Dribblin' & spirals

Nevi's first soccer practice

Visit to Minnesota

Early in June, we ventured to MN for a week of vacation to see Ahma and Ahpa.  We spent some time in Coon Rapids but also made our way north toward Grand Rapids to hang at the lake house.  The Opperman clan (Keith, Kristin, Gavin and Ella) all met us there!  It was great to have the cousins together again, a blast was had by all.  While back in Coon Rapids, we played hard with Aunt Jenn, John, Uncle Mark, Aunt Maggie and cousin Jack. This trip was a real success and we had a great time, a nice mix of leisure and adventure.  The mosquitos weren't terrible but definitely made their presence known.  The ticks and nightly tick   checks in GR were something new for us Coloradoans, not exactly Nevi's favorite's part of the trip.  Unfortunately, Ahma and I found an imbedded deer tick in Nev's arm pit one night but it was easy and early removal so all was well (tick checks were talked about by Nev for weeks after this trip because they provoked such fear in her!).  But other than this, we were quite comfortable in the cool and moist midwest climate.  Thanks to all for a great time with lasting memories...

Nevi's 2nd Commencement Ceremony from Kiddie Kopia

PopPop came for Nevi's 2nd commencement ceremony from Kiddie Kopia.  It was the usual potluck affair with little tykes learning to speak in a microphone, performing some sign language and singing for all of us admiring moms and dads (and PopPops).  It was also a special commcement because it was Kiddie Kopia's 20th year as a licensed preschool!  Miss Jeanne pulled me over after the performance was done, shaking her head saying... they sing SO loud in rehearsals and bang those drums SO hard when practicing, it's a shame no one can see them without stagefright.  The performance WAS rather tame compared to Jeanne's description of their rehearsals but it was still obvious that everyone had a great time and, of course, it was awesome to see Nevi speak SO articulately and BE the leader that's naturally IN her with such grace.  Nevi has matured SO much in the last year, it's incredible.  I find that MOST days anymore she says something at some point that blows me away... mainly because she's so observant, has an incredible memory and can break down a situation with understanding and nonjudgement better than most adults I know.  I am so proud of Nevi and so intrigued by the little person she is becoming.  She's no-nonsense with a playful spirit and a forgiving heart.  One more year at Kiddie Kopia 2013/2014, then off to kindergarden she goes.  I'm afraid to blink.

Annual Race 4 Kid's Health

Race 4 Kids' Health

Once again (for the fourth year in a row), Nevi participated in Frank Shorter's Race 4 Kids' Health.  The Appleby's Bee was there and Coda took to him right away!  It was his first race (the diaper dash), and they both had a blast.  

As you may notice, Coda has a thing for holding onto golf balls - that presented a few issues during the race when he suddenly realized he wanted to throw instead of hold them.  

Nevi showing off her finishing schwag!