April – June 2014

The O’Brien-Kindem’s have been busy these last couple of months. John and Larkin had a successful first season of soccer, they both learned how to ride their bikes, Reagan can now count to 10 and is saying full sentences, and Paul and Family members have been able to take some enjoyable trips.

Soccer: John and Larkin joined a soccer league with other 3-year olds and were able to experience a little bit of what it’s like to be on a team. They enjoyed the pre-game prep talks about “communicating, sharing, giving your all, and being supportive to others.” John seemed to be a natural, by scoring a goal or two in each of his first 3 games, but went into a late season slump during the last two games (wink, wink). Larkin was the best cheerleader on the team and kept a positive attitude, but showed little desire to get into the mix of going after the ball (who could blame her). She did a great job during drills, listening, and when the ball came to her during the game she would kick it down the field in the proper direction (not always the case at this age). Reagan became the eighth player on the team by sitting with the team for the post-game press conference of eating snacks and drinking juice boxes. It was quite hysterical. On one occasion she even decided to sit with the opponent’s team for their snack time. She might have been there for just the snacks, but we think it was to gain some intelligence on the competition. All in all it was a good experience and they hope to play on a team in the fall.

Reagan: has grown in so many ways. She almost weighs as much as Larkin (2 pounds off petite Lulu), but her size seems to fit her well. She has the best right hook in the family, as John and Larkin can attest to (we are trying to teach her to keep her hands and feet to herself) and the little boy she spends a couple of days with each week has the nickname “BamBam”, so her big frame is quiet helpful. Reagan’s development is impressive to say the least. As I mentioned, she is counting past 10, she finishes the words to songs and books we read, is using small sentences to communicate, and plays extremely well with her siblings. She has the early terrible two’s tendencies of crying for what she wants, stomping her feet (probably got this from John), hitting, pinching or pulling to grab her favorite toy away from John, Larkin, or BamBam. But, fortunately this attitude is very much the minority and most of the time she’s an absolute joy to be with. She has started swimming in pools and lakes with a floaty (by herself), and shows no fear when it comes to the water. It’s awesome seeing little Rea Rea swim.

Larkin: enjoys coloring, writing her name, going to the grocery store (probably for the free cookie), making her bed, going out to eat, and hearing stories about her mom, Jamie. Larkin has begun to ask for more stories, which is beautiful, but remains heart wrenching. Her eyes light up as you tell her important details about a situation or the specifics of something mommy enjoyed doing. The anticipation on her face builds as she listens and tries to figure out what’s going to be said next. All three of these kids are special, but for Larkin, part of her uniqueness is in how gentle her heart is and how naturally loving she is to others. It amazes us how at such a young age she is so patient and loving to Reagan. She’s already looking out for her, hugging her, and guiding her. Larkin is also fearless when it comes to certain things. While on a recent trip to the lake cabin, we rented a pontoon boat, and she promptly got on the inner-tube by herself, and was dragged around the lake at full-throttle with twisting turns, and bumpy waves. She then watched intently while her older cousin Anna Katherine (10) was doing tricks on the tube, and then followed up this performance with one of her own by mimicking some of the same moves. Her other favorite things to do were to jump in off the dock and learning how to go under water.

John: this little guy (or not so little) loves to walk around naked. Any time he gets a chance to shed his clothing he’s more than happy to do so. This however, can be a problem at certain events or public places. John also has a very creative mind and loves asking questions about just about everything. He does great in the water and is swimming very well, but probably enjoys the splashing more than anything. He doesn’t have the taste for water sports yet (tubing), but he loves to point out every boat going by and describes whether it’s a jet ski or pontoon, sail, or fishing boat. John loves going into the hot tub (we cool it down) and enjoyed playing “deck soccer” with his many family members. He has made big improvements with his tantrums, and is doing much better at listening to Paul and his teachers.

Paul was able to do a guys’ weekend at the lake cabin in May with his brother Pete and five of his close friends. It was an excellent get-a-way from his crazy life at home. The boys rented a boat one day, went hiking along the lake on the Appalachian Trail, ate tons of great food, told many stories and finished off a couple cases of beers over this long fun weekend.

Paul was also fortunate to help his father-in-law bring their sailboat up part of the East Coast. He flew down to Jacksonville, FL to meet Dan on Trinity (O’Briens’ sailboat). They stopped in Fernandina Beach for the famous Shrimp Parade, Savannah for a trolley tour, and Beaufort for the quite life. Paul enjoyed the many great meals they shared together, the good conversation, the peacefulness of the ocean air, and learning the basics of sailing. It was a special trip that he will remember for a life time.

LAKE LIFE!

OTHER PICS…

SCHOOL PICTURE