Sad to See the Season End ....

Ready to go

"Two Tap"

Favorite picture of the season ... who knew Katie would gain two new best friends. Love both Steph and Carly and our family is so blessed to have met them.

Quick pic before they started!! Love, love, love this picture!

Celebrating Laura and Gabby's birthday

We didn't realize when Katie made the 13 Asics team in December, the friendships that we would make with this group of girls and parents. From Puerto Rico, to Atlanta, to Kansas City and all the tourneys in between proved to be an amazing year. We were thrilled when Katie earned a spot on this elite team. We have seen such improvement in her game .. both in skill and knowledge. Playing with such experienced players really raised the bar. Her coach, Felix, was very technical and tough. He really worked the girls and kept them on their toes. Katie played DS and became a serving specialist. Our family really loved being part of this team.

Summer with my BFF

How lucky to be able to spend my evening with my dearest friends!!

Friends forever!

Just hanging out at the Boardwalk ... we did the cheap man's Disney that day!

Just missing the oldest!!

Never to old to pose with Mickey!

They could be twins!!

Out for a morning run .. love that Logan ran in his sandals!

Surrey bike races ... boy, that was tough!

As soon as Buddy told me they would be spending some time with us this summer, I couldn't wait. Not only to share our new house and pool with her, but to just be with her and the kids! Buddy and I have known each other for over 15 years. Even though we only lived in the same town for two years, we have remained as close as sisters. When we met, neither of us had kids and now when we take our families out to eat it is a party of 13 ... 4 adults and NINE KIDS!! Had such a wonderful visit with the Roberts .. very low key!! We swam, took the kids to a character breakfast, surrey bike riding, ice cream, more swimming and a movie. Char (Buddy's sister) joined in on the fun on Weds. We had to leave on Friday for Atlanta for Katie's national volleyball tourney. Highlight of the trip was definitely going to Disney with Kristin and Buddy. So excited for them to meet - two of my favorite girls in the world!!

13th Birthday - Volleyball Style!!

No, she didn't wear the birthday crown during the match!

Such a fun cake ... One of Katie's 4th grade teachers started a cake making business. Loved her cake!!

Fun in the sun!

Candid picture, yeah right!

Such an amazing group of athletes!! And great girls too!!

So ... Katie had a tournament on her actual birthday so we decided to have a volleyball sleepover & birthday celebration. We were so excited that all 13 players were able to come ... we did a huge Mexican feast after the tournament (thank you Jennifer Tower for helping me with dinner!), a ping pong tourney, pillow case decorating, dance competition, cake, ice cream and presents, and a long night of giggling and not alot of sleeping! Pancake feast for breakfast!! Sean took the rest of the crew to Naples for a weekend with Oma and Pawpy! So fun to just have a weekend with Katie

Gametime

A new sporting adventure for Matthew this year ... travel baseball. Sean decided to start up a 9U team with a combination of kids from Celebration and Windermere. It is hard to start up a team, especially since some of the competition has been playing together for 2 years. We don't have alot of travel experience on our team and really, playing little league really hurt the kids (the pace of play!). Proud of Sean for taking the risk, organizing, being patient with the players and parents and really instructing the kids on the proper mechanics!!

Matthew has been playing center field and some 2nd base. He is learning alot and his throwing and catching has improved so much!! We have yet to win a game, but will be playing in 2 tournaments in the next couple of weeks.

Loved this picture of Sean with Will .. taking the time to explain the situation!! Way to go Coach!

Taylor Swift 13th Birthdayl

We celebrated Katie's 13th birthday with her BFFs (Casey, Taylor and Claudia!). The girls came over in the early afternoon - they swam, got ready and we headed to a Japanese Steakhouse. We had a feast and then headed downtown to the Taylor Swift concert. It was such a treat for me to get to spend time with Katie and her friends (and enjoy an amazing concert!). I didn't expect to be so impressed with Taylor Swift. She was absolutely beautiful, sounded amazing (which I heard that she wasn't in concert), entertaining, and completely appropriate!! I just cherished this whole day and night with Katie. I know that so many people complain about the teenage years, but so far, they have been very joyful and rewarding. I hope Katie loved her birthday as much as I did!

As close as they got to Taylor Swift!!

Pretty girls!

Beautiful, focused, smart, kind, faithful, respectful, fun loving ... my Katie!!

What a pretty teenager!! So lucky to have her as my daughter!

Another teenager in the house .... (another new dress for both Mom and Kate)

Such an amazing concert!! Appropriate, fun, and wonderful music!

A little swimming and sushi before the big concert!!

Katie is lucky to have such great friends!!

Summer Running ...

Love William running in plaid shorts!! Needless to say, he did not go for the entire run with the girls!

Getting ready to go!

Stretching circle!!

As soon as the school year ends, we kick into our summer routine (chores, reading, exercise and tons of fun). If the kids don't have a practice that day ... they had to hit the road. Love these pics of 2, 4 and 5!! One of their many morning runs ....