Here an update on what's been happening at the Burton house.
KadenOne of Kaden's goals this year has been to be taller than his mom. Practically every day he would come stand by me on his toes boasting that he was taller than me. On our trip out west, that goal was achieved. Now he is just waiting to pass up Phil. I really think he has grown like 4-5 inches over summer. When looking at the Florida pictures, he was shorter than I, now he is several inches taller! How can a kid grow that much! Oh, I know, he eats ALL of the time! When we visited my mom out in Wyoming, I bought a bunch of food at Wal-mart before we left SLC. I knew that she wouldn't have her house stocked to sustain a growing 14 year old. She really thought I had lost my mind and was a little frustrated because she didn't want me to have to LEAVE all the food at her house that we didn't eat. Well we didn't leave ONE thing, not one. It was all consumed, much to my mom's surprise!
Kaden also started high school this fall. Holy cow, I have a high schooler. Shocking! And even more shocking is going to the high school and learning about the kind of environment he is exposed to everyday. So much different that when I was going to HS. I have been volunteering quite a bit and have really enjoyed it, it is really nice to get a feel for what is going on to help understand all the pressure kids are under these days.
Kaden has also ran on the cross country team for the 2nd year. Let's just say it hasn't been the best season for him. His first race he totally stressed himself out because they bumped him up to JV. He could totally do it, but just worried himself sick, literally. And it didn't help that several days before that he got his braces. Poor guy couldn't eat much because he teeth were so loose and moving so much. So he went to his first race under fed and worried. Not a good combination. The next several races went well, then he was sick for two more. His last race yesterday didn't happen, because once again he worried himself sick. Hopefully we can figure out a way to help him work through his anxiety so it doesn't stop him from doing things.
Over MEA Phil took Kaden suit shopping at several of his favorite stores in Minneapolis. They found an awesome suit for him. He looks so grown up and handsome in it. It has been such a joy to watch him grown from a boy to a man right in front of our eyes. He is anxiously waiting for the pants to be altered so he can wear his suit to church. The jacket will be a little big on him. . . but not for long with the way he is growing.
Another big adjustment for him has been starting early morning seminary. My nice husband volunteered to take him everyday, which is so nice. So they leave the house at about 5:45 a.m. He has a good group of kids in his class and is learning a lot about the scriptures. It is a wonderful way for him to start his day. He has had a really good attitude and gets up without any problem. So some of his days are very long, especially if he has a meet. Cross country will be over soon and he won't have such long days.
Wow, that is a lot of stuff happening in Kaden's life. The other kids haven't had THAT much going on.
Kauri
Kauri started 5th grade this year and it really growing up in many ways. She can spend countless hours figuring out new hair styles, painting her nails and doing art/sewing projects. She has continued to take piano lessons and is progressing very nicely. She is going to compete again this winter and is already working on her piece. She really enjoys it and is learning a lot. She is so musically talented and can hear music and play it by ear on the piano.
She still LOVES school and doesn't really care for the long break in the summer. And it's not about the social scene at school, she just really loves doing her school work. It is so nice to not have to worrying about her staying on top of her school work. She is a wonderful student. She especially enjoys projects. She will spend a lot of time making it look artistically nice as well as lots of information. She has done a wonderful job so far this year.
She played soccer again this fall, but is thinking that she would rather put on some dancing shoes and hang up her cleats. So I am currently looking into some options for her.
Kambrie continues her campaign for adding a pet to our house. We let her continue with that project. . . us parents just aren't ready add more craziness to this house! She continues to be the girl that our neighbors call when they need help with their dogs. She makes sure that she meets any new neighbors and advertises her business. She is a walking encyclopedia of animal facts. Her choice of tv channels is animal planet, her dream is to meet Victoria Stilwell from It's Me or the Dog." She uses her training techniques are our neighborhood dogs when she is asked to take care of them. I really wish I were more of a dog person, but I'm not. . . eventually I might become one.
Kambrie played fall soccer again. . . but had a horrible season. During her first game as she was doing a fantastic job defending the goal, her foot was stepped on, well stomped on, by a much larger girl. The girls cleat went right between the bone of her big toe and the next one. It was very painful for her and she was out of soccer for a couple of weeks. Then she was sick some, so she didn't play several of the games. And one game was cancelled, which I thought was great, due to the cold. I'm not sure why they don't do that in the spring!
She continues to take piano lessons, which is good some weeks, and not others. She announced to me one day that she just feels like crying sometimes for no reason. Welcome to the world of hormones Kambrie! Another mom told me her girl had said the same thing. I'm not sure if we are ready for this!
Kyson is now in first grade! This was a huge adjustment for him, but after the first week he has absolutely loved going to school. The first little while was hard for him due to getting up earlier than he had all summer. We have adjusted his bedtime and he is doing really well. He is excited about learning and just loves to do his homework. Wish that would rub off on a couple of his siblings! He thinks his teacher is the most awesome person ever and can't stop talking about her. I just love it.
He played soccer this fall as well. Yes, this fall was CRAZY! We are glad the soccer season is OVER! He had so much fun. He had two wonderful coaches that were amazing at keeping 12 7 year old boys entertained. They would play really fun games during practice that would teach them skills and give them plenty of exercise. The games were really fun to watch. They only had four from each team on the field at once. He isn't quite sure if he wants to do soccer or baseball in the spring. I would say soccer.
He is still all about playing with friends and can't quiet understand why he can't have a friend over every day of the week. On several occasions parents and teachers have told me about how considerate Kyson is of others. One day at school when they were playing color tag, the little girl he was chasing fell down. Instead of tagging her, he waited for her to get, made sure she was o.k., then started running after her. His teacher was very touched by his thoughtfulness. Another mom told me of how Kyson helped her daughter at church by showing her where the library was so she could get some scriptures. He even held her hand the whole time. What a sweet boy.
Well, that is just a little summary of the last little bit.
