Comparison

Karson is an official preschool graduate! He had his last day this past Thursday. It felt like yesterday that he was standing in front of our front door for his 1st day in 4 year old preschool. He has really grown!

This comparison is from last year. It is from his 3 year old year in preschool. The 3 year old year was much harder than his 4 year old year. He had a lot of separation anxiety to get over, and being a worrier didn't help matters. I am so thankful we choose to get him in preschool that 3 year old year as well to help him be in a better place for Kindergarten. We have been at his preschool both years just 2 mornings a week from 9-12. It has really been a perfect situation for us all. A little time away from home, but not too much. 

Friday: May 23rd he had his little graduation program. As I took his picture out front before we left, I was reminded I did this exact same picture just a year before. Time flies, seriously! So fast!

                                                   2013                                            2014

If you can tell, the picture on the right was this year and he has his hand in the right place. Boy, we have come a long way! He has gained knowledge, maturity, and friendship along the way these past two years. We still have many things to work on this summer, but I feel like we have a pretty strong hold on going into Kindergarten in August. I know that Kindergarten is something everyone goes through. However, I am TERRIFIED of Kindergarten. Yes you read that right. I have a teaching degree, but am TERRIFIED! I am just not ready, but I'm pretty sure he is. It's not about the educational part, but the time spent away from our home. I pray for him daily, that it goes smoothly and he will keep to his ways that we have taught him.

I am praying for strength for me this summer as well. To be able to teach and speak love, patience, importance, manners, and respect into him as much as I possibly can. 

Karson's Party and DAY of birth!

This post is mainly for me to remember his birthday. Karson asked us many months ago for a jumpy place birthday party. Even though it's pricey, we agreed. (Then told each other we would never do it again)

He had his cousin, brother, and 4 friends there. He had the best time and hardly stopped for gifts or cake. 

They jumped and jumped!

Little brother had the best time as well. About half way through the party Mickey and Minnie Mouse came out in full costume and greeted all of the kids. 

Kipton loved it, Karson laughed and hid from Mickey. True to size for them. 

Karson got to take a special snack to preschool for his birthday on Monday. We searched Pinterest together weeks prior and he had his heart set on these dirt cups with worms. He said his friends loved them and their chocolate faces at pick up proved that! 

After his morning of school, we took him to do all of his favorite things. 

First up: Fishing at his favorite spot. A lake nearby our house.

We skipped rocks, fished, played in the dirt, made a cave, and ate snacks. 

After fishing we played at the playground for nearly 2 hours. 

Karson has been waiting for his birthday because for the past 3 year he has bought baby chicks with his birthday money. So we took him to pick them up. 

He bought 6 chicks. 4 of them are for sure hens, and we aren't sure about the other two. They are so sweet and frail right now. I try to keep the boys away from them as much as possible until they get a little older, but normally that doesn't happen! 

After buying chicks we came home to give them a tour of their new home the boys and Kevin built.

We shot BB guns, played some more outside, and cooked his birthday dinner of request: hamburgers on the grill.

We ate, sang happy birthday again, and spent our evening soaking in life with our 5 year old at 7:37pm on March 10. 

We are so grateful and thankful God sent us Karson. 

Our 5 Year Old Boy: Karson

We have a 5 year old boy in our house now! WOW!

Just like all of the "older" people tell new parents, It just flies by! It truly does. Karson is our first born son. Our first born child. Kevin and I had no clue what it meant to raise a child when he was born, but natural instincts set in and we did it. We are so blessed by Karson. Sometimes he's been a hard child and other times he's been the easiest child. Either way, we love him regardless. 

1st Birthday

(Home Party with Family)

2nd Birthday

(Billy Bob's Game Center)

3rd Birthday

(Jumpy Place)

4th Birthday

(Billy Bob's Game Center)

5th Birthday

Pump up the Fun

Karson is such a kind hearted, loving, curious, outdoors, high energy, boy. He is so full of life and he talks constantly. 

He wants to be right with his daddy and do whatever he is doing. He is such a daddy's boy, but also very attached to mommy. 

He has really grown up in his 4th year. He has accomplished many milestones and learned to trust that even though change is scary, it's a good thing. 

Karson has made many new friends this year and has many stories to share about them always at the dinner table. 

He is quite the busy boy. He goes to preschool 3 mornings a week and swim lessons along with helping mom and dad and playing with friends when we can.

Karson loves the outdoors. It is the one place he hardly doesn't talk. He is so quiet and just works and works when we are outside.

Kipton and him have the most special bond. They are always together! 

He loves fishing and hunting. He loves playing and running and building things. 

We love you so much Karson. We spent his special day together just our family doing all of the things he loves. We went fishing, shot BB guns, played at the park, had a special birthday dinner and got to meet our new spring chicks. 

It's been such a good day with our special 5 year old!

DIY Fall Pictures

It's no secret that in our economy you need to stretch and save your money. This is especially true with just one income. I love pictures of my boys, but a photographer comes with a hefty price tag that I'm just not willing to pay. I would rather spend that money on our house or save it. So, we bought a professional camera about 4 years ago when Karson was born. It has been worth every penny. 

I love outdoor pictures. Especially fall pictures in the country. These were taken in our backyard near our chicken house. It was so fun to make the boys laugh and get their smiles. 

Enjoy!

Karson Bradley - 4.5 years old

Kipton Lee - 3 years old

Thank you GOD for these wonderful gifts.