Connor's bday continued...

Connor had quite the birthday this year! We started out at breakfast at the donut shop and then met Mike for lunch at John's Incredible Pizza! Then, Mike took Connor to the driving range! After that, we went to the River Cats game! Connor brought his friend Trey and Grandma and Pops met us there. We got special tickets from our friend Brian so we got to go in early for an autograph session. Connor loves meeting the players and got everyone's autograph! On our way to our seats, Connor and Trey were invited to do a promo with Dinger on the field! They had a blast playing follow the leader and getting to dress up as baby dingers. Connor and Trey both got foul balls and Michael caught a t-shirt that they threw out to the fans! Last but not least, Connor got on the big screen while dancing! It was a perfect day and a perfect night! Happy 6th birthday Connor!!!

Connor Michael… A 6 year old!

I can't believe we have a 6 year old! WOW! Connor has always amazed us with his caring, kind, thoughtful heart. He is such a sweet boy-- affectionate, loving, and always willing to help! He continues to be obsessed with sports, especially the Giants. He wants to watch every game, and if he can't, he likes to check the scores on Mike's phone and watch the highlights of the game. He knows every player's name, position, and number. It's pretty impressive! He loves to play sports and his favorites are baseball, golf, soccer, basketball, and swimming. He's really improved in swimming this year and loves being in the water! Connor likes to do "schoolwork" and is very excited to start kindergarten! He amazes me with his math skills… already knowing most addition facts and beginning to understand subtraction. He loves us to quiz him. He's beginning to read, which is so exciting and I know he will just take off and excel in school. Connor has an amazing sense of humor! He's developing a silly, goofy personality and he loves to make others laugh! Connor is a wonderful big brother. He cares for Maddie and loves her with his whole heart. He is very protective of her and likes to take care of her. Connor is a very remarkable young boy. Michael and I often talk about how he is our dream come true in a son… everything we could have asked for. We feel so lucky to be his parents!

An Interview with Connor Michael, 6 years oId (Interview completed 7/31/14)

• How old are you? 5 now but I'm turning 6 on August 4th but I'm celebrating on August 2nd. 

• How do you like being 6?  It doesn't make that big of a deal because you're just turning 6, not getting married. But it's really fun. 

• What are some things you like to do? Monkeybars, snuggle my dad, play catch with my dad, go golfing with my dad, bat with my dad,  play basketball with my dad, play games with my mom, pet my dog, hug my sister, and have races with my sister.

• What sports do you like? Basketball, golf, baseball, and soccer.

• What things do you like to do around the house? Play "bolleyball" (volleyball) with my dad and play catch with my dad. 

• What are some of your favorite foods? Apples, pasta, pepperoni pizza, chicken nuggets, and strawberries. 

• What do you like to wear? That blue shirt with the stripes on it. 

• What’s your favorite color? Orange because I like the Giants. I should say black and white too I guess. 

• Where are some of your favorite places to go? Driving range, baseball games, and to play soccer with my dad I should say. 

• What things make you happy? When my dad snuggles me and when my mom scratches my back. 

• What makes you sad? Nothing. I should say when people hit or call me names or be mean. (Does that happen to you?) No.

• What do you do when you are sad? I say, "I didn't like that. Can you not do that again?"

• What do you do when you are mad? Same thing.

• Who are your best friends? Trey and Hunter

• What are your favorite movies or TV shows? Ku Fa Panda (Kung Fu Panda) and Monsters University

• What are your favorite books? Who Loves Baby and The Finding Things Book. 

• What are your favorite songs? The I wanna be like you song from The Jungle Book. You know the one Brooke sang. 

• What do you like to do before bedtime? Brush teeth, sometimes take a bath, get jammies on, and that's it. 

• What do you like to do on the weekends? Play basketball with dad, toot like I'm doing right now. 

• How do you feel about being a big brother?   Oooohhh, I love it. I get to watch my sister and help my parents. 

Connor's 6th Birthday at The Bounce Spot

Connor had his birthday party at The Bounce Spot this year and he had a great time with 32 of his friends! It was a wild and crazy, chaotic party but the kids had a blast! Thank goodness for all the help from my family! Can't believe he is 6!!

Summer Fun!

Connor and Madeline started Session 4 swim lessons this week. It was Maddie's first time in lessons and she did awesome! She's the youngest in the group but she went with her teacher without a fuss, followed directions, and participated in everything. She also LOVED it! I'm so proud of her!

 We met Mandy and CJ at the Children's Museum this week and the kids had a blast playing with Cousin CJ. It's such a fun place and it's so nice to see the kids play together. They are such sweet friends!

We packed up Mallory and had to say goodbye today! I knew the time would come when Mal had to move out and continue to pursue her dreams. We prepped Connor and Maddie for it over the last few weeks, but I wasn't prepared for just how hard Connor took it. He woke up the morning of, and I told him to tell Mal "Happy Moving Day!" He immediately burst into tears. After a long time snuggling and talking it through he held it together while we loaded the last few things into her car. As she drove away, Connor began crying again and said, "It feels like I'm saying goodbye forever." Although it is so sad to see her leave and to see Connor upset, I'm so thankful for the special relationship they have developed. Having Mal live with us for the last 2 1/2 years has been such a blessing. My children adore her and she has been such a help to Michael and me- offering to babysit and help with the kids whenever she could. We will miss her living with us, but we thank God that she found a great med school so close to our home! I have a feeling we'll be making the drive to Mare Island often! Mallory- I am so very proud of you! We will pray for you and support you in any way we can during your journey to becoming Dr. Mallory!

Squeaky Clean!

The kids had their 6 month dental check ups today and we went to Children's Choice Pediatric Dentistry. I was so proud of them… the dentist said their teeth looked perfect! Yay! I knew Connor would sit still for the cleaning… but I was amazed by Madeline. She sat still, followed directions, answered questions clearly, and allowed the hygienist to clean her teeth without any problem. Such a difference to the last appointment when she screamed and we had to hold her down. I was very proud of both of them!

Summertime continues...

Riding bikes and unexpectedly getting rained on!

Fun at the state fair… Connor milked a cow! 

Mal and I got creative at PaintNite and had a blast pretending to be artists.

Another summer movie date with the kiddos. This time, we saw Kung Fu Panda 2.

Playing board games and escaping the Sacramento heat.

Celebrating CJ's 3rd birthday at Freedom Park.

Maddie's recent play activity… packing up and pretending to move out with her babies.

Being creative and making Mal good-bye cards.

And of course, more time at the pool. The kids both started another session of swim lessons to finish off the summer!

The Jungle Book

Connor and I went to see Brooke star in The Jungle Book performed by The Harris Center for the Arts. It was a fabulous play and Brooke did an amazing job as King Louie! Connor loves going to live theater! In fact, shortly after this play, he went to The YES Company's performance of Peter Pan at the Gallo Center with Poppy and Mimi and loved it! They had front row seats and he got sprinkled with fairy dust!