Salem Skip Its

Rachel has waited a long time and worked really hard for this…..and she did it!! She tried out and made the school jump rope team. She is officially a Salem Elementary Skip It. The Skip Its travel to schools, parades, and other events and put on performances. It is really fun to watch and we are so proud of her!! Rachel worked for months to be able to perform the tricks she needed to make the team. We are so proud of how she followed through and made it happen!!  Once again, I'll say how awesome and blessed we feel to see our kids do well not only at school, but in activities as well. Way to go Rachel!!!

Part of being a Skip It means french braids in your hair….so that means momma has to learn. This was my first attempt and it actually wasn't half bad!! 

I will try and post a video and more pictures here soon….she has a performance tonight so hopefully we'll get some good ones!!

Go Bulls! Season Recap

End of Summer and into Fall brought so much activity to our house.  Jacob's first season of "real" baseball was a blast. After trying out he was "drafted" (yes the coaches actually draft players) by the Minor League Bulls.  Although the commitment was a bit more that we had anticipated (4 nights a week!!) it was so fun to see him develop, improve, and have so much fun. Jacob had a great time playing second base, pitcher, and outfield. The Bulls went on to win only one game but their attitude and drive stayed strong! Just look at the joy on those boys' faces as well as the coaches when they won that single game. I realize now what our parents must have gone through on the sidelines!! The disappointment and elation that comes with sports is worse as the parent!!!  You want it so bad for them and you feel every moment!! I don't think Nathan and I ever had a win that made us feel as happy as watching Jacob's team finally clinch one!!

Off to practice!!

Total Focus

Play Ball!

Two outs! Plays at first! Infielders be ready!! 

Bulls Win!! Bulls Win!! The following pictures are right after our first win!! Their faces say it best!!

Cesarz Summer Part 3

Cape Cod!! What could be better than a week on the Cape? How about a week on the Cape with beautiful weather? We cannot tell you how much we enjoyed our stay with Papa and Grams. The week was filled with walks along the water, beach time, aquariums, a visit to Boston, a Pirate Cruise and some awesome quality time with Papa and Grams.

This was taken on our last day.......Amherst MA.....where it all began

Pirate Cruise----enter at your own risk!!

Jacob and Andrew were a little unsure whether the Captain was serious about throwing them in the water with the sharks.........

Boston MA......we left the little guys at home with Papa and Grams and had a day with our older two!!

Cesarz Summer: Part 2

July brought sun, sand and surf! Our annual trip to Kure Beach July 4th week was the best yet. I'm sad as I feel like we were so busy chasing kids that we didn't get many beachy pictures!!! I vow to do better next year!! We had a great time in the pool, boogie boarding, and just simply hanging out with all the cousins. We had so much fun we rented the same house for next year!

Pit stop at Dickey's BBQ to fuel up before our trip!

Game night on the enormous deck....and it's past bedtime......awesome!!!

Jacob with the little guys. Brooke and Matty----Matty obviously has been there done that. 

Cheeeeeeeesssssssseeeeeeeeeeee

Hole design stage

Hole Construction phase

Snuggling in the hammock with Daddy 

Ride home : )

ZZZZZZZZZ..............

Cesarz Summer: Part 1

So obviously it's September and I'm posting about our Summer so you can only guess how far behind I am!!! Rachel hasn't started driving and Matty isn't starting Kindergarten yet so let's keep it in perspective...ok?

I'm doing 3 parts to my "Summer in Review" post because we did so many awesome things!! Which is why I didn't just totally bypass Summer and only post about what is going on right now (which is a lot by the way....hence the reason I'm so behind  : )

Ok on with it! Our summer started out with a great visit from good ole' Papa P. This crazy adventurous Papa, drove all the way out from AZ to visit us for the third year in a row. It was so great to see him and embark on a brand new adventure with him......camping!! The little boys went home with Daddy and Mommy got stuck the privilege of sleeping in the tent. It was a great time with exploring, came fires, setting up camp, and just spending some quality time with Papa P!

Looking out over Jordan Lake...who knew we were 15 minutes from so much fun!!

Mom, the water tastes really good....and I'm sure it's not full of all kinds of icky bacteria like you think. 

Setting up Camp

Grub!!!

Rachel's First Communion and Matthew's Baptism

May 19th was a huge weekend for us!! We were so blessed to have so many family and friends here to celebrate not only our Rachel's First Holy Communion but also our little Matty's Baptism. It worked out wonderfully with our oldest and our youngest getting to share such a special day!! What a beautiful day to remember.

Getting ready

Mom and Dad actaully left on time. That's a miracle!!

Rachel with Father Tom

Matty fell asleep after the festivities like a true angel

We are so glad we got to celebrate with Father Tom back at Holy Family!

Princess Rachel

So grown up!



Happy 6th Birthday Jacob!!!

Jacob is every bit boy through and through! And what a sweet one he is. He just radiates joy. One of my absolute favorite things about Jacob is he comes down the stairs every morning with a giggly smile on his face. I'm talking EVERY MORNING.

We are so amazed by the sweet soul Jacob has. He is smart, kind, and caring.

He makes us laugh without even knowing it.

Here is a conversation we had last week....

Jacob: " We couldn't go outside at recess because they were taking the GI Joes".

Me: "Huh? Jacob, do you mean the EOG's?" (End of Grade Tests in case your wondering)

Jacob: "Oh yeah, the EOG's"

Jacob loves to explore the back pond and yard looking for frogs, lizards, and any other creepy crawlies. He is still very serious about his sports and at this point will not wear anything other than "smooth shirts and shorts"....aka....athletic wear. It is so fun to watch him play not only because he's quite athletic but because he enjoys it so much!!

So Happy Birthday to an amazing little boy. You make us so proud and we feel so blessed to have you in our lives!!!  

Jacob and his ever present smile

Embarassed smile

Giggly smile

Too much sugar crazy Drew smile

Birthday's Rock!!