{first day of first grade - Dean}

Oh my, this little guy is so handsome that I can hardly stand it!

His school is under a block away and we enjoy riding our bikes together there and back each day. Since school starts so early in the morning at his new elementary school, I sometimes get to ride him to school while Daddy stays home with Eli and Ava. It is only a two minute bike ride, but I often catch myself thinking that these moments are the ones I'll miss so much when he's all grown up. I love our little rides together, no matter how brief. It's a special little start to each day and I cherish those two minutes so much!

(sigh)

How can it be so wonderfully rewarding and somehow still so painfully sad to watch these little ones grow up? Oh, parenting... I wouldn't trade it for anything in all the world!

I love you, Deano!

{karate ceremony - yellow belts}

I love these cool guys! They are fun to watch during their karate class because they go at it from two completely different angles.

Dean: Very serious about karate. Aspiring ninja. Determined. Disciplined. He doesn't miss beat.

Eli: Constantly thinking about food. Aspiring snack eater. Spinning circles. Making faces. Usually a step behind but enjoying himself nonetheless.

Imagine our surprise when Eli tested to move up a belt level and managed to pull out all the stops to advance with his brother. We got to watch him test and were amazed and so proud of them both!

Way to go Dean and Eli! (Not let's see if he can do it again for a green belt.)

Hiiiiiiyah!

{airbender summer camp ROCKS!}