We all looked forward to a big birthday celebration. For two Mays, I have dreamt of celebrating this little boy in our presence. And it finally happened. We got to actually watch him turn 4! He was so excited and very much aware that it was HIS special day. Just two weeks after he arrived in our home, his big brother Brooks had a birthday, and that was kind of hard for Kervens to understand (though he handled it like a champ). But this was HIS day, and he loved opening his presents and playing with all his new toys. And in true Kervens fashion, he immediately invited his siblings to take part in his new toys.
Then the middle of May brought a trip to Disney World. Of course we had to introduce Kervens to one of our favorite places on earth. Though he was not a fan of the characters, he took the place by storm. The higher and faster the rides, the more he liked them. And he was within one centimeter of that crucial 40" height that gets you into most of the bigger rides. So, depending on the worker and the measuring tool they used, he would be allowed access to the bigger rides from time to time. And each time they gave him the "go ahead", he would scream at the top of his lungs..."I'M BIG ENOUGH!"
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| This is the closest he ever got to a character. Rare moment indeed. |
Then Shelley decided to get a new puppy, so we spent days just enjoying that sweet little Zoe. She has been such a joy to Shelley and all the Hilger children.
Trips to the mall to play at the indoor playplace. Two male siblings only one year apart brings out the energy we never knew existed in Brooks. Oh boy! Where did this crazy energy and "boyness" come from? I guess now he has an outlet for the wrestling and running and jumping and kicking and punching...and all other things "boy". Multiple times a day this thought crosses my mind..."What did Brooks do all day before Kervens came along?" I can't imagine one without the other now. Inseparable. And they play incredibly well together. Needing very little intervention from me. Already best friends.
Kervens continues to work on his fear of big dogs. Who better to lessen his fear than Shelley's precious Barkley?
Then, it is off to Birmingham for tonsils and adenoids removal. It has been a long time comin', and we finally made the decision to do it. Oh what a horrific 8 days post surgery. Kenzie could not eat a single thing. Meds were impossible to get down her. She lost 7 pounds in 8 days, and she did not have 7 pounds to lose in the first place. Not our favorite memory of the summer. But, got 'er done.
Jackson got into fishing and catching big bass.
Linnie and Kenzie rescued a baby bird, we named Ziggy, and nursed it back to health. Which we found out later is highly illegal to do! Oops! What did they want us to do? Just leave it in the middle of the road? Not my Kenzie...she is going to rescue that thing! Even if it means going to jail.
And we celebrated daddy's birthday. What an amazing man!
Jackson, Brooks, and Kervens start their soccer season.
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Then we revisit our favorite beach spot, Rosemary Beach. An early birthday surprise for mama. I came home from teaching on a Tuesday, and there was a treasure hunt waiting for me. The hunt ended at Starbucks, where the worker behind the counter handed me an envelope. Inside was a hangman game that led me to realize we were going to the beach...in four days! Better get packin'!
Perfect weather. Perfect week!
