Back to School

Carson started back to school on August 13th. Hard to believe he's in 7th grade already...such a young man. This is his 3rd year of middle school for him and he's officially in the "cool" hallway- their school is split with 5/6th grade down one hall and 7/8th down the other.He is still in the gifted program, and also does Advanced Math (which is Algebra 1). We're so proud of him, and he's so smart. We are fortunate that we've never had to worry about his grades. Also, this year he gets to play sports for the school for the first time, so he's chosen to do football and basketball. He is so excited to be a Jaguar! He will continue to do baseball in the Spring/Summer and made the Natural Baseball Academy AAA team, which he is very excited about. He still enjoys playing guitar and has weekly lessons. He's really getting so good. Right now, he's starting on "Angel" by Aerosmith for Doug & Jennie's wedding in April. He is definitely keeping busy- and keeping us running around with his busy schedule.

Cal turns 3!!!!

Cal turned 3 on August 10. where has the time gone? He had a great birthday weekend. Friday on his official birthday, we took cupcakes into daycare and then picked up Lexi for a night of fun at Chucky Cheese. They had a blast!!! Saturday was his birthday party, and we did a simple baseball themed party at home (no more parks after last year)! We had hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and a baseball glove cake. I was so happy it turned out okay:) cal had a great time! The big hit was the train table Jeff made him. He wants to play on it nonstop. He's obsessed with trains right now- so it was perfect! No injuries to report, it was a really great day. Sunday our friends, the Cole's invited us out on their boat....so Cal continued his fun weekend by swimming and tubing. It was a really fabulous weekend, and he loved every second of it! His three year stats: height 39 1/2" (75%), weight 35lbs (85%)....and he got to pee in a cup which he thought was hilarious:) Some pics of the birthday boy!

The Basement is DONE!!!!

Well, a blog once every 6 months is about all I seem to do! But, part of the reason for not blogging is just lack of time. We've been so busy with baseball and the basement, and work...I just haven't had the time. The basement is at long last, finished. And, we are absolutely thrilled with the results!While we still have a few more things to get in order to complete it how we want, it's a great space and we are already enjoying it. I will try to go back and add posts of all the wonderful things we've done this summer including the Home Run Derby, Deanna Rose, Hillsdale with the Cole's, and so much more. But, for now- it seems a big achievement to post that the basement is finished!!!! Jeff did an amazing job- far better than my expectations in terms of the quality of work and the time it took him to complete it. He is so talented and determined....whatever he puts his mind to, he does- whether he knows how to or not...he will always figure it out. He's very handy and I'm so proud of him! The basement just came out perfect! We can't wait for everyone to see it:) Thanks to Jeff's Uncle John for his hard work on the drywall, and the help of our friend Brian with the HVAC and electrical. We are hopeful for everyone to come over for Jeff's birthday on the 20th and if not then, for Cal's 3rd birthday. Until you can come over to see it in person- here are some pics. Love to all!

Stairway

Bar

Bathroom

Bedroom/ Office

Cal in the bathroom

Main area

Entertainment area

Projection screen- 100"

Game table

Tiled bar area

Potty Power

We have been in potty training mode for just over 3 weeks now. Cal is doing wonderful in his big boy underwear. It's still about 50% him telling us and 50% just reminding him, but most days he's having 0-1 accidents. He got a "I mastered the potty" certificate at school today, since he's been doing so well:) This past weekend we drove up to Enterprise to visit my family and although I put him in a pull up, he stayed dry the whole day. I was really impressed. But, I'm so proud of my little man!