Little Gym Star!

Gabi's session of little gym ended today and she did great on her 'show day'! It's so awesome to see how she lights up and loves all the activities.  Her instructor had nothing but great things to say about her and mentioned that she thought Gabi could hold onto the high bars the longest in the class!  Yep... like her siblings she is a little climber and dare devil! 

 

videos of memories

One of the things I love about being a parent is the simple moments of happiness I get from watching (or hearing) my kids.  I love how an evening can become magical just by the appearance of fireflies.  I love how I will stop in my tracks to head downstairs because I hear the kids singing.  These little moments I hope never to forget.  Here are some of recent video clips of moments that made us smile (and proud).

evening with fireflies =)



on this day, the kids had been watching video clips of their upcoming Vacation Bible School songs.  While Gabi was napping, Will and Isa had "quiet time" downstairs.  I caught them coloring and singing(they didn't even know I was recording!)


all the kids are little fish when it comes to the pool and water!

fresh air camp

Gramma and Uncle Bim are back for another year at the Fresh Air Camp.  As usual, we were lucky enough to head down to some of the events including the Firetruck displays, watching Gramma in a sling on a tree, and taking part in the Masquerade Ball!  The kids love going to see Gramma there, and they love taking part in some of the events!
The Miller boys even got a chance to join us on one of the days! Isa also got across the monkey bars by herself for the first time ever during our visit too!

doing the "robot" dance

our little Rapunzel

 Over the last several months Isa has been waiting to get her hair cut.  Not just cut, but REALLY cut.  We broached the subject of donating her hair, and she was instantly curious about it.  Although Tobin loves the idea of this selfless act... he also Loves Isa's long hair.   Isa only changed her mind once during this whole time.  In Florida, she even got to try on a wig (she wanted to know what a wig was and what it was used for).
Whenever Tobin and Will go to get their hair cut, Miss Crystal has been measuring Isa's hair to see if we are at 10 inches.  Tonight... she was, and just like that Isa said she was ready "to donate" her hair.  We couldn't have been more proud of her.  She was ecstatic.  Her new look matches her "spunky" personality (as it was put to us!).  Isa's long hair is being sent to Locks for Love!

 In order for Isa to visualize what short hair would look like I kept telling her she would look like Rapunzel in the movie Tangled, after her hair gets cut off.  I think she liked the idea!

her inspiration

A little of our weekend

This past weekend the kids started tot-ball again, we had Jenna's graduation pool party, and had a nice little BBQ dinner on the deck with family and friends.  The weekend was great and the kids are having a blast enjoying this weather!

 

 

such a sweet moment for us =)

 

fun friendships

Since beginning our summer break we have spent a lot of time with friends!  A trip to the zoo, fun times at our home, outside in the swingset or sandbox, swimming with the Viers,  and playdates at the park!  Although I don't have pics of ALL of these fun times (hard to believe huh!), here is a glimpse of the enjoyment!

On one particular day... I looked out into our backyard where the kids were playing... and to my surprise there were LOTS of other kids playing alongside my lil ones (I love this!)  Our neighbor girls are also indulging their mommy instincts and love carrying Gabi and Isa around =).

 

Auf Wiedersehen

 What do you do when you move to an unfamiliar location.  Spend six years fostering friendships.  Watch your kids grow, share memories and time together.  Then, your closest friend and family head away to Germany for 2+ years.  You don't say goodbye... you say, see you later.   You spend the best moments you can before they go, watching cheesy shows, chatting, laughing, watching our boys play together, watching our youngest being mischievous together, and just enjoying these moments of happiness.
We drove them to the airport and watched them go.... but we know they will be back soon.  Until then, we look forward to the phone calls and skype!
It's been a wonderful 6 years with the Cecils and we know there are more to come!

 Will gave Julie "the biggest hug" she's ever gotten from him!  We'll miss you... at least until we see you again!

Will's soccer season

The 2011-2012 soccer season came to an end this past weekend and we have been pleasantly surprised with Will's performance.  He started off soccer pretty reluctant.  However we have seen him really start to like it and play better with every game.  Will even asked to do the summer soccer camp!  We are so proud of our little man!