On Monday, we did chores around the house and then went to the ice skating rink for the first time this summer. The three older kids did awesome; I, on the other hand, was grateful to have Kaiton as my crutch. I worked with Kaiton for about 45 minutes. He was definitely pretty scared, but I think as I get him on the ice more frequently, he will get used to it.
Our week was pretty busy with well-child appointments for the two older kids, physical therapy, gymnastics, 2 baseball games, a visit to Plymouth Park, playdates with the triplets and Austin King, and a visit to Brighton, MI for Hurley's first Kickstart testing.
Wednesday was Brooklen's birthday. He wanted orange rolls for breakfast and he was lucky enough to get a Fitbit from us for his birthday. He was so excited and he has been tracking his steps, sleep, and calories burnt all week. At noon, I left to take Zaya to gymnastics and Brooklen went with the Nymans. They took him out to lunch at McDonalds and then they went swimming at an indoor hotel pool. He had a blast. I felt bad that he spent his birthday with them and not me, but he wasn't thrilled about going to watch gymnastics. At night, we had hamburgers, pineapple, fries, and corn for dinner. He wanted a peach cake, so we made a peach cake with dulce de leche frosting. The cake was pretty dry, but the frosting was AMAZING. When Hurley got home from gymnastics at 8:15, we had cake outside with the Nymans.
On Friday, we went down to Brighton for Hurley's first Kickstart testing. She did pretty amazing for a girl who has never really performed in front of others. She pushed herself hard and I think she got pretty good results. On the rope climb (they climb with legs in a pike and only use their arms) she had only gotten about a foot off the ground at practice. At the actual testing, she got about 5 feet off the ground (they have to go 6 feet at her age). It was a really good experience for her and judging by how much she loved it, I think she will really love competing this year.
Below is my letter to Brooklen since he turned 9 this week:
Dear Brooklen,
I can not believe that 9 years ago you made us parents. I can still remember wondering how it would feel to be a parent to a little baby. And then that moment that you were born, everything changed. I suddenly felt an enormous amount of responsibility, a humbling desire to learn, and my heart opened up and I loved you more than I could ever describe.
Those first couple of years with just us were so much fun. I look back now and although I thought life was busy and at times tough, it seems so carefree looking back now. I keep thinking about those years and the things we did together, trying to imagine what life will be like this year when I have just Kaiton at home.
Brooklen, I couldn't be more proud of who you are today. You are such a responsible boy. You want to do good and I can always count on you. When I send you off to school or church, I know without a doubt that you will be respectful, obedient, and try your hardest. Today, you gave a talk in primary and although you didn't initially want to, you wrote it yourself and gave it without even using a cheatsheet.
Your favorite things are definitely sports. Your favorite sports are baseball and hockey, but you like to watch almost every sport. You wake up early and read CNN and your dad actual fact checks with you now. You are always on the go. You and your best friend, Jake, are constantly moving from one sport to another. You just got a Fitbit for your birthday and when you are playing outside, you burn a ton of calories!!
Your favorite part of school is gym and recess. You are very smart, and you are especially good at math. You don't love to read, but if you are reading a book that involves sports, you enjoy it! You read every night when you go to bed for at least 20 minutes.
Things have definitely changes this past year. You are suddenly "old," and you don't really like going to parks or doing things that you deem, "babyish." This has made this summer quite interesting, but I understand that you are older now and that you want to be treated like a big kid.
Your best friends are Jacob Nyman, Ethan Menzies, and Carter Greiman. You have become pretty social and you love to play kickball with your friends at school. At home, you like to play mini sticks, baseball, hockey, and the Wii with your friends. On the baseball field, you are a vocal leader of your team and you enjoy calling out plays and outs to your teammates. You are introverted, but you have learned how to make friends and communicate well with others.
You are helpful at home. You are especially good at helping with Kaiton and Zaya. You read to them, help Kaiton get dressed, and you help them complete their chores. They are lucky to have you as a big brother.
Brooklen, I can't believe 9 years have passed. You have made life so wonderful. We love you and can't wait to watch you grow into an amazing young man.
Love,
Mom
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