Lady Bugs . . . . .

Ava had a great season with the "Ladybugs" and daddy as her coach. The first game was RIDICULOUSLY hot if you can't tell by Ava's little red face. She played hard most of the time and loved hanging out with her soccer buddies. We had practice on Tue, Thur and then a game on the weekend, so soccer was a big part of our life!

Kai had to wear his soccer shirt to almost every practice and game, which meant it got a little worn out.  Ava had some really good friends on her team including Courtney and Ashley, Kennedy and Bailey (her cute triplet friends).  I was lucky enough to sit and chat with the moms and we all had a great time. 

In place of practice one day, we threw a soccer swimming party complete with pizza and fun.  

So Blessed . . .

We blessed Boston on September 2, the same date that Randy and I got engaged and Grandma and Grandpa Cuff got married! It was such a special day filled with wonderful, supportive, and loving family and friends. We missed everybody that couldn't be there and were so grateful for all of the support we did have since we are so far away from everybody. Randy gave an amazing blessing. I am so grateful for the husband and priesthood holder that he is. Here are some pictures from the fun day!

My wonderful little family.  Love them so much!

This was my first attempt at a photoshoot.  He was so sad and then, as you can see on the left, became so exhausted with it all.

The little photoshoot after the blessing. He was much happier than when we tried before church.
 

Handsome Little Dude!

The Stoddard side - Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Warren even made the long drive!  We love our family.

The Cuff Side, plus our good friend Patty.  Of course the big kids were in heaven with their cousins here!

The highlight of the afternoon was for all of the kids to pile balloons on Boston.  The things that entertain us . . . . . :)

More of our family

Boston's amazing grandparents.  We love them so much!

Preschool . . . . .

As if it wasn't bad enough to send my girl to first grade, then I had to send my sweet boy to preschool! He was so excited to go and be "big" like his sister. Funny story - Kai had come to the conclusion that only girls went to school because his whole life we had been dropping her off, but he never got to go. When he found out he got to go to school too, he was super excited. It was kindof like women's liberation in reverse. ;) He goes 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hours with Mrs. Jensen and was so thrilled with his Transormers backpack that lights up. He really likes school, but he hates waking up in the morning. I guess that's what we get after a summer of absolutely no schedules. He was really good about posing for his pictures until a cat sauntered by and then we got some funny expressions because he was so happy about seeing the cat.

He was a little nervous when we first got to the school, but he just waved goodbye and went on his way!

Apparently preschool is exhausting because he went in his room for a nap the first day we got back.  (and yes - another appearance by Michael - he's everywhere)

These Boys . . . . . .

are my favorite.  They are a lot alike in that they are both so happy!  They love each other and love to giggle and laugh.  Kai is CONSTANTLY kissing and hugging Boston.  Seriously - to a fault.  I am always telling him to leave him alone.  These pictures are pretty typical of how things are.  I just can't believe how much Bos looks like his big brother - with the exception of his hair - it seems to be red.  Could I have a brunette, blonde, and ginger between the 3 kids??

Poor Bos - how would it be to be so loved?

 

It happened . . . . .

My baby girl grew up. I told her not to, but she just wouldn't listen! The day that I have been dreading since she was born came - and it was bittersweet. I am NOT ready to have my sweet girl in school ALL DAY! I feel like it's the beginning of the end. She's going to be in school all day until she moves out! I need to not focus on her moving out yet though. :) She was SOOO excited to start. My girl loves school. She loves her friends and her teacher and she LOVES having lunch at school.  She also loves her new lunch box, backpack, and school clothes.  She's my girl because we definitely focus on the details.  The boys and I miss her while she's at school, but she is having a blast. She is fun and beautiful and smart and such a joy. I guess I'm just going to have to embrace her growing up. She makes me proud.

Kai may or may not have had a ridiculously swollen eye on Ava's first day.  Luckily, it didn't stick around for too long, but it looked like he got punched in the eye.