My Sweet Jeremy

It seemed like it would take forever until I would be standing at the airport watching an airplane take off with my sweet Jeremy in it. We told him when he was seven he could fly alone to California. A week ago tomorrow I was there in the Austin airport squeezing him goodbye and packing his bags with extra gum, candy, books and movies. Where has the time gone? He seems all grown up!

He is having the time of his life out there. He spent this first week with Bryan's grandma and grandpa (Gigi and Grandpa) and next week with my parents (Momo and Bobpa). I was so nervous no one would be at the gate for him when he got there, but of course Gigi and Gpa were both there with plenty of time to spare. I am not sure who was more excited, them or Jeremy? They scooped him up and got him pizza from one of our favorite pizza places in CA. I asked him tonight what his favorite part so far has been. He told me, "Watching the first three episodes of Star Wars over and over." Gigi has truly spoiled him rotten with games, toys, movies, and milk shakes!

One treasure Jeremy may not realize until later in life is the opportunity he had to go with Gigi and Gpa to the Pearl Harbor Survivors meeting last Sunday. Gpa has been doing several speaking engagements at different schools, parades, political gatherings, etc. recounting his experience at Pearl Harbor. Here is one of his amazing stories. They meet once a month at Fudruckers. Gpa is one of the youngest survivors and we are so thankful for his dedication and service for our country.

Next week Jeremy is going with my parents to Monterey to camp. It is supposed to rain so we shall see what happens. He's excited and definitely looking forward to playing with his cousins. Can't wait to see pictures!

Jeremy is an amazing kid with a heart of gold. He continues to always help us with anything as well as his brother and sister. He is so smart, and truly loves to learn. He just started piano lessons and is loving it. His teacher told him he has a bright future in music! Jeremy loves playing, writing, legos and Star Wars! That kid knows every character, planet, scene from those movies. I can't keep my own kids' names straight let alone movie characters!! He has had a rough few months between pneumonia, strep throat and a double ear infection. I think before all of this he has only had to have antibiotics once or twice at the most. I don't know what happened this year!!

He did finally start losing teeth. About a month and half ago he lost his first tooth. Amen! His second one fell out about two weeks ago. I came in one morning to wake the boys up for school and he was so upset because the tooth fairy didn't come. I asked him where he put the tooth and he said under his pillow. I asked him how come he didn't tell me he lost his tooth. No reply. Then I had to turn on the light to find the tooth. I reassured him that the tooth fairy surely came, she just wasn't able to find the tooth like we weren't able to. Whew! So the next night the tooth fairy came!

He is growing up so fast, in fact, the doctor said he is the average size of an eleven year old! He is definitely a Kohler! I am so thankful for my sweet Jeremy. I miss him tons this week while he is in CA, but I know he is having the best time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun Jeremy, we love you!

Guitar Lessons

Tomorrow will mark Jeremy's second guitar lesson, but I didn't want his first one to go by without blogging about it. He was so excited! Bryan went into a local music shop and spoke to them about Jeremy wanting to take lessons. Bryan ended up signing him up for 1 month and came home with a guitar, picks and case. All of the kids wanted to play it. The guy told Bryan Jeremy is a little young, but to try it out and see.

So, off they went last week. I met Bryan and the boys and took Logan and Courtney so Bryan and Jeremy could go to their first lesson. I was glad because I was nervous for some reason. We all met up for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants and I got the scoop. His teacher told Bryan that he is very bright and seems to catch on very quickly and was really surprised due to his age (6). They had their lesson and his teacher assigned him an actual song. He told us to just "see" what happens. Don't force anything, just see if he wants to practice, if he likes it, and if he "catches" on. The teacher told us that he told Jeremy he was smart, his reply was, "I know and funny, too." Needless to say we had a mini lesson on what to do when someone gives you a compliment, you simply say thank you. However, we did think it was funny!

That night he came home and taught me everything he learned. I can honestly say I am not cut out for the guitar. I can't even get my fingers to work on a youth guitar!! Jeremy wants to sing while he plays, but hasn't mastered that just yet. He can, however, play Hot Cross Buns! It is just too stinkin' cute! He absolutely loves it and I am anxious to see what happens tomorrow!

End of Year

I can't believe that Jeremy has already completed kindergarten! He had a great year and learned a lot. He is reading above grade level and is excited about first grade. For the end of the year they had a little graduation and awards ceremony. I wasn't able to make it to the awards ceremony, but I did make it to the graduation. They were all pretty cute!

Jeremy also finished up T-Ball. He enjoyed it, but likes racing his BMX more. He and Bryan raced last night with Bryan taking 2nd in his age group and Jeremy 3rd! I think it is great that they can share that together. Logan can't wait until he is big enough to join them. We tried to all go as a family, but Courtney and Logan were under the weather so maybe next time!

First Place

During Bryan's early teens he started BMX bike racing. He was pretty good at it and continued off and on until we had Jeremy. Since Jeremy learned how to ride a bike he has become more interested in BMX bikes and racing. Bryan could not be more excited to have his son interested in something he did! We found a racing bike on Craig's List for Jeremy on Thursday and went to pick it up in Austin. It just so happened that there was a race at the Lonestar track in San Antonio.

We loaded everyone up in the car and off to SA we went. The kids all had a great time despite the cold weather. Bryan was quite nervous as to whether or not Jeremy was really going to like it when he got out on the track. Let me tell you, he had nothing to worry about! After a few practice runs, and several crashes, Jeremy along with three other 5 and under riders took the track. Jeremy not only won the first moto, he smoked 'em!!

Because he won the first moto he automatically qualified for the main race. I am not sure who was more nervous for the race, Bryan or Jeremy! Before Jeremy's big race they had a cookie monster run where Logan got to race his hot wheel and loved it.

After Logan's victory stroll it was time for Jeremy to race again. Oh, he was the cutest thing you have ever seen! He took off, pedaled the entire time and took first place! He did so good!! Bryan was so proud of him, we all were. He got a first place plaque that is already hung on the wall. However, we overheard him tell Gigi that Logan got the best prize for "winning" his race, Little Debbie donuts. We had to laugh!

Jeremy's first day of kindergarten!

I don't think I have seen a kid more excited for school than Jeremy. He could hardly wait to get to Mrs. Bowers class. There wasn't an ounce of hesitation in him. He seemed to have had a great first day and is most certainly looking forward to tomorrow.

On another note...

Jeremy is having the time of his life in California! We miss him, but are so thankful he is able to have this time with Momo, Bobpa, Gigi, Grandpa and his cousins. He has swam almost everyday and loving every minute of it. We can't wait to see him in July, especially Logan. We love you buddy!