Capturing the Kerrys: The Close of Summer

After a climb at Roselle Park.

Today's the official end to our summer. And looking back, it's been a big one. Actually, the last week alone has marked so many milestones all at once...truthfully it's a little overwhelming:

Ryan:

- First flag football practice

- Kindergarten orientation

- Last day of Milestones (pre-school)

- Dune rides at silver lake

Elise:

- First time on the toilet and potty. (She seriously just asked to go and then did it!)

Max:

- First game as a head coach

- Surprise visit from his Dad, and Brothers Brian and Johnny

Me:

- Just trying to catch up and keep track of everyone's "stuff" (both literal and calendar-related)

All that said, we had a great summer and I am sad to see things change. Fall promises good things as well, so we'll just focus on that and take it a day at a time.

Tomorrow is Ryan's first day of kindergarten so we'll be sure to post pics then.

Love to all,

Court, Max, Ryan + Elise

We take an annual Ryan/Daddy photo in front of the press box every year. This year Max could barely hold him!

Elise and Ryan watching the annual Red/White scrimmage. This year's event was combined with the band and 100's turned out for the community celebration afterwards.

Ryan started flag football. Though he's technically underage, he's not undersized, so he still gets to play!

It's like herding rainbow colored cats.

Ryan at one of Max's practices.

Ryan's got a new best friend. Rainbow the beta fish. It's the most excited we've ever seen Ryan. He's taking really great care of the fish so far. The first night we let him keep the fish in his room. After putting him down I heard him talking to the fish, "Did you see that one?" When I told him he needed to go to sleep he said, "But it's just sooooo amazing, mom." The colors mixed with the fish's shadow were keeping him well entertained.

A week ago, Elise announced she wanted to go potty in the big potty. And then she went. Just like that. We didn't do much to potty train Ryan and he had just a handful of accidents, ever. Here's to hoping we're as lucky with Little Ms.

Max had his first game as a head coach. It was an amazing game, but it ended in a loss in double overtime. The team played hard and in the end an interception ended it for the team.

Best of all, Max's family was able to come out and surprise him. It made it so special to coach in front of his Dad and Brothers!

Ryan and Uncle Johnny (from Nashville, TN) | Elise and Uncle B (Brian from Ithaca, NY).

Abby even came home from Hope to sit with us during the first half of the game. The week was full or surprises.

The kids took a few trips to the John Ball Park Zoo this summer. We're members and so impressed by everything it has aded in the past few years. Here the kids had a blast watching the Gorilla's (who happened to be VERY active this particular day.)

Our summer was marked by so many fun events with friends. Here Ryan and Colin enjoy his first sleep over. They watched Cars 2 and stayed up talking. And yes, Colin is wearing a head lamp. Because you just never know...

Check out the intensity on these kids faces. Has anyone every jumped into an inflatable pool with such determination?

Ryan, Levi and Joshua have been raised together since almost day one. They miss each other dearly since Ryan used to be at deb's three days a week. They're like family to Ryan...and yes, Ryan is a giant. Levi (right) is normal height and 6 years old :)

Speaking of family, Staci started as my college "wallmate," became my "suitemate" and then "housemate"...and now we're "kidmates"? It's a blessing to see our kids playing together (one missing, sorry Allison.) But I am so grateful that we are close enough to now watch our kiddos build their own relationships.

My parents celebrated 40 years of marriage (the same day we celebrated 11). We surprised them with a day of scavenger hunts around the theme "Red" (since the ruby is the 40th gift). It all culminated in a meal at Reds on the River.

Our sweet boy. Sometimes he's so serious. Others he's full of joy. Max just surprised him with a Spartan backpack on the right and he could not have been any happier!

Taking a break from playing at a picnic Max threw for the players at Versluis park.

Ryan got a new bike and has not stopped riding since. Within a day he was riding off curbs after taking a slight step backwards to his training wheels (He learned last summer, but this summer had grown so big for his bike that he couldn't keep balance.) A bigger bike and he's riding like a pro.

The garden took off. We can barely freeze everything we've grown...I'm learning so much every week. We'll see if all this stuff still tastes good come december! (did you know you can freeze whole tomatoes and green peppers?)