Monthly Archives: June 2019

Brady-boo is 8!

Posted in Brady by

Today we celebrate 8 awesome years of having Brady in the world. He is truly one of a kind and brings happiness and curiosity wherever he goes. Brady is always looking up and studying the world around him. He is fascinated with the way things work and questions everything. His go-to phrases are “I have an idea!” and “I wonder…” His gears are always turning and his creativity blows us away. Every teacher he’s ever had has remarked on his positive outlook and joyful heart. He is quick to forgive and quicker to apologize if he feels he’s done something wrong. He marches to the beat of his own drum and never goes out of his way to “fit in” or be like anyone else. He’s the kind of kid who could entertain himself for hours with a piece of paper or a stick. In fact he loves searching for the perfect stick, rock or leaf! He’s smart in a way that can’t be measured by standardized tests. He loves to please and is harder on himself than we ever could be. He challenges us with his one track mind that often has a hard time turning off. He is your stereotypical gifted kid who is desperately lacking in the common sense department. He will find life on Mars before he will figure out whether you’re supposed to push or pull a door to open it.  We love his quirky personality but we love his enthusiasm for life even more. He is as special as they come.

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Happy birthday Brady-boo! We love you to the deepest part of space and back!

The Smiths Do Disney!

Posted in Family by

We have lived back in Florida for about 3 years now and our kids have yet to go to Disney. The last time we had gone was when they were 4 and 2 so they barely even remembered it. We decided that instead of big birthday parties this year, we would buy a 3 day Disney pass. The fun part was that we didn’t tell them! We got up super early one morning and put the boys in the car, still in their jammies. We told them that we were going to a surprise place. As we approached Orlando, one of them guessed, “Are we in Michigan?!”

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Um, no. But they finally got it as we started seeing more signs!

For our first day of our passes, for Nolan’s birthday, we went to Magic Kingdom. Chris’s Aunt and Uncle joined us as well. The boys were not sure what to think of Disney. It was a lot to take in! We ended up having so much fun and realized what a roller coaster junkie Brady is. He loved Space Mountain! Nolan loved the more low key rides like Pirates of the Caribbean. He also loved all of the snacks and goodies all around the park.

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For our next two days of our passes, for Brady’s birthday, we went to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. It was SO hot and SO crowed (hello June!), but we made the most of it. I really liked the animals at Animal Kingdom and Brady really liked riding Everest. One of the coolest parts was the Dino Dig area. I got completely soaked on the Rapids ride so that helped keep me cool in the afternoon!

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Cooling towels and fans were our saviors!

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We went to Hollywood Studios to let Brady live out his dream of doing Jedi Training. It was so cute to see how seriously he took it! And the best part was when Darth Vader told Brady that he could tell the force was strong in him!

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Disney was the perfect place to celebrate the boys’ birthdays this year- and more fun for me than planning a party! Maybe we’ll convince them to do this again next year!

2018-2019 School Year (K&2)

Posted in Brady, Family, Nolan by

Another school year has flown by. Nolan completed his first year of Elementary School and Brady finished his last year of primary grades. Next year Nolie will be a big 1st grader and Brady will be entering a new world of Standardized tests and real letter grades in 3rd. Both boys had a positive school year and came more out of their shells. Brady really embraced his love for reading and writing (swoon!) and Nolan became obsessed with all things math. They developed sweet friendships and grew in confidence. And, as evidenced by these pictures, they both grew like weeds!

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Brady said his favorite part of second grade was “Market Day” and art class and Nolan said his favorite part of Kindergarten was P.E. and recess (shocker!) Here are some special moments from the school year…

 

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First day riding the school bus!

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Brady received the “Leader of the Pack” award for the 3rd year in a row. This year his classmates voted for him.

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Tacky tourist day!

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Habitat Day- Brady’s Alligator presentation. (Go Gators!)

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Art Show

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Almost the end of the school year…Nolan was SO ready for summer!

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End of Kindergarten celebration

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Dino Dig!

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Paleontologist Nolan at his Dino Dig

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Nolan with friends at lunch

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I was so happy that both boys had the same lunch time so I could visit with each of them when I went to their school.

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Nolan and his teacher, Mrs. Ryan.

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Brady and his teacher, Ms. Marlow.

Now time to enjoy summer!!!

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First and last day of Kindergarten and Second Grade!