Swimming, Basketball, and Butterflies

We've had a huge week at the Kock household. Summer has officially begun, as I found myself running kids in all directions this week. First off, the girls started swimming lessons. It was amusing and satisfying to watch them improve each day. Especially given the genetic disadvantage they have when it comes to swimming. That's right, someone has blessed the children with a predisposition to sink. I'm not going to name names. But, just know it's not me.

With swimming over before noon, our afternoons were devoted to Caden's basketball camp. This kid eats, breathes, and sleeps basketball. He has worked hard almost daily for about a year to improve his game. So, it was a proud moment to see him doing so well in the competitions and scrimmages. The icing on the cake came Friday when they handed out awards.

Caden was named MVP! 

Believe me when I say he was THRILLED. This kid is pretty mellow, and honestly hard to "thrill", but he was beaming. My heart overfilled to see him have such a great time and truly earn something that he had worked so hard for. So, of course I cried. I tried not to be a weirdo, but COME ON. We are talking about basketball here. High Honor Roll, Student of the Month, and all the other wonderful things he has achieved are fantastic, and will pull a genuine smile from me every time. But, if you want me to cry, give the boy a basketball.

Not to be left out, Bode was an exceptional sidekick all week. I love this kid. He likes to goof around. He likes to stir things up. He likes to punch. He likes to be a little .... stinker. Something about being the youngest of four makes him this way. He can see it in our eyes. We just don't have the fight in us anymore. So, he pretty much tries to get away with as much as possible. We love him for it.

 

 

 

I tried typing out what Bode said exactly when I took the above photo. I just can't do it. It's too juvenile. It is also too funny to omit. So, in an attempt to tell you and remain tactful, I will simply say he was trying to produce a butterfly.

Don't look at me ... I don't know where he gets this stuff. Maybe the same place the girls get their mad swimming skills?

 

Regardless, this little boy makes our lives brighter! 

Sleep Tight

 One of my favorite mom moments each day is checking on the kids before I turn in for the night.

Chloe can't sleep without Lambie.

This kid goes from zero to sleep in no time.

  

No matter how hectic the day has been these tiny sleeping faces always leave me with a full heart. 

Bode's Big Day

Birthdays are a big deal in this house! And Bode is no exception. Our baby turned three today. Tear. He had a day filled with fun, gifts and favorite foods. We loved celebrating our special little guy! 

Oh Dear ... It's Been Awhile

Summer vacation is officially over! The Kock kids are ALL back to school. Yes, all of them. Little Bo-man had his first day of preschool today. 

Can you tell he was excited? Honestly, he had mixed emotions but in the end he went without tears and he is excited to go back again tomorrow. Bode is not yet 3, so this is a big deal! I am so proud :)

Bode wasn't the only one starting today. Chloe had her first day of preschool as well. She loves school.

And then, of course, there are the "big" kids. Caden and Ali actually started last week. Caden is in fourth grade and Ali is in Kindergarten. 

"Caden, I am going to keep taking pictures until you smile."

Looks painful.

Ali did Optional Kindergarten last year, and they gave us the choice regarding moving on to First Grade or Kindergarten. We went with Kindergarten, so she won't be so young when we send her off to college. 

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Speaking of Ali's age, she just had a birthday! That's right, our little character turned 6 on July 31st. I wanted to do something special for her, so we went on a Mommy/Ali day. 

She picked Burger King for lunch! Tre fab. We went shopping for school clothes and swam at the pool. 

After which she got her nails done. 

She picked red, because it was her favorite color that day. We also stopped at the store, so we could get everything on her supper menu. Ya know, hot dogs, Ramen noodles and fruit salad. 

Ali specializes in putting together fruit salads :)

Later on, we gave her our gift. She had been asking and asking for a guitar. Because she is a rock star. Obviously.

And of course, we had a big party with some fam!

Ali loves Ninja Turtles! So, we went for it :)

I'll take 500 Cheetos, please.

Happy Birthday, Gracer! We love you. 

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Caden's summer vacation started out kinda rough. On Memorial Day weekend he got a toothache. It got worse and worse, so by Tuesday he looked like this: 

Swollen! I took him in right away. Turns out, a tooth he had chipped months ago was damaged worse than we realized. An infection had developed in the root of his front, right tooth. He needed a root canal. Obviously, it was a painful experience for him but he was amazingly tough. When it was all over he kept thanking me for taking him in! Such a sweetheart. 

Anyway, baseball had just begun so this ordeal caused him to miss some practice. He was also on the younger side of a 4th/5th grade team. So, I suppose what I am trying to say is Ryan and I thought the season started out kind of slow. 

But, Caden didn't think so. He was having a blast. The team was winning. He looked up to the older boys who could hit and pitch so well. He kept trying, even though he kept striking out. He liked playing outfield and didn't seem to mind hitting toward the end of the line-up. 

So, we kept our mouths shut and our son had the most memorable sports season of his life. He got SO much better every day. Ryan worked with him, his coaches worked with him, and Caden was having so much fun I don't think he realized the improvement even happened. 

By the last game of the season, his team was undefeated and playing in the final play-off game for 1st place. He was doing a great job in the outfield. Caden had worked his way to the front half of the batting line-up. It was early in the game when two of Caden's teammates had great hits. We had a lot of momentum going and Caden was up to bat. 

