Happy SEVENTH Birthday, Carter!

How is this precious, tiny, 6 pound 2 ounce, newborn baby already SEVEN?!!

I really cannot believe it, but his 7th birthday came and went a couple of weeks ago. 

He woke up to decorations and birthday donuts! 

 glow balloons on the stairs

 a quick, small gift before breakfast

 from Nana and Grandad

 and a few cards that came in the mail from his great-Grandparents. Happy to see $$$

 Fun in the streamers!

 Eric worked at home that day, and we went up to have lunch with the birthday boy at school.

 Ella was VERY excited to be there!

 Best big brother!!

 

they're the sweetest

 It was time to open gifts once he got home from school!

 Excited for some new books and activity books

 Cole attempting to photo bomb!

 Yep, wanting the spot light!

 He got mostly Star Wars and Minecraft stuff that he wanted....

 Cole says, "I'm just going to take this light saber while you open the rest..."

Love this video.... captures all the silliness that is age 7!

 Sharing with little brother...

Setting up his Minecraft animation studio, where he made a little animated movie through an app. Pretty cool!

 And shooting a few hoops with his new Mavs basketball

We went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, Carter's choice, then back home for cookie cake! 

He had a great day on his birthday, and we all enjoyed celebrating him! 

Then, this past weekend, we had a friend party to celebrate. Bowling and laser tag for everyone! He was one happy, happy kid, and had so much fun that evening. 

Ella was glad to have one friend there, Eden, the little sister of Carter's friend Eme from class (and our neighbors!)

Ella's turn

The most handsome birthday boy!

:)

Carter and Gavin, friends since before they could walk!

Carter and John, who he's also known since he was a baby.... and Connor, friend from class and neighbor

Love this boy who made me a Momma 7 years ago!

Time for laser tag!

Lots of happy boys!

All the dad's that were there played! The kids LOVED that! So fun!

Time to eat!

We are so lucky to live in a neighborhood and go to a school that has so many awesome kids and families! And especially that they love on our kids as their own!

A little shy while singin happy birthday, but still loving it.

:)

Little brother!

can't forget sis!

Time for games!

we came home with two more giant balls for the trampoline!

Cole ran all over this place and wanted to do everything!

This is where they came from.... we now have 3!

Air hockey with Chloe (this is the little girl I hear the most about from Carter, don't wanna say it's a 1st grade crush, but it kinda is)

Ella vs. Dad!

Chloe and Carter

Time to open gifts at home!

Cole is always so funn trying to get in the mix an steal the show. Carter is the best big brother and doesn't even notice, or care!

Spoiled by his friends, so many great toys!!

and $ to spend!

Love my big guy to the moon

Carter loved every minute of being celebrated by all the people that love him. We can't even begin to imagine the last 7 years of our lives without him in it. We love you and are thankful for you every single day, Carter. You're our favorite 7 year old!!

First Grade Fun

Carter has had some events at school lately that are worth documenting! First was his class performance at the school assembly a few weeks ago! Simple but cute :)

Ms. Green's class, Carter far left :)

 

Then all of 1st grade had a musical program recently after the PTA meeting. The theme was 'Wild Things' and Carter's class were parrots (dressed in bright colors). 

Carter's class below, Carter middle row, 2nd from right

Most of 1st grade
Carter's class far right of stage. 

They sang several cute songs! I was impressed, honestly! They were all so into it, and knew every word and move!

Then the next day, 1st grade got to go to the Dallas Arboretum on a field trip, and I was able to accompany them! 

I had Carter and two other of his classmates in my group. These boys were excited!!

 Inside the classroom they had a silly interactive lesson on the life cycle of a butterfly.

 And then worked on a little craft page

 and took a look at some insects under a magnifying glass

From there, we were free to roam! We went straight to the children's garden. We've been there once a couple of years back, and it's a really cool place! The boys checked it all out, and ran from spot to spot. I almost couldn't keep up with them, just walking!

 Fun in the maze

 They thought the storm systems were cool

 And eventually we met up with other friends

 All finished for the day and about to head back to the buses

 Love my handsome guy! And I loved getting to spend some time with him on his field trip!

I cannot believe 1st grade is almost over!

Soccer Highlights

I've been wanting to post soccer videos for a while now, but it's honestly so hard to take videos at the games. A certain little 18 month old might have something to do with that! ;) But I got a few good ones recently, and wanted to share. 

Both kids are more aggressive while playing defense than offense. Neither have scored a goal yet, but Carter did recently get a great assist! And Ella has had lots of great stops!! 

Here is Ella in action!

She always loves to do the corner kick

Here are the girls on the sidelines during their quarter off. 

I love that they have a big, inflatable mascot that they're being silly with, all while the game is going on!

Coach Cole likes to put in his 2 cents. :)

Carter getting some ball time... he is #20, watch the neon green cleats!!

I have to post this one just for then funny ending! Little brother is always good for a laugh!

Always proud of his defense!!