Luke Playing the French Horn

Luke joined the school band in Fall of 2018. He was given the French Horn as his instrument. He has risen to the challenge since then for sure. This is a video of one of his first attempts.

Luke's Homerun

Of all the homeruns that Luke and Eli have hit, I have only caught two on video. Both were Luke's. Always exciting!

Judah and Luke Making Music Together

For a season, Luke was taking piano lessons, Eli guitar lessons and Judah drum lessons. At one lesson, Judah and Luke were having a little jam time together. 

Luke's 5th Grade Graduation Speech and Shrek Performance

Luke was Pinocchio in his 5th grade play, Shrek.

Luke received the honor of giving the speech for his 5th grade graduation in May of 2017. He got to wear the sports coat again, and he looked like a professional. 😊

Luke's Nashville Trip

Trying to catch up here, so I'm going way back to 2017. In the early part of the year (I can't even remember exactly when!), Luke and I took a trip to Nashville to visit Raeanna and Josh. They had lots of fun things planned for you, Luke, mostly things you had requested. We had to find you a jacket for the symphony before we left, and you enjoyed dressing up a bit.

We flew, of course. I think it was the first time you had flown since you were about 4 so you were pretty excited. 

Their first treat for you was a Predators' hockey game. You had never been to an ice hockey game, but you totally understood what was going on and really got into it.

 Uncle Josh has a really cool drum set, and you were starting to get into the idea of music and loved that you could play as much as you wanted.

We both looked very nice for our night at the symphony. It was a really cool experience for both of us.

The science center was a fun experience too. You liked trying out all the things and really enjoyed the moon walk. It did take a little getting used to...

 We missed the snow by a few days, unfortunately. But Aunt Raeanna saved you some in the freezer. :)

Luke's Birthday Weekend

For his birthday this year, Luke asked to go to Clearwater Beach to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  If you've seen the movie Dolphin Tail, that's where it was made and the home of the dolphin, Winter.  We got a hotel on the bay for the night and swapped Judah for cousin Cole.  The boys had fun jumping on the beds, eating out and playing in the water.  And, of course, being silly.

 The boys collecting treasures.

 Proud of his find.

 Silly, I tell you.

 Attempt at a couple's photo.

 Their collection.  Every piece (Except for the seaweed. That, I refused.) came home with us.

 Friendly fella'.

 Okay, so maybe just Eli was silly all weekend.

 Yep, it was just Eli.

 The birthday boy.

 Spotted eel

 Rehabbed turtle.  It's back legs were damaged, so it was unable to be released.

 Winter

 Winter's prosthetic tail

 I kept waiting for someone to stop the boys from practically swimming with the sting ray, but no one did.  It was probably their favorite part of the day.  It was pretty cool to actually pet it, even if I did keep asking Kris nervously, "Isn't a sting ray what killed Steve Irwin?!?"  He ignored me.

 Nicolas was a true star.  He loved his audience (or maybe all the treats they kept feeding him for every trick he did).

 It was just fun to be with the boys and to be able to say "Yes" to Luke's request.

 When we got back into town we ate dinner at Kris' parents' house and had Luke's favorite. Key Lime Pie!

 Judah getting his dance on.

 Luke really didn't care about having an official party as long as he got a cake and presents. 

It was a fun time for him and for us.