Home. Run. 

Generally, I like to keep my cool but I couldn't in that moment. What can I say? I was just SO happy and proud.

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Caden wasn't the only one playing baseball in June. Ali Grace had her first year of teeball! 

Ryan coached. I helped a little. She had a fun time learning a bit about the game and did really well paying attention, which is more than I can say for most some of her teammates. Ryan and I exercised levels of patience we didn't know we had.

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Next up is football. Real, tackle football. Ryan is coaching Caden's team and they are in preseason practice mode. Lots of testosterone and meat-headedness around the house these days. 

Bode even wants in on it!

I'll keep you posted!

-Katie

The Great Outdoors

We have been enjoying the warmer weather!

On Mother's Day, we drove out to the local lake. The kids had fun throwing rocks and sticks in the water, not to mention, getting seven shades of filthy.

I love this pic. He had full intentions of tossing this huge rock in the lake. It was just a little too heavy :)

Caden had a couple track meets. At his first, he placed fourth in the 400 meter dash. He  has reported that he "likes the 400, but it kinda makes him want to throw up". 

Me too, Cade. Me, too. 

He got second in the long jump and his 4x100 relay team took first place. 

A few days later the rec center held a track meet. Caden swept the 50 meter dash, 100 meter dash and the standing long jump. He was so excited, and Ryan and I were so proud :) 

Lastly, we purchased a new toy. It was a big decision for us. We knew the kids would love a trampoline, but were concerned about their safety.  

Obviously, we decided to go for it. So, if you have a minute, throw up a safety prayer for the Kock kids ... and maybe one for me, too, as the dang thing is already giving me heart palpitations.

Catching Up

Let's play catch-up. Afterall, it's been a while since I have filled you in! I haven't even posted any Easter pics. Yeesh!

Easter sounds like a good place to start. We were fortunate enough to celebrate with both sides this year. The more candy the better, right?

Ali Grace

Chloe

Caden

Lauren & Chloe

Elyse & Ali

Ali, Chloe & Bryleigh

Clockwise from top: Chloe, Bode, Brady, Brynn, Ali & Bryleigh

Brynnie

Caden gave his eggs to Bo. He's is the sweetest big bro.

Bode

Ali

Bode

Bode

Bode

Chloe

I would offer more details if I could remember them :) My memory is going as I approach 30. As is my eye sight. My hairdresser found three grey hairs. And I'm probably getting arthritis. Ugh. It's all downhill from here.

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Ali and Chloe are in full throttle prep for their dance recital. They're favorite part: wearing the costumes. Ryan says we'll just buy them the costumes next year and skip the pricey lessons :)

Hawt

Goofballs

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Ali had a spring music concert at school a couple weeks ago. She was entertaining to say the least, which is par for the course when it comes to Ali Goose.

It was cute to watch her with her schoolmates. They were so sweet to each other. 

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My little girl is growing up. I found this picture on my phone. Chloe has officially starting taking selfies (at age 4).

I have to say, I am proud that there was no duckface :)

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A few weeks ago we got to see my mother-in-law's side of the family. Ryan's grandpa, Joe, has moved so they were helping to clean out his house. I posted a couple of pics on the previous Wordless Wednesday of Chloe and Bode riding on Joe's mower. The kids visited Grandma Betty, ate pizza at Grandpa Joe's, performed in the theater room & ran like wild animals throughout the entire apartment complex. All in all it was a great trip and they can't wait to go back!

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Ryan made the girls clean up their room. Ali wasn't in the mood. So, she did what her mama would do.

She got out her bag o'money and paid someone else to do it. In this case, Chloe.

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Caden starting spring soccer. And, I use the word spring lightly. So far, the team is 1-1-1. They are playing on a much bigger field this year. It makes me think we should condition him on the off days. But, I'm not sure if that's ridiculous. Former college-athlete parenting problem I suppose. Anyway, Caden has scored one goal and dished two assists!

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Like I mentioned earlier, the weather hasn't been the greatest. Caden gets "bored" so, Ryan and I have found a great way to keep him busy. 

Did you know 9 year-olds can vacuum? Empty the dishwasher? Switch the laundry? Sweep the floors? As I realized this recently, something in my world shifted. Now the grass looks greener. The sky seems bluer. My smile is wider.

This whole parenting thing is starting to make more sense :)))

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We have had some nice days. Below you can see that Chloe made something very special in her pink wagon. Her famous "chicken noodle soup".  Ten points for creativity, Chlo. I'll let Ryan do the taste test though. Hopefully Kiki has stayed out of the sand.

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Chloe's preschool class took a field trip to a nearby farm. They had a ton of animals for the kids to see: around 20 peacocks, chicks, calves, cattle, longhorns, goats, geese, ducks, turkeys, cats and goldfish. 

There was crap everywhere. Literally. I know I grew up on the Nebraska/Iowa border, but don't kid yourselves. I am no farm girl. I'm gonna have to burn those shoes.

I'm not sure about Chloe though. She fed a calf and didn't flinch when it poo-ed all over. She loved taking it all in, but she wouldn't touch a thing. Not even the chicks! :)

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I'll leave you with a pic of Ryan and Bode. Bo is really turning into quite the wild man :)

Wishing you all well!