First soccer game

Alex had his first soccer game today for St. Louis. He is so excited to play on a "real" team with a "real" uniform (#22). They didn't win but had a great time. Oh, and Reed had a great time playing on my phone with another little brother.

Soccer practice

It still feels like summer, but fall soccer is in full swing! Alex is playing for St. Louis this year on the 1st and 2nd grade team. He's been practicing for a few weeks and is loving it. His coach is a CBHS soccer coach, so they are learning a lot!

Reed is playing with a bunch of St. Louis 1st grade siblings at OLPH. His first practice was today after a rain out earlier in the week. He is ready to finally be playing like his big brother. Brian is helping coach the team along with Roger Cole. Fun stuff!!

Reed's first day of 4K

Reed is in the big boy class! After three years at Christ the King, Reed is finally in the 4K class which is the "oldest" class in the preschool. He was so excited to start the year and loves his teacher, Mrs. Bartlett. His best buddy Rich is in the class and they even wore the same shirt on the first day!

And even though Reed will do 4K again next year, it's kind of bittersweet to start our last first day at Christ the King. Here's to a great year!

Happy Birthday Reed!

Reed is 4 years old today! I can not believe that our little guy is so big! And being little and big at the same time is so fitting for Reed - he is like a little walking contradiction. He says "I love you Mommy" for no reason, yet he screams "no" in his loudest voice. He is clumsy and full of bruises, yet he's good at every sport he tries. He wants to be exactly like his big brother, yet he loves his blankie and stuffed animals (and baby voice). He likes to be silly and get lots of attention, yet he's shy when he's the center of attention. But the funny thing is -- he's charming and lovable in all of these many characters!

In the past year, Reed has learned to write his name, count to at least 20, make his own breakfast, play Wii, hit a golf ball, swim almost on his own, sleep later than 5:30 am (mostly) and jump in the waves. He has also learned a full complement of bodily noises and the art of mooning (oh, Reed!).

But most importantly, Reed is just Reed. He's hard to describe, but easy to love. He's kind and funny and silly and sweet. He's big and little and strong and fearless. He's Reed...and we love him just the way he is!

First day of first grade

Alex is a first grader! I think first grade might be the perfect first day of school -- Alex was still really excited about getting up and going to school but with none of the anxiety of kindergarten. He was ready to see his friends, meet his teacher and wear his uniform for the first time. Today is just a half day so we have plans for lunch and afternoon fun, too!

Reed's 4th birthday party

Reed celebrated his fourth birthday with family this weekend. It had a space rocket theme and he didn't care at all : ) The only thing he was worried about was getting his first homemade "number" shirt - and he loved wearing it. I think he asked a million times if we could eat cake and open presents so I'm sure those were his favorite parts - especially getting to eat cake first! Reed loved all his presents and I'm glad he has a few more days of summer left to play with them...while Alex is in school!

And we realized something for the first time today. As much as Reed likes to make himself the center of attention by being silly, he doesn't really like to be MADE the center of attention. I feel like I learn new things about this little guy every day! Here's to many more years of learning about my sweet "little" boy!

Why do I have a feeling this won't be the last time Reed has the police involved in this birthday party?? In this case, I'm glad they were delivering Gramps safely!

Sleepover!

Alex had his first friend sleepover on Friday night. He spent the night a few months ago with Andrew, so it was our turn to have him over. Alex was so excited and they had a great time. Water gun fights, hot dogs, ice cream and a late bedtime = fun night! They even let Reed join the party and sleep in his sleeping bag like the big boys did. In true Johnston boy fashion, Alex and Reed woke up early and Andrew slept another hour!