of pillows and chat (baby talk) to daddy.

But now we get the joy of your big bear hugs and laughter, and we get to have real conversations with our big boy. You have so many interesting things to say, you make everything more fun, and you have a sweet demeanor that draws people to you. It's fun to see you enjoying your friends, wrestling with daddy, or just being still with a book. I am so proud of you, the way you treat others, the way you love your brother & sister, and the way you enjoy your little life. I have learned a lot from you! I will pray that your heart would continue to grow more and more like Christ. I can see that happening already. I thank God that he gave you to your daddy and me. Thanks Cobb! Love, your mama

Cobb's birthday through the years

It's hard to believe that we now have a little 6 year old running around the house. Cobb turned 6 yesterday and in honor of our amazing boy, I present to you his birthday cards throughout the years. I couldn't find one (year 4)... Perhaps I didn't do one that year.