Another first..

for Miss Ty!! 

Yesterday's trip to the pool marked the first time Ty has jumped off the diving board!! Woot!!! 

I don't know about you, but when I was growing up, jumping off the diving board at the pool was sort of like a write-of-passage! You were now a real big kid & could pretty much conquer the world! I know it's a big deal for every kid, but I honestly didn't think she'd be at this point already. I was thinking more of a, "I'm in second grade" write-of-passage moment and not a "I don't even start kindergarten for another four weeks" moment!!! She's growing up soooo quickly!! But, I can't hold her back...if she says she's ready, then I have to learn to loosen the reigns just a (little) bit.

So, after getting measured to make sure she was taller than the 48" requirement, she doned her blue bracelet & hit the deep end. I stood by and made her prove she could swim in the deeper waters & showed her exactly which direction she'd swim after she hit the water. She said she was ready....

In cute fashion she claimed the steps, basically snail-paced it to the end of the board, immediately started biting her nails & looked at me with that' "I'm scared outta my mind!" look. I gave her a thumbs up & told her to only jump if she wanted to and that turning back was an option. Ty did turn around and walk back away from the water & the end of the board. But, before climbing down, she turned around again and headed towards the end of the board. She looked at me and smiled & said she was going to do it...

About 10 seconds & a face & belly flop later, I watched her swim to the side of the pool holding back tears that flooded out once she reached the ladder & climbed out of the pool. 

In her typical Tylee way, the sobs ended, she wiped her eyes, and told me she was going to do it again. This time we talked about doing a "pencil jump" and making sure that she jumped into the water FEET  first....

And, guess what...the second time (and the next hundred times) were exactly what she imagined when she first walked out on that board....

Way to go, Tylee!!! I'm so proud of you and so blessed to be able to be right there with you as you experience another first!! Love you to the moon and back!!!

1st Time Hoopin' it Up...

for Miss Ty!!!

She's been waiting and waiting and WAITING for this moment to come. She's hitting the court, learning the rules, playing defense, and shooting hoops. She's even practicing her pivot....which I don't think I've ever mastered! Ha!

The only thing we really need to work on is not running with the ball...dribble, dribble, dribble! But, that's not too tricky and I'm sure she'll have it down in no time....

She had her first game this past Saturday and had a blast. She scored two baskets and was awarded the Silver Offense Star. We're still learning about not pressing, staying with our man, taking the ball out, but there's LOTS of time to figure all that stuff out! 

Just smile and have fun and enjoy the heck out of learning the basics!!! We're so proud of you Miss Ty! 

Love ya BUNCHES!

Wrestle Mania....

seems to be Trey's winter months motto!

A little while ago he started his first season of wrestling. He eagerly attended his first practice and hasn't looked back since. I think it goes without saying that this hobby is going to stick around a little longer than some of the others. (like Tae-Kwan-Do, which involves a yellow belt we've paid for and never seen!!! Ha!)

Gotta love this pose!!!

We started off pretty simple. Hitting the wrestling room a bunch of other kids, some who had been wrestling for years and others for minutes. Listening and learning, blurry photos and all...

After a couple weeks of this, Jason signed Trey up for his first meet...which was dedicated to sole purpose of getting his feet wet and seeing what the sport is really about. Full of nerves and a little knowledge of some basic moves, Trey hit the mats. The result...three matches, three losses. Fourth place in his bracket & a jammed finger (which did bring a few tears to his eyes. The jammed part, not the losing part.) Overall, Trey rocked at defense, avoiding getting pinned. But, he didn't really get any opportunity to score any points from his back offensively, so he congratulated each of his opponents after watching them get their arms raised in victory. He had achieved what he set out to do & we were really proud of the effort and sportsmanship he showed....

Trey & his Daddy talked through some moves, strategies, and learning points and hit the mats for a couple more weeks. Trey quickly found himself in another meet. Another four-man round robin bracket. The morning of the meet, Trey was as excited as ever. After a quick weigh-in, he listened to some pump-up music...eagerly awaiting another shot at the mat. This meet ended with Trey on top (YES! He won his bracket), going 3-0 and getting his first PIN in his last match of the meet. He improved tremendously on offense and followed through on what he learned in practice. His smile was huge and, bottom line, he felt good about what he did and the hard work and focus he put in. 

