Spring Soccer

Our First Sport

Ready for the first practice!

This will be my last "catch up" blog. Parker is about to embark on his second season of soccer so I wanted to be sure that the first was mentioned.

In March we signed Parker up for his very first sporting venture. Soccer. Parker has longed to be in sports for as long as he knew what they were. He is always outside playing soccer, baseball, football, or golf. He is ALL boy, 100% of the time. 

We had a wonderful soccer season. It consisted of one practice per week followed by a game on Saturday. Parker LOVED playing soccer. He was so entertaining to watch on the field. Parker was somewhat confused during the first game. He thought, like football, that tackling was involved. But, after a little pep talk from Daddy he got on the right track and realized that we, in fact, do not tackle in soccer! Aside from a few tackles, I couldn't have asked for him to have better behavior and sportsmanship throughout the season. 

We recently signed Parker up for his second season which is fall soccer. We are excited to see him back out on the field!!

Summer 2012 Recap

Sweet Summertime

We had a fabulous Summer 2012. I know I just began blogging but I wanted to be sure that our adventures this summer were documented and not forgotten. So, I thought I would just briefly touch base on the events that took place over the last few months.

Swimming Lessons

What better way to kick off the summer than swimming lessons with Ms. Phyllis, aka the Swimming Nazi. Nervous really doesn't explain how I felt everyday before swimming lessons.

The first day, Parker was SO excited. The second day didn't go
 over so well. After much persuasion and even more bribery he finally braved the indoor pool again. Each day got easier... for him. I was just as nervous every day as I was the first. Maybe he could sense it? Maybe that is why he was so hesitant to give it a try.

Everyday, my friend, Jordan, and I loaded up Parker and Kinsey and headed to Albertville. After eight one hour sessions, I can proudly say that my baby boy can swim. He actually does really well. In hindsight, I am extremely glad that I signed him up for swimming lessons. Yes, I still have to keep a very close eye on him at the pool, but he knows survival skills and at three years old I think that is all I can ask for. We are so thankful for Ms. Phyllis! 

Exhausted after a swimming lesson!

Beach Trip #1

Michael and I made a last minute decision that we needed a weekend getaway. What better place to go than the beach? We made our reservations at our favorite place to stay, The Calypso, and prepared for a  little family vaca.

We had such a great time at the beach. From spending the day in the sun and sand to spending nights at Pier Park having dinner and visiting The Miracle Strip. We always have a good time when we are together but being at the beach makes things that much sweeter.

Parker and I riding the hot air balloons at Pier Park

Bye Bye First Home

We decided that after our beach trip we would put a for sale sign in our front yard. We secretly hoped that things would move swiftly but never dreamed it would all play out as quickly as it did.

1634 Hood Road

The very first couple that came to look at our home bought it. Talk about luck. We were blessed to deal with such sweet people, and I know they will take good care of the house. In 2 weeks our house was sold. What? How did this happen so fast? I'm not complaining by any means, but I am a planner... and I had NO plan. I never imagined it would happen so quickly. My parents were sweet enough to let us bunk with them while preparing to build our new house. Nothing like togetherness!! 

Beach Trip take two!

We love the beach.. But we especially love the beach when the ENTIRE family goes at one time. It has always been a tradition for the Bedwell/Stone families to spend July 4th in Panama City Beach. We have the best time! The kids LOVE having each other on the beach and we adults love spending time with one another. My family is blessed to be as close as we are. We can title ourselves as cousins, nieces, nephews, etc but at the end of the day we are all just as close as brother and sister. 

Summertime Playdates

Parker and his friends only attended school two days per week this summer. The summer break allowed for more playdates, days at the pool, and fun at the park. We moms try our best to get our kids together as often as possible to play. These are several pictures from various play dates over the summer. Parker is a blessed little boy to have so many buddies!!

Spring Valley Beach

My sister, Beth, had the idea of taking the kids to Spring Valley Beach before school started back. What a great idea! Beth, Beverly, Bailee, Rylee Jo, Parker and myself loaded up and headed to Spring Valley Beach. Everyone, including the adults, had a fabulous time! It is such a nice place to spend your day. Parker, the dare devil he is, wanted to slide down every slide... by himself. He LOVED it. The kids had a great time! We will definitely be spending more than one day at Spring Valley Beach next summer!

A New Tradition

I have been saying for months, maybe even a year, that I wanted to start blogging about our family. Why not? It is the perfect way to keep up with events and milestones that may otherwise be forgotten. I have procrastinated (because I am oh so good at it) for long enough. Today was a milestone for our family for two reasons. So, I thought why not start now?

First Day of 3K

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Parker began his very first day of 3K today. He has been so excited to be in Ms. Abby and Ms. Sally's class. He is attending The Early Learning Center again this year. He has gone there since he was 18 months old. We have developed lasting friendships with so many people through his attendance at the ELC. 

Per our usual, Parker and I were running behind this morning. But, as soon as he walked through the door he was thrilled to see all of his buddies. Steven, Charlie, Miller, and Morris, to mention a few, were all there and ready to play. Parker is very blessed to have such a sweet group of boys to call friends.

We can't wait to see the memories made in 3K! 

Let the House Building Began

Finally! We sold our very first home, 1634 Hood Road, in July. At that point, we made plans to build our second house. Most people say we are crazy to build not one but two houses. But, we are excited!

We bought our lot and had our land cleared so that the house building could began! Today was the lucky day! Today, August 27, we broke ground on our new home. We are thrilled! Patience is not my forte, but I keep telling myself that it will all be worth it in the end!

We made wonderful memories in the our first home, and we can't wait to see what is in store for us at the second house!