Riley's Birthday

 Our sweet baby boy is another year older. Each year as I set up for the birthday, at night after the kids have gone to bed, the moment is so bittersweet to me. I always take a single picture of my prep work just to soak it all up. 

For the day, Riley insisted he make his own cake and Payton said she would make the cupcakes. They both did a fantastic job. 

And, just like that, our sweet boy turned 11. 

We spent the day just as he wanted. At home, mostly. We ventured out to go fishing and to see the new Toy Story 5 movie (it was very good). Monte took the day off work and Riley made all the decisions that day. This is something he truly struggles with but it was good for him and was well worth it. 

Riley, 

Happy Birthday! You are one of the sweetest, kindest, most creative souls I’ve ever known. Even on the days you don’t see yourself the way I see you, I hope you feel how deeply loved you are. I can’t wait to watch the incredible things you’ll do in your life, and no matter where you go or what you chase, you’ll always find me in the stands, cheering you on. Always.

Love, 

Mom

Our June 2026

 Summer is here! We are all so deliriously excited (and occasionally bored). It's just the best time. My first picture is just a picture of the amazing clouds I looked at on a recent walk:

I love to watch the clouds. I look at them constantly. While I may be looking up, Riley is looking down. Literally. He wrote a book on ants! He is always looking at the ants and this book became a total accidental thing over the school year. At the time of writing this, he has sold many of these books and we are so proud of all he has done. He is currently in the process of creating his next ant book!

One of our local libraries even bought the book and have it on display:

Riley even presented his ant book and all his ant items he has created over the year with his family and both sets of grandparents. He did a great job and is shaping up to be a very good public speaker (despite saying it is one of his greatest fears). I was also gifted flowers during this time for being his teacher this school year. It was so sweet. I am so honored to be his mom. 

We also got the pool set up! This was at the beginning of June, which is very early for us!

We did it all as a team! We have spent many nights enjoying the pool!

We made it to the library to hear an author speak and perform. It was a great time and we bought his book. He was so inspirational, I am excited to see what kind of creativity he sparked in my own children.

We have also gotten the bounce house out many times. Jayden and Avery love playing on this together:

We were also gifted a rocking Clifford, to which Avery has become very attached to. She is on it constantly:

The hot tub is also still a rotating option, it's just been turned way down:

Jayden took some swimming lessons and he learned so much:

We also went and saw a presentation from a Lego man! He did a great job and created a lego building challenge. My kids all participated. Jayden and one of his friends that he build with won:

Grandma came to visit and this is one of the few pictures I got. She made slime with the kids. We had a good and fast few days with her:

We took a trip! As part of Riley's birthday presents, we went to a Savannah Banana Baseball game. 

The game was amazing and we had a great time! We couldn't leave without a trip to the local zoo:

I also took an early walk with the 2 early risers in our family. The stadium was dead (much different than the game the night before).  We had a fantastic walk looking at all the sites. 

Avery saw a parked train and had to get a picture:

Back at home, our neighbor's house has baby kitties. We have been going over regularly to love on them:

Playing outside:

                                                          

And collecting raspberries:

Reading in the quiet period before bed time:

Our team had their annual summer celebration and we went and watched the parade. After, we walked downtown for shopping and free activities on the courthouse lawn.

My petunias are starting to really take off in my new planter:

A night of celebrating with strawberry lemonade, just because:

We (for some crazy reason) had a garage sale and lemonade stand this month at the grandparent's house. It was quick and rushed, but the kids were glad to do it.

Baseball wrapped up. It wasn't really our season this year, and, yet we had a great time. We were ready to say goodbye though. If I have learned anything in life it is that there is a reason for every season. In this case, sometimes we have to learn about the season of waiting. Sitting the bench isn't what people what to do but it is something we all need to learn to do. Increasing our tolerance was important. In any case, always fun to watch this one learn and grow:

Also, an ode to the siblings who grow up on the ballfields:

This year, he became a bat boy, and it really helped him find joy in all the games we travel to:

Our last team huddle pic:

Payton had to get a school physical done. As they took blood, she passed out. As a mom, that can be very scary to watch. I wasn't planning for that. Several hours later, we finally went home. She did pass her physical with flying colors though. 

I continue to cuddle and love on this sweet 3 year old we have, who loves to wear her Elsa dress and call her Queen Elsa. How lucky are we to be in her presence:

And I started with a nature picture and will end with one. A beautiful sunset on our property, complete with Payton creating a heart.

What a busy June that was! On to July!