Brighton Kevin: 11 Years Old

 Dearest Brighton Kevin,

You are 11 whole years old! I cannot believe you are in 5th grade and growing like a weed. You continue to amaze me with your kind and curious personality...never meeting a stranger!

You had an amazing soccer season last year~ finishing top 200 in the country out of 90,000 teams! This year you are leading the U11 team and shining bright! You are playing wing, striker, defense and even goalie. You are such a team player~ always looking to pump your teammates up and lead by example! You all recently won the Buckeye Classic tournament in crazy rain conditions. You loved playing on turf, in the rain and made a mohawk with you hair that had everyone cracking up!

You had an awesome golf season~ winning several tournaments and shooting your best scores to date. You enjoyed having Laine, Leighton and Robbie caddy for you this summer. They are such positive role models and truly enjoy being around you on & of the course. You worked hard each week on your putting, short game, and driving. You loved meeting up at HCC with your buddies and playing the big course as well as the Chapel. Your respect for the game is so remarkable!

You are flourishing in level 5...loving Mrs. Saylor and embracing the responsibilities that come with leading the PYP school. You have been diligent about your schoolwork~ even asking to go to homework hall to be able to concentrate better. You love safety patrol duty, greeting students, and conversing with them about their day. You know every teacher and are always interested in their lives & hobbies.

You were diagnosed with ADHD and underlying Anxiety in the late spring/early summer. I am so proud of how you have handled this...working each week in therapy to better cope with your feelings and using your tools at school to help. Knowing that your brain works in its beautifully perfect Brighton way and seeing the positive has made me so blessed to be your mom!

Your love for sketching as been such a gift. You are so talented and enjoy drawing anything & everything. Most things from memory! The birthday card you made for Mrs. Saylor was stunning~ the witches brew Alani drawn/sketched was so special. I hope you always have a love for art and creativity!

I hope you always know how special you are son. I hope you always know the joy and brightness you bring to all of those around you. The Lord knew how great a gift He gave the day you were born!

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

A Thompson Fall: Take a Family Hike

 On the most overcast morning of Labor Day weekend, we enjoyed a nice shaded family hike at the Louisville Nature Preserve. A 1.5 mile loop was the perfect distance for the whole gang. We saw deer, butterflies, caterpillars, and beautiful blooms. The kids enjoyed all the sights while Ryan & I reminisced about our hiking days. It was so nice to slow down and spend some time outdoors. There is joy in simplicity!

                                                     

A Thompson Fall: Visit a Farmer's Market

 Norton Common's Farmer's Market on the last Sunday in August did not disappoint. A sweet walking path complete with upside down pineapple cake, fresh squeezed lemonade, flowers from Mon Ami, scrumptious popsicles, handmade jewelry, spicy bbq, homegrown veggies, and more! The kids loved looking at all of the wonders and window shopping. I loved taking in the labors of love by each vendor and having my mom there to share in the day. We of course all loved our coffee and croissants from Crust & Crumb on the corner. This was a great way to celebrate Adelaide turning 14, to end August, and to continue with our fall bucket traditions!