Although our summer officially began May 15th, Cade's last day of Pre-K. I'd venture to say that now we are a month in, but it hasn't really started yet. Both of the big kids are playing soccer through the summer and have a big tournament coming up this weekend, so our practice schedule has been 4-5 times a week since school got out.

Cade was invited to begin training with the top coach for TSC '09 (along with 3 other teammates). He's loving it, but it meant leaving his little brother behind and disbanding the Knights. We still haven't found a team for Hunter, but have been praying for the perfect opportunity. Cade also played baseball in the Spring, and fell in love with the sport. Dave is contemplating coaching him next year, which he said he'd never do. He just can't stay away!

Ady is still playing rec, and has had the most wonderful opportunity to play under coaches that she is really learning from with a great group of girls. She has no desire to play competitively, and wants to give more attention to some individual sports like horse riding and tennis.

Holden began walking around 14 months, and was kicking a soccer ball before he could take more than 3 consecutive steps. He loves being on the fields with his older siblings, and I'm sure he'll be playing in no time. I am truly a soccer mom (personalized shirts included), and have learned way more about the sport than I ever thought was possible, thanks to some veteran moms. I MAY even watch some World Cup this year... MAYBE!

It's rained a lot (thankfully), and we have been in and out of town a TON. We lost my precious Aunt Val to cancer on May 31st, and our sweet Colie pug just prior, but have barely had time to grieve either one. The next two months are solely devoted to summer: sunshine, pools, rest, and catching up with friends and family. We plan to spend lots of time at the deer lease, picking blackberries and enjoying the outdoors too!

In the Fall, I will send Ady (3rd grade) and Hunter (Pre-K) off to school at Victory Christian, and will have Cade (Kindergarten) and Holden here at home. I've begun choosing my curriculum (My Father's World) and planning our year together. We like to keep things changing here at home, and it's very likely that our actual home will be changing in the next year too. Dave and I have been on the lookout for just the right place.

Wishing your family a restful, sunny, and fun Summer 2014!

-The Hodges Homestead