Craig's 1st visit home from Virginia/Caleb's 6th Birthday Party

What a fun Memorial Day weekend we had! Craig flew home Friday night from his training in Virginia for the first time in 2 months. Pancake breakfasts, walks to the park, backyard t-ball, Outdoor Lifetime Fitness summer pool opening, grilling on our porch, and Caleb's 6 Birthday Party.... Tomorrow we will drive Craig back to the airport, so he can fly back to Virginia to continue his training, until he visits again in just over 1 month. Simple things like asking Craig "What do you want for lunch today", or being able to say "Good night" as we turn out the light instead of over the phone, and watching him play with the kids, has been so wonderful this weekend, and re-fuels us all for the next month ahead.

2 months

It's has been 2 months since Craig drove out of our driveway and headed to Virginia to start his training for his new career. He has been working so hard out there in every way- mentally, physically, you name it, and I couldn't be more proud of him! Here in MN, I have been keeping busy taking care of the kids and house, and visiting with family. In just a couple hours here tonight, the kids and I will drive to the airport to pick him up, for his first trip home! All I am thinking about his taking in every moment over the next few days. Saturday we will just have a blast being together as a family of 4 again, Sunday we will celebrate Caleb's 6th Birthday party, and then come Monday I will drive him back to the airport. We have made it thru the longest time we should ever have to be apart from each other ever again. His training doesn't end until August 16, but he will be making a couple visits home between. I love this husband of mine so crazy much and can't wait to have him home again!

Caleb's 2nd baby tooth falls out

Caleb's 2nd bottom front baby tooth, a very loose one for weeks, fell out tonight after he had his bath and was getting dried off. It happened so fast- As I was drying his hair with a towel, all of sudden Caleb says "Look Mom, my tooth fell out," holding it in his hand. He was so calm and cool about it, even with a little bit of blood in his mouth from where the tooth came out.

Another tooth falls out, another tooth fairy visit tonight, and another day that my boy keeps on growing up more and more.

Sticking to it until complete

I am reminded today of a wonderful quality Caleb has. When Caleb starts something, he doesn't half do it or get distracted, he sticks to the task at hand until it is finished and complete to his liking. Today there were 2 separate instances that proved this once again. First, we were up at the park by my parents where Caleb and his grandpa (my dad) were practicing for the upcoming t-ball season. I have been teaching and practicing t-ball skills with Caleb in our back yard. Today my dad showed him things like how to hit the ball, throw the ball and catch a ground ball. Caleb was determined to master catching a rolling ground ball right into his glove. He'd say let's do it 5 times in a row, okay now 10 times, okay now 20 times. And he would not count the ones that rolled past him between his legs or didn't go right in his glove. He made the rule that he had to catch it correctly for it to count. This went on for a good 30 minutes. I'd ask him Caleb do you want to take a break to which his answer was no, I am practicing ball. And he was loving it. Loving to learn, play and perfect catching the ball. Then, we went back to my parents house where he and Ava helped plant peppers in their garden. At this point of the day it was pretty hot out but he wanted no break, but just for me to bring a glass of water to him while he stayed in the garden. Once again, he stuck this task until every single pepper was planted, watered, and the garden complete.

Caleb is 6!

6 years ago today I was blessed with my beautiful baby boy, Caleb. At 4:41pm that Thursday May 19, my life was changed for the absolute best forever. I am so very thankful for everything he is-- sweet, thoughtful, loving, caring, curious, funny, best friend to his sister, and the most amazing son. We love you Caleb soooooooo much!

The pictures below show Caleb's fun birthday today. It started out with his favorite breakfast of pancakes...opening his birthday mail...visit from uncle Peter...birthday crown & cards from school...bike ride, park, and cake at Mallory & Mikayla's...and finishing the day coloring in his new Thomas the Train surprise ink pad with his sister on our porch.

Happy 6th Birthday Caleb!

Caleb & Ava- Best Friends- Hugs & Kisses

It started with a sweet kiss from Caleb to his baby sister Ava. At the time Caleb was only 19 1/2 months and Ava just born. In the years to follow they have shared so many hugs and kisses, and really are the best of friends. They are now going on 6 and 4 1/2 years old, and continue to have so very much fun together. They share an absolutely wonderful bond, and I know that they will be very close siblings & friends forever.