Avery's 8th Birthday

Avery just celebrated his 8th birthday.  We planned our Seaside trip as his official birthday celebration.  However, on the morning of his birthday he woke up a little bummed.  After inquiring about his slightly sour mood, I discovered that my 8 year old wanted to party with friends on his special day.  Unfortunately, I didn't prearrange a party for his birthday assuming hanging out with family and opening presents would be enough.  So as a last minute attempt to make my baby feel special on his birthday we threw together a last minute block party.  We invited neighbors and friends, Avery and Amelia decorated cupcakes, and we shared a low key evening wishing Avery a happy 8th birthday.  

Things I want to remember.

1.  You want to be a chef, an architect, or lego engineer.

2.  You build amazing things out of your lego and Kaplan pieces.

3.  You see the world through black and white lenses.  There is no grey.

4.  I love homeschooling you.   You are good at math.  Spelling is your least favorite subject.

5.  For the first time you beat mom playing chess and the smile on your face was priceless.

6.  Sports are finally starting to click for you.  Football is your favorite sport. 

7.  You still ask for snuggle time before bedtime, give me kisses, and tell me you love me...makes my heart melt.

8.  You don't really like art, but when you really concentrate your artwork is quite unique.

9.  You like comic books.

10.  You are still crazy about Star Wars Legos.  

  

Seaside, Florida

We just returned from a mini vacation to Seaside, Florida.  We had a great time!  The town is so adorable, full of coastal cottages and charm.  Seaside was the backdrop for "The Truman" show and although the charm felt slightly synthetic, as it was for Truman, we loved every minute on the beach and in our cozy little cottage.  We were lucky enough to have one full day of sun and partial rain on our second day, which pleased both Shane and myself, considering September is hurricane season and a risky month for a beach stay.  The kids enjoyed every moment on the beach.  Audrey played in the powdery sand and sometimes braved the rolling water.  Amelia enjoyed beach strolls, an occasional sand castle, and time in the waves.  Avery was chest deep in the water almost 100% of the time.  I loved that the kids were entertained by their natural surrounding and seemed to never tire of the beach.  It also made me smile to see all adults having a good time in the water.  The icing on the cake was being able to celebrate Oma, Shane, and Avery's birthdays in one spot!  

My little artist

When planning homeschooling extra curricular activities it is always best to identify your strengths and weaknesses.  Art is not one of my strengths.  With this in mind I decided to outsource art related activities to a local expert.  This decision has made me extremely happy and my home that much cleaner.  Avery and Amelia have come home with some fun projects, but the budding little artist in our family happens to be Audrey.  She loves to color and is always so focused.  My children are all so different and out of the three Audrey is the only child that truly enjoys coloring.  She is such a delight!

Mornings at the Dieckman House

This is what mornings look like at the Dieckman house.  Avery is usually collecting the only normal looking vegetable our garden managed to produce, okra.  Amelia is babying either a nonliving or living creature.  Today Buddy received the brunt of her mothering.  Audrey is usually playing hide and seek by herself.  Today I opened the pantry door looking for agave nectar and found Audrey.   Never a dull moment.

Basketball Season 2013

We just finished up our first season of basketball and had a "ball".... no pun intended.  From the spectators seat, this by far, was the most entertaining sport to watch participants ages 5-7.  This age group ran the wrong way, traveled, walked, fouled, and double dribbled constantly, but instead of crazed fans yelling profanities, parents chuckled under a constant smile.  If only youth sports could always stay this fun.  

For the first time we witnessed Amelia run fast at a sporting event.  She made constant progress during the season. The night before the last game she prayed to be aggressive enough to grab the ball and dribble it down the court.  Guess what, that's exactly what she did.  I was very proud of her aggressive moment and she beamed a smile my way!  

Amelia was the tallest player on her team, taller than Avery by a hair,  and by default she received the largest pair of shorts.  The poor girl had to roll the waist band over at least two times for fear of tripping over the hem of her shorts.  However, she was a trooper and ended the season on a high note.  In fact, she wants to play flag football.  Go Amelia!

Avery had a great season!  This boy can play some defense.  He was all over the court stealing the ball, blocking shots, or chasing down a fast break away.  Thank goodness we didn't keep track of fouls however.  Although his offense needs some work, for the first time ever really picking up a basketball, he did great and we couldn't be prouder.  He even made a basket while being fouled the last game creating a "traditional" 3 point play opportunity, but unfortunately missed the free throw.   Nevertheless, he had a ball and we think he'll have a few more seasons ahead of him.