Flag Football

There is an episode of the Cosby Show where Rudy (the youngest daughter) goes out for the football team (against her mother's wishes) and ends up dominating the first games, thus turning her mom into a crazed, my-kid's-the best, psycho person. 

Friends, I fear that I may be that woman.......:)

Like any other mom, I want my children to have fun....to try new things (especially new hard things)....and above all to be happy even if they are the most uncoordinated kid on the team.  But let's be honest.  When your kid runs the length of the field to score a touchdown on his first possession in his first football game.....it's kind of exciting.  And you can't help but think, "That's MY baby!!!"

The game (according to the scoreboard) did not turn out so well for the Cardinals.....there were some near fist-fights with the other team on the line, several fumbled balls and moments of total confusion, and you didn't hear this from me, but #28 may have been crying during the last three plays because some "mean guys on the other team grabbed him and threw him on his face" (poor kid). That being said, they managed to score 12 points against a more experienced team, Kale stiff-armed a kid on a long run that nearly resulted in a third touchdown, had many, many stops on defense (flag pulls, I guess) and you could see that all the work the team had put in during practices had paid off because those sweet boys hustled all over that field 'til the final whistle blew.

And even though the score didn't end in our favor, I think it's safe to say that I'm going to be one of those uber-proud sports moms....(you're not really surprised, are you?).

Go Cardinals!!

Goodbye Summer

The school year starting has been a little bitter sweet.  Even when I was a kid I was one of those people who loved heading back to school.  That being said, I'm already missing the slow mornings in pj's, relaxing at the pool with Kale, and laid back days filled with board games, tea parties, and cartoons.  Maybe I should start a countdown to winter break?! :)

One last look at our summer.....

Kale fishing with Grandpa and Dad.  Miss Bailey has a pink rod with matching sunglasses she's all ready to try out.

Cheering on the Royals

Shay celebrating the fact that her hair can (kinda) fit into a little ponytail!

Hanging out on (and below) the swing set.

We finally made it to Baltimore to visit Nate and Briana!

Our first time to see the sites in D.C.

At dinner to celebrate Nate's birthday

And just like that, the school year is in full swing.....

First Grade

Sporting his flag football gear

Happiness Is.......

 Stealing grandpa's spot on the couch and waiting for his "attack".......

 Making a "bed" that fills the whole living room......

Flying Superman style on daddy's arms.......

Sharing snacks with your cousin........

Cuddling with Mom.......

Enjoying summer with your family :)

Vacation

We not only survived...we thoroughly enjoyed our vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks!

Our favorite part of the trip (ha ha)

As we pulled into town and were driving through a tourist area filled with arcades, ice cream and novelty shops, ect. and Kale said, "I had no idea things in Missouri could actually be fun!"  What can I say?  We've trained him well when it comes to disliking all things Mizzou ;)

Playing skeeball

At the arcade

We did have several "we're in Missouri moments"...a science center that more closely resembled a shed with posters and science related things scattered about.....and dinner at a restaurant where there were ash trays on every table (in our defense, the place was relatively empty and the food was good)....and a waitress who made a comment about her son being about the same age as Shay, but less chubby....:)

Bailey at the "Science Center"

Digging for fossils

At one point we ventured on a cave tour.....somehow forgetting that our daughters were nearing nap time and not big fans of dark, wet, enclosed places.  Needless to say Dain and I burned a few calories carrying them through the half mile tour (1/4 mile in.....then back out) that included shimmying through some rather tight spaces and low "ceilings" that dripped with water!

Kale at Bridal Cave

Dain and Bailey in the cave

We took the kids to the lake, but not surprisingly their favorite thing by far was playing at the pool at the condo. They were happy as clams splashing around, "dunking" daddy, playing catch, and doing cannon-bobs (yes bobs not balls...it's Bailey slang).

Swimming at the lake

Bailey knocking Daddy out with her beach ball

Kale and Dain

We stayed up past bedtime watching movies, Kale learned how to play checkers, and we even went for a late night swim because....well, it's vacation and you can do things like that!

More pool time

Dain and I may need at least a year before we venture out for any extended amount of time with our children again (just kidding...) but in the mean time we're looking forward to enjoying our last few days of summer before school starts again!

Sun, Fun, and Family (Part 2)

We actually have vegetables growing in our garden!  Yay!

Our little sleepy head....I think she's a phenomenal sleeper just like her mama :)

Some mornings it's just hard to wake up....

Bailey loves holding her new cousin.

Royals game!

Mr. Brooks sporting his mama's shades :)

Shay snuggling with Grandma B

Ready to catch some foul balls!

Baseball game + awesome suite stocked with food = happiness

Pete with his adorable son, Gabe!

Sun, Fun, and Family Time

 Bailey and Jordan watching fireworks

 Cousin Josh sliding into home plate

 Miss Shay watching everyone play

The more the merrier!

Sweet baby Kylie snoozing away

The Boys

Kale and Kaden with Jaris

Future All-Americans!?

With Brett after camp

On the way to the swimming pool

These two crack me up.  It's so much fun to ride with them in a car and listen to them giggle (words like fart, toot, booty, and boogers ALWAYS cause an explosion of laughter), and argue about things like where anteaters live (the rain forest or Australia), and discuss important topics like what kind of dog Kaden has (Kale said, "Is it a greyhound?" and Kaden said, "No!  Cooper's white!) or what cartoon their going to watch after lunch. 

You know.  Really deep stuff ;)

I also love the fact that even though Kale's a first grader now, when you ask him who is best friend is, he always says Kaden.  I know they'll grow and change and continue to make new friends, but I'd love if that was always his answer!  In the mean time, I'll continue to enjoy their running commentary about why kissing girls is gross, barbies are dumb, and Icee Freezes are the best treat at the pool.