Kelsie's 1st visit from the Tooth Fairy

I have wanted this to happen for so long, so why am I sad that my BABY IS GROWING UP???? Kelsei lost her first baby tooth a few days ago. It is not just the fact that her teeny, tiny, adorable teeth are getting loose and falling out. It is not just that she is done with kindergarten and on her way to first grade. I just realized that because circumstances were not necesarily easy or ideal when she was born that I told myself over and over that life would be so much easier when Kels hits first grade, and here we are. Now yes, life is much easier and I am so happy where we are at, I just think I may have missed out on so many of the cute things about her being a baby as I was in such a hurry to get out of the bad situation I was in when she was born. With that being said, I was excited to see the tooth come out, as it has been hanging by one little piece of tissue for the past few weeks. It would flop forward as she talked and it hurt her to eat. One great thing I should mention about the Tooth Fairy is...she is so smart. Even when we forgot to have Kels put her tooth under her pillow, the tooth fairy knew the tooth was in the car, and left the $ there...PHEW!!!

Valley Kids Triathlon 2008

Sydnee decided that she wanted to participate in triathlons this summer. (Shocker.. I know, and yes, Brian is thrilled!) Michael has done "Valley Kids" for the past 2 years and convinced Sydnee that she should do it this year also. They have been having "triathlon practices" every day, and love to race the neighbor kids on bikes. So today we went and watched Michael compete with the 9-10yr olds and then Sydnee got to do her 1st race in with the 7-8yr olds. They both did fantastic. They had a lot of fun, and now that this is "old hat" for Sydnee, she can not wait for the next triathlon in a few weeks. I love that Brian encourages the kiddo's to stay active, and does not put any pressure on them to win. However, what touched me the most today was how much Sydnee looked up to Michael for encouragement. The sweetest part of the race was when Sydnee started to slow down on the run and out of nowhere, Michael and Kelsei and Haley were at her side, running the rest of the way (1/2 mile) with her. Michael was still tired from his race, and Kels was in a jean mini-skirt and high-heel sandals, but they didn't even think twice about that. They stayed by her side and finished with her!! I am so proud of all of my kids and what awesome people they are becoming!
P.S. They only reason Kelsei didn't do the triathlon is that she is a few months to young, however, Brian has no doubt that she is by far our most athletic (and angry) child. She is faster then any kid we know (boy or girl) Heaven help us all when Kels and Bri start getting serious about her future as a triathlete!!