Everyone waiting for the awards ceremony!! So patient!

There are a few more upcoming meets and Trey's still pumped. This next one should be challenging as the competition is also improving. He's set on doing his best, having fun, learning more about the rules, and enjoying the experience, which is really what it's all about!

Here's to building discipline, drive, motivation, and character!!! Way to go, Trey Man!!!

First Days....

of school are here and I can't believe how quickly the summer months flew by....

Miss Tay is in the two's room, Miss Ty is starting her LAST year of pre-school, and Mr. Trey Man is officially a 2nd grader....WOWzas!!!

Ty's LAST year of Pre-School!!! And, she's ready to have a blast of a year...

The girls on their first day back for the school year....

Excited about her sign...can't believe she's almost 5! 

Outside of school...Ty looks a little nervous, dontcha think?!?!

Until she sees her teachers and friends....

Miss Tay all ready with her backpack!!! She LOVED joining in on all the back-to-school fun! CUTIE!!!

Totally ready!! And, totally cute!

Hours later, we were on our way to Trey's Meet the Teacher and Back-to-School Bash....

Finding his seat and checking things out...

Tay wanting to sign in with me....

Thumbs up and ready for a great school year!!!

1st Day pose...

Tay posing with Daddy on his first day back to work...

Gettin' BIG! 

Heading in for the 1st day.....

Have a wonderful school year, you three!!! 

Trey Man...work hard and always give 110%. You are one smart guy and have the world at your fingertips. Challenge yourself and always be you. Never settle and continue to work that balance between learning and laughing...I think you are going to take after your Momma in that department! But, great news is...you can do it!!! Your Daddy & I believe in you whole hearted!!!

Miss Ty...enjoy all the fun learning that's ahead for you this year. Continue to be the great helper that you are and know that you bring joy to anyone you're around. Practice those words and never doubt yourself. You are amazing and full of the most wonderful questions. Never stop inquiring and shoot for the moon. Know that little peanut in the room next to you looks up to you like a hero and would give anything to be just like you! We love you to the moon and back and we are beyond excited to hear all about each and every fun day that awaits you. 

Tay-Tay...have a ball socializing with all your little friends. Continue to sing songs and dance like no ones watching. Always laugh and get your hands on as many blocks, puzzles, books, and toys as possible. You are the prettiest princess at playtime and are rockin' the big girl potty at that place. You are our sunshine and bring more joy to our lives than you'll ever know!!!!

It's gonna be a good one!!!!

XXX's & OOO's

~Mommy

Little Miss Ty enjoyed...

her first "real" birthday party....not a family party, not a school party, but a REAL friend party. She's been talking about this moment ever since she first saw Trey head out the door with a birthday present for his friend in hand.

This is her big time and oh, was she soooo excited!

All ready...present in hand! 

Enjoying pizza at Monkey Joe's....

Posing with Monkey Joe....so cute even though the birthday girl didn't want to get in the pic. 

A few of the girls counting while Monkey Joe headed off to hide. They were all excited to figure out which bounce house he was hiding in....cute!

See, Miss Ty...I told you that you'd be heading to a "real" birthday party before you knew it! Glad you had a blast and here's to many more parties in your future!!! 

Another FIRST for Miss Tay....

and this little first has to do with visiting that guy that keeps up with all the ins and outs of those little white gems we love to show off each and every time we SMILE....

Yep...that's right!! Miss Tay recently made her first trip to the DENTIST!!!! And, she was a trooper through every second.

Jason took all three to the dentist at the same time (what an AMAZING Daddy) on the Friday before Spring Break. I had to work, so he was left to tackle everything on his own. (And, no....I really didn't schedule it that way on purpose. ha!)

In all seriousness...I love going to the dentist and I hope my kiddos always will as well. And, by looking at these pics, I'd say Tay is well on her way!!!

Relaxed with a tad bit of the "holding on for dear life" look...

Letting him work his magic....

Way to Go, Miss Tay!!! Your first official, in-the-dentist-chair, trip was a HUGE success! Keep on brushing those pearly whites and never, ever, be scared of going to the dentist! He's definitely a Good Guy! 

And, THANKS, Daddy, for getting them all there...you're the BEST!!! 

Love, Hugs, and Kisses!!! 

~Mommy