Summerish Things and a Nature Hike

Somehow, we are thick into June and finding our summer rhythm quite nicely. I don't think I've even set foot out of bed before 7 o'clock one single time {hoo-rah!}. Par for the course, the noble plan to keep the kids reading, writing and 'rithmatic-ing through the summer has instead been replaced with cartoons, pool dates, outside play, and a whole bunch of popcicles. I think we all needed a break more than I thought we did. And really what else can you do when the sun comes out and the grass greens up and your four little people beg, "Swimming, Mommy? Puhhhh-leeeeese?" That, and it's harder to work on your tan while monitoring math worksheets ; )

This last week, we also took an hour's jaunt North and hit up the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve. The kids had an absolute blast hiking, birding, watching for beavers and wading through water-a BIG deal for these desert dwelling babies. It was positively fabulous. Like, "When can we go back?" kinda fabulous. We made it there by about 10:30 in the morning but I can only imagine what this place would be like early in the morning or at dusk. Frogs, and birds, and beavers, oh my! 

Here are some of our photos from our family trek. I particularly love the pics of all four kids together but I am sorta partial. As for what caught the kids attention and made them all look up? Military helicopters. Can you figure out who enjoyed seeing them most?  

Just Judah {Soccer Edition}

All three boys played soccer this Spring but Judah is my favorite five year old. And besides, his baby shinguards were constantly sticking out the tops of his socks (because he's Judah) and we lost his brand new cleats even before his first practice (because, well, FOUR KIDS). So by far, he wins MVP and earned a highlights post all his own. 

Really though, he was just so deliciously cute. And surprisingly good! I would even daresay he is more coordinated than his big brothers! He played hard and well and {mostly} with his team and man did he score some goals! But more importantly, he learned to look his coach in the eye, shake hands, and thank him after each game-no small feat for this third son of ours. 

Some of my favorite moments of the season...

-After scoring one of his first goals, he ran immediately to the sidelines to high-five Ben and Abe. 

-His hands down his pants when he didn't know what else to do. 

-Watching him chug Gatorade. 

-Him asking to go play on the playground when it was his quarter to sit on the bench. 

-The team's name, The Thunder Bunnies. 

-At the last game, his coach offered him a certificate, which he politely declined. 

What a joy it is watching this boy grow into the person the Lord created him to be. You are such a treasure to your daddy and me, Judah Boy.