Heinz Family Part 2!

It’s officially Maycember—that wild, wonderful time of year that feels like December, but with sunscreen instead of snow gear. 😅

Our calendar is packed with programs, soccer tournaments, games, practices (times two for Leo and Bodhi!), and track meets for Noah. It’s a constant whirlwind… and honestly? We’re loving it.

The kids are thriving. It’s so fun watching them light up doing what they love, and seeing their hard work and joy in every event makes all the hustle feel worth it. Add to that the huge gift of Blake being able to slow down at work and really be present—it’s made everything feel more doable and way more meaningful.

Even Mother’s Day was classic Maycember: we spent it at a soccer tournament in Sioux Falls—but it was full of laughter, cheering, and family time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Leo was a fish and spent his free time in the pool while the other kids hung with soccer teammates and siblings. We snuck away to do some shopping and ate at all of our Sioux Falls favorites.

Here’s to the chaos, the car snacks, the muddy cleats, and the memories. 💛⚽🏃‍♂️🌸

It has been so exciting watching Noah find another sport that he enjoys, and we didn’t know just how much he would excel at it. He’s been running indoors at Northern meets and enjoys running the 55 m, relays, and the 800. He did run the 1600 for his first meet and decided he would keep distance for cross country meets. The relay team is chasing a few records, and it’s fun to watch just how competitive these great boys get!

Easter this year was a little more solemn than previous years. Blake’s uncle, and the kids’ great uncle, Jerry, passed away unexpectedly on Good Friday. This was heartbreaking but we were able to come together as a family and celebrate Easter together before attending the visitation and funeral.

With Grandma Ket’s house almost empty, Easter dinner and the egg hunt happened at our home. The older kids hid so many eggs and everyone had so much fun finding candy and little prizes.

This year was definitely different and we were all in shock, but it was wonderful to spend the day together.

Last week was our first time going to the Roncalli Ball and it was such a fun night out! We met our friends Sarah, and Scott, and got to sit at a table with our friends Megan and Ryan. Everyone was dressed up and looking sharp, all for a good cause—raising money for Leo’s school system. Good food, great company, and a fun way to support something important to us. Already looking forward to next year! 💙✨

Blake’s 41st birthday was a little more chill than last year’s party vacations, but still full of the good stuff. He worked most of the day, and we celebrated with a carb-heavy dinner to fuel up Noah for his track meet the next day. Finished it off with some Dairy Queen Blizzards because… birthday. 🎉 Not a wild one, but definitely a sweet one.

Last week marked a significant step in Willow’s recovery journey after her wrestling injury in December. After a successful surgery with Dr.Volmerk in Sioux Falls to repair her UCL in her elbow, she’s now on the road to recovery. The surgery itself went smoothly, and Willow was in high spirits going into the procedure, ready to take on the challenge ahead.

However, coming out of anesthesia was a different experience. The pain and emotions overwhelmed her, but the support from family and friends helped her through those tough moments. Every text and phone call that came in made her feel incredibly loved and supported during this difficult time.

The ride home from Sioux Falls was grueling, as expected, but we are thankful that this part of the journey is behind us. While the road to recovery is still long, Willow is staying positive and focused on healing. We’re grateful for the care she received and the unwavering support from those around us. Here’s to a smooth recovery and brighter days ahead!

Here’s a few pictures of Willow with many of her special friends that stopped by last week to brighten her recovery.