Monday, August 24, 2015

Jackson is 7!

Back in June, our amazingly sweet and sensitive, often silly, science and reading-loving, always-wants-to-know-the-right-answer, God-loving son turned 7! It has been a year filled with opportunity for growth and learning. With God's love, grace, and mercy Jackson managed a move halfway across the country leaving behind many life-long friendships, three different 1st grade teachers at a new school, a new soccer team, a new martial arts school, a new baseball team where he was named most-improved player of the season, and a new church and life group where he requested to lead the other kids. We all learned a lot throughout the year as we navigated each step of the journey. Some days were really hard, some days were lots of fun, and more often than not, I found myself a little surprised at how much Jackson has learned and grown physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually this year. He's such a great kid!

We had a small family celebration on Jackson's birthday. Star Wars was the birthday theme this year, but NO ONE had a cake topper! Instead, we found some great Star Wars figures to balance on top of the cake, so they doubled as one of his gifts. He loved them!

The following weekend was the big party. Friends from school, soccer, martial arts, baseball, and church were all there! I loved seeing how many great friendships he's formed over the course of the year. We had the party at Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy where he now takes Tae Kwon Do. Since it was a Star Wars theme, light sabers were a must!

The instructors did an incredible job with all of the kids. They did an obstacle course, Jedi training, and an awesome demonstration for the kids. It was a blast!

After snacks, singing "Happy Birthday," and having cupcakes, Jackson ended the party by breaking a board. It was a really fun way to celebrate Jackson and everything he brings to our lives!

I took quite a few pictures, so if you're looking for more, they are in the album!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Back to School

I know I'm long overdue for an update. I'll fill in more details in some future posts, but since the last update, we've celebrated Jackson's 7th birthday, both kids have lost a few teeth, we've moved to a new house, I've changed jobs at NASA again, and Ross and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. All good things, but we're ready for things to settle down for a while!

School is officially in session, which has been another big change for both kids. With the move, they are now both at a new school. We'll be wrapping up the first week tomorrow, and I'm happy to report the kids have had a great week!

Audrey started Kindergarten twice this week...long story short, she was #1 on the wait list to get into our districted school, which meant she started at one school on Monday and moved to her planned school on Tuesday. She's so happy to be at the same school as her big brother now! When we asked her what she wants to be when she grows up the night before school started, she said a "gymnast, swimmer, and doctor!"

Jackson started 2nd grade this week! The transition to another new school has gone well so far. He likes his teacher and is beginning to make new friends. When we asked Jackson what he wants to be when he grows up, he said a "flavor maker because I love science and a doctor because I'm really good at taking care of people."

When I've come to pick them up each afternoon, I've found them playing together every day. I love what great friends they are and hope it is something that will last throughout their lives! They are both silly and sweet, and it's so much fun to see them together.

I had fun taking pics of the kids that morning, so there are a few more in the album!