Tossa de Mar...Hammertime!

Since the Hammer's are in Europe we booked a summer vacation together in Northern Spain that is halfway between the both of us. 

We booked a week in Tossa de Mar, about an hour and a half outside of Barcelona. This place was perfect for us to relax at the beach and take a day trip into Barcelona. After counting down the days, we couldn't wait for our trip with them.

We made some great memories, were able to love on the Hammer girls, drank sangria and wine every night, stayed up late playing games, celebrated Julie's birthday, the kids had so much fun with each other, looked at way too many topless women (and some nude men), hiked the city, and most of all bonded our friendship.

Grace is 7!

Hard to believe it's been seven year since we welcomed our sweet girl into our family! Grace is just so full of joy and happiness that almost bursts from her little body.

We celebrated with 3 of her friends at our house doing art projects, eating fun snacks and doing the whole birthday cake and presents. She was in heaven all day and didn't want it to end.

                           

                                         

I picked up Grace from school early on her birthday and took her out to lunch and shopping. It was a fun day that will become a tradition for years to come.

She had fun picking out her own clothes and her favorite stores.

                           

In her class they sang happy birthday in 3 languages plus sign language while the class was circled around her. It was a very cute idea and made her so happy. 

I brought in a cookie cake for her to share with her friends.

                                      

Baseball Time

It's baseball time again! The kids (well, maybe Jackson more) have been counting down until this day. Jackson is playing in the minors this year. They have boys pitching as well as umpires to keep the game on track. He loves playing baseball and truly enjoys being part of a team.

Grace is playing coach pitch for the first time this year. Yeah, no more t-ball! Just kidding...but really we were ready to move on...

Jason is coaching both of their teams. I know he's crazy. But he truly loves being a part of the kids lives during this time. I love that and am thankful that he loves it too.

After the opening ceremonies (no pictures b/c no SD card in the camera) we went to Jason's gym to play and hit some balls. 

The kids did fantastic on their first game. Here's to living our lives around baseball for the next 7 weeks!

Third Quarter Reports

                                     We are so proud of the kids and the third quarter progress reports they received. Hard to believe just one more quarter and we will have a 4th and 2nd grader...

                                             

                                                 

Steve Smith Football Camp

Jackson was able to take part in the Steve Smith NFL Pro football camp offered on base. There were only 120 slots open to the first to sign up. He was so excited when we told him that he got in and would participating. 

The camp took place on Saturday and Sunday for 4 hours. Jason took him both days and was able to watch from the stands the drills they did. Jason was very impressed and loved seeing the interaction Steve Smith had with the boys and girls. 

At the end of the camp each kid got a autographed t-shirt, football and picture of him.

Jackson will treasure these for years, I am sure!

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter this year! Between getting our traditional cake from our neighbor Frau Lill, to dying Easter eggs, enjoying the celebration of our Risen Savior and having lunch with friends it was a special time.