1.5 Mile Foot Race

Matix's school held a 1.5 mile foot race (the boys' race was slightly shorter than that), and Hawken was allowed to race too. I assured the coach and people organizing the race that Hawken would be able to keep up, and he did!  Before the race some of the runners lined up.

Matix and Hawken were put in the "older kindergarten" heat. Here they are listening to the instructions from the coach. They were both excited and nervous.

Although the coach told them to pace themselves, they all took off like lightening. All the parents were worried that no one would be able to finish, but eventually everyone slowed down and found a good rhythm.

Matix was the 3rd runner for a little while, but got passed up by the end. He loved seeing us cheering for him on each lap. You could see him get reenergized after seeing us.

Hawken started out way too fast and was loosing some ground until Matix slowed down on the third lap to talk to him. I don't know what he said but they ran together for about a half a lap and then Hawken got a second wind. He ended up finishing ahead of Matix!

Here's the cheering section! We made signs the night before. It was really fun to watch them do this race, especially because it was SO challenging for them.  Seeing them complete the race was the best thing ever.

Here are some friends from Matix's class posing after the race, Jack and Irene. Hawken finished in 8th place and Matix finished in 9th! We talked a lot about finishing the race, and having fun, and how those two things were the most important. I was so proud that they were able to finish that race.

They got medals and were VERY excited about them.

They have asked when the next race will be already. Hopefully I will be able to find some more runs for them to try out that fit into our schedule. Good job boys, I knew you could do it!

puzzles

Another couple pictures of my puzzle girl. She is amazing.

Sully Boy

This baby boy is getting cuter by the day. Paul and I make the cutest babies. Ever.

chalk outlines

This is ALWAYS a favorite activity. The kids love making chalk outlines of themselves in weird positions. It's so funny.

Houston in the summer

Hawken and his buddy Jeff (from preschool) are starting out their summer with lots of play time! This was from a few weeks back, but it was already getting HOT. There is a HUGE indoor (and air-conditioned) playscape near Jeff's new house that makes for a great play date! 

growling at the moon

After Matix got off of time out, he drew this picture. He told me that when he's on timeout he feels alone like a polar bear monster, and sometimes mad and sad. Then after timeout he feels like Matix again. :) I love that he's so expressive.

we always have help

Paul built me a cute little garden box in the backyard on a whim. It is so cute! So far I only have a couple things planted, but I love it. Lucky for Paul, he always has help.

family visits

Paul's parents and grandparents were only in Texas for a few days and could only make the trip to visit us one evening. It was nice having them over, and the kids loved all the extra attention and hugs! 

Kjerstin's blessing day

On Kjerstin's baby blessing day we went up to Spring again (it was a very expensive weekend for us). Lullaby and Great Grandma Berg got some more baby time in before church.

Waiting for her blessing. Sweet baby Kjerstin and her daddy.  Dale, his dad, his grandpa, his father-in-law, and his brother stood together to bless the baby. I love baby blessings, they are so full of love.

And of course, lots of pictures were taken outside before we left. Paul had to work that evening, so we had to leave right away afterward.

All the babies. It was hilarious trying to get everyone to look at me. These were as good as it got.

Vanessa with her parents. I'm not sure what number grand baby this is for them, but they have LOTS. :)

The happy parents.

We had someone else take the group picture and THIS is what we got. What? I'm so confused who they thought this would be a nice picture. Only half of us were ready… Oh well, it was a nice day and we were all happy to be there regardless of what the picture looks like. :)

Lullaby and Solace spent a little extra time picking flowers for me. Sweet things.