Happy Birthday, Curtis!

Curtis is TWELVE today! He’s changed a lot over the years. 

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This was a big year of growth for Curtis. His voice got deeper, he lost his last baby tooth and he graduated from elementary school! One big highlight for him was playing on the school basketball team. His passion for basketball has only grown since he joined the team. When he has any spare time, we can be certain to find him in the driveway shooting baskets. He learned how to make delicious chocolate chip cookies from scratch, which is increasing his confidence in the kitchen. He is very kind, thoughtful, and helpful. He is so willing to give an extra hand with things and offers his assistance without us having to ask. And he is just naturally funny. Curtis brings so much joy to this world. I am so glad he is in it! Happy Birthday, Curtis! You are SO loved!

Brockhaus Christmas in June

On the first weekend in June, the kids and I drove up to Wisconsin to celebrate a "Brockhaus Christmas." Brockhaus is my mom's side of the family. Typically, this Christmas celebration occurs in December, but we weren't able to have it this year, so it got bumped to June. This was fantastic for us because we can't usually come to the December Christmas. 

Mary is proving to be the charcuterie queen! 

Curtis was super happy to see shrimp on the menu! 

There were all sorts of games and activities. 

It's really cute how attached Branko is to my dad. 

Graydon's face. . . and how he is holding Branko! Makes me laugh! 

Just a few days prior, several lambs were born. They were SO adorable! 

Aunt Bia put together a gift raffle. This was a hit! 

Graydon was very pleased with his winnings! 

There was also an adult raffle! 

Aunt Cindy and Melania did some face painting. When they were finished, Emery created her own art on Bella's arms! 

This was just a quick weekend visit. Bella helped with the drive home! 

 

Elementary Graduate!

Here is Curtis on the morning of his first day of kindergarten. 

And here he is after school on his last day of sixth grade. 

On the last day of school, the sixth graders walk down the hallway one last time as their younger classmates cheer from outside their classrooms. These walks always make me so emotional - especially when one of my own kids is walking! 

That evening was the graduation ceremony.

My mom was able to drive down for the occasion!

While she was in town, we did some shopping. While Bella was looking for scrapbooking supplies, the boys did what they could to entertain themselves. 

We also scored the best seat in the house at a local coffee shop. 

A random shot of Mabel sleeping. 

Bella had a few friends over one night. I wanted to give them space, so I took a photo from inside the kitchen. 

Summer is officially here!