So thankful for Brandon and what a wonderful father he is to this herd of children we have. He invests everything he has into them though they won't recognize or understand his sacrifice for many many years, if ever.
Isn't that the way of parenting. We empty ourselves again and again for children who often seem ungrateful and behave poorly and cost us a small fortune. Yet we love them inexplicably, for they are truly our greatest blessing and we would do it all again and again for the joy of watching them live and grow and thrive.
One of Brandon's favorite places to be is on the back porch grilling something delicious.
Brisket
Brandon wanted some new photos for his office so each of the kids wrapped one with a picture they drew and note taped to the back.
Aubrey
Maddie
Robert and Amanda dedicated Grace at church this morning.
What to say about this young man. He really is growing up right before our eyes.
Wyatt has always been all in. Whatever it is he sets his mind to he is all in, whether that be friendship, or academics, or baseball, or working. We remember when he was little his insistent "erk boots! erk boots!" whenever Daddy came home or he had a chance to get outside and work with one of his uncles on the dairy. He also had the biggest heart around as a little guy and he still does.
Wyatt loves being outside, he loves youth group, he loves hanging out with friends, he loves playing video games with Cooper, he loves working for his Uncle Ryan. He's really not picky. We'd probably say he loves baseball most of all but truly he's up for any adventure and we really love this about him. Where others have complaints or uncertainties Wyatt says ya lets do this.
We believe Wyatt has been gifted with persistence, generosity, and kindness. While his persistence on occasion makes us feel a little crazy as parents depending upon where he directs it, we see it as such a strength when combined with his strong sense of conviction and generosity. Wyatt will go to any length to protect and care for the people around him and to stand up for what is right. We believe that God will use him in unique ways to walk alongside and point many to Christ throughout his life because of his kind and generous spirit and his persistent conviction to do what is right.
Wyatt,
We love you so much and are so proud of the young man you are becoming. This year especially we have really begun to see your faith and maturity grow. You are a leader on your baseball team and with your friends and we are so proud of the way you are willing to stand up for what is right no matter what. You've always had a strong sense of right and wrong and while this got you into trouble on occasion it will serve you well in life as you allow God to guide your convictions. You are bold and courageous. You don't worry to much about what everyone around you thinks or is doing and this is such a unique trait at your age. Your confidence when guided and grounded in God's truth will draw people to you your entire life and your gentleness will cause them to trust you in a a way that they can't trust others. Many in our world are hurting and we can't wait to see how your unassuming yet bold and generous personality will be used.
Strive to trust God and to live for him more and more as you grow. We pray that high school will be an amazing time of growth and fun and adventure. We are your biggest fans!!! We believe in you with all our hearts and believe that the world needs you! Your friends need you, your family needs you, and God has created you perfectly and placed you exactly where you are for a reason. Keep living big and bold and unashamed Squirt!
We enjoyed hanging out with the family for Memorial Day.
We played a game of volleyball in the yard and lost a ball over the fence which Payton ran over and retrieved from the front yard of their neighbor. No big deal right??? Well when you live right next to a real life "Mr. Wilson" it is a big deal. This particular neighbor requires kids to ring his doorbell and ask permission to pick up anything that rolls onto his property. Payton being silly didn't follow this protocol so she and Wyatt walked back to apologize. Oh brother!
Track Awards
While Brandon, Hazel, Evie and Cooper were out in Silverton for one of Cooper's games, Wyatt was playing a game in Lebanon, and the twins and I were attending Sadie's track awards. I'm telling you 3 kids in a sport at the same time might be the death of us.
Pre-K End of the Year Party!
How can my last babies be finished with Pre-K already! They've had such a fun year with Mrs. Metzger. She's the sweetest and they've truly enjoyed every moment of their time with her and are VERY VERY sad that the year is over.
We had a few minutes between school drop off for the older kids and the girls' party so we spent their birthday money from Nana on some roller skates. Fun or a poor life choice??? Only time will tell.
The girls got Chick-fil-A gift cards so after the party we went and enjoyed them.
House Assembly
Cooper applied to be a Jr. High house leader along with many other 6th graders. The process involved him filling out an application and then going through an interview process with the current house leaders. He was cool as can be about the whole thing and ended up being one of the 6 chosen to lead next year. We're super proud of him!! His team will be Aquius and has already purchased a blue wig, a cape, a mask, and some blue shark slides. He's pretty excited and who wouldn't be. Mrs. House and our Jr. High teachers really makes Jr. High way too much fun!
They had a torch passing ceremony where the house leaders moving up to high school passed their torches to the incoming 7th grade leaders.
One of the responsibilities of the house leaders is planning the quarterly house competitions. This final competition of the year included a 3 legged race, mattress surfing, and a game where last one holding a pizza box wins.
Pizza Box Challenge
Mattress Surfing
3 Legged Race
The Aquius Team, represented by Wyatt and Jude, pulled of the W in a rematch after the 2nd place team was tripped by another team. Good thing these kids aren't competitive AT ALL!!
Derby Car Race
The 4 youngest girls attended family night at Grammy's church again this year on Wednesday evenings. This year one of the events was a Derby Car race which happened to be the same day as the Pre-K party and House Assembly. I didn't really know what I was doing so their cars didn't do very well, but we made it to the race, they had fun decorating and racing them, and I made it to the race while Brandon took Wyatt out to his baseball game.
Uncle Keven built this really amazing track. Very high tech.
Rough when you and your sister are the last 2 to enter their cars and as a result only race against each other on the first round. Whoops!
Last Day of School
The teachers in their inflatable costumes are too funny!
Hazel had a very special year with Mrs. Hinderks. Jami is a good friend of mine. Her oldest is in Sadie's class and has played baseball with Wyatt twice and she has just been so good for Hazel. School can be a struggle for Hazel. She works really hard but it just doesn't come that easily and more and more she gets nervous about it. Jami was Hazels biggest fan this year always working hard to come up with creative ways to help her succeed and Hazel felt it. She worked really hard this year and we're excited to continue watching her grow and seeing what God has ahead for this great girl of ours.
Jackson and Hayley's Wedding
Donn's son Jackson who works for Brandon asked him about 6 months ago if he'd be willing to officiate his wedding. Brandon was honored and over the past few months sat down with them to find out what they were looking for and got ordained by the state of Oregon. Kinda silly how easy it is to get ordained but regardless of that Jackson and Hayley were happy, Brandon did a great job, and it was a fun night out without the kids.
Donn's 3 kids Kaylee, Jackson, and Noah
Hard not to sit there and think of what our kids will look like one day as one of them heads off to start their own life. The sibling bond really is a pretty special thing. Changes as we grow but I really do pray that our kids are always close.
Ande and Donn
The ring bearer was a hoot. He was seriously the best and danced the entire night.
Brandon and Donn had their moment too!
A couple of clowns these two.
Well I guess at least we can say we sent Mayember out with a bang. It really was a fun night.
