Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Basketball Season

Both Caden and Cole played basketball this winter. This was the first year Cole was able to play. Practices started in November, and games went into March. Both boys really enjoyed playing and showed a lot of improvement throughout the season. It was nice that they had good friends on their teams.

Caden is #5. This game was played in his elementary school gym.


Caden made an awesome game-winning shot from near the free throw line in the last seconds of a game. Of course, that was the game I missed! Thankfully, he had other fans there to witness it. He was so excited!

Cole is #9. He made some shots and really hustled. He had a great first season.



Trophy time--On Cole's left is his good buddy, Henry. Henry's dad was the coach.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Christmas

Christmas Eve


Christmas morning...Checking out presents from Santa
Cole excited about new Pokemon cards
Caden checking out his presents
Cole and Kieran taking a moment to look through the new HUGE Marvel superhero book
Santa brought Kieran a LeapPad
Skylanders Swap Force was on the top of the big boys' lists.

Emptying their stockings





Opening presents from Mom and Dad
Caden's Kindle gift card was wrapped really well!
Finally making progress!
An electronic chess game for Caden
Another big request from Caden...Peyton Manning jersey
Cole was thrilled to get his telescope this year. It was on his list last year, but the request was not taken seriously.
Golf clubs for Kieran
Lots of military toys for Cole
Opening presents with Nana, Papa, Grammy, and Aunt Mariah
Kieran and his mini Millennium Falcon
Cole and his Beywarriors set



Caden with one of many Lego sets

Enjoying some of their new toys
              
            
 


Rainbow loom bracelet kit from Aunt Mariah

Cole trying out one of the new WiiU games

Photos with everyone who celebrated Christmas with us...





We enjoyed another wonderful Christmas Day with family. The day always goes by too quickly after all the prep work. 

The day after Christmas
Papa and Kieran playing with Cole's military toys
Showing off new shirts from Grammy and Grandpa
Building lots and lots of Legos

More Christmas break fun
Caden working on his demolition set from Nana and Papa
Kieran modeling his new Power Ranger gear
Cole ready for battle in his military gear





Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Wintery Winter

We had a very wintery winter this year--LOTS of snow and EXTREMELY cold! Our first measurable snow came on my birthday. I have hoped for a birthday snow every year for as long as I can remember. I don't often get my wish, but I did this year.

We have so much fun playing in the snow in our backyard and on the golf course hills behind our house.
Kieran (in case you can't tell who this bundled up one is)
Working on the three S's--snowman, snowballs, and sledding
Cole threatening
Papa working on his snowman masterpiece
Caden, the snow angel
Kieran keeping up with the big boys
Nana, Papa, and their snowman
Kieran's turn down one of the golf course hills
Can't see Cole's eyes, but his smile is perfect.
LOVE a snowy day, especially if we get to stay home and enjoy it!

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Pre-Christmas Cheer

The end of November and month of December were all about prepping for Christmas. As always, we enjoy this season and all of our traditions so much.

The weekend before Thanksgiving, we attended Festival of Trees. 
Waiting for the train

First Santa visit of the season
 We made a quick trip (unfortunately due to Curt's work schedule) to Benton to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Kieran and Grammy loving on the pets
 The weekend after Thanksgiving, we decked the halls. Our home officially felt like Christmas.




Breakfast with Santa at Laurel United Methodist Church

Visit #2 with the Big Man
Cookie decorating





Yay! We're all looking toward the camera!
Nana and Papa's turn in front of the beautiful tree at church
 Kieran's naps became more sporadic in December. 

Catching a snooze on the couch

Island Bay Yacht Club's Breakfast with Santa--Cole, Kieran, Nana, Papa, and I attended this event, while Caden and Curt were at church for his Christmas program practice. Side note, Caden played Joseph in the Sunday School Christmas program and did an awesome job. My photos did not turn out well at all (blurry and weird lighting), so I will not post any. Cole and Kieran also had singing parts in the program and did very well. 
Kieran carefully decorating his gingerbread tree

Cole concentrating on decorating his cookie

Papa and Cole

Visit #3 for these two boys

Heading home to play in the snow after a fun morning at IBYC





Post-snow play storytime



Kieran's preschool Christmas party
Play-doh fun with Sam and Madison

Filling an ornament for our Christmas tree

Enjoying a delicious Santa cupcake



Kieran's Christmas program--Mrs. Hart and I had no idea how Kieran would react to performing in front of all the parents for the Christmas program. He knew the songs. They practiced hard, and he often sang the songs at home. I was so PROUD of him! Kieran sang his heart out and did so well in front of the crowd.  
My little angel







Classroom winter parties
Cole was able to wear pajamas to school and made this cute snowman.

Making a snowman out of powdered donuts, pretzels, chocolate chips, and m&m's

Caden and Nathan participating in a winter word scramble game



My dear friend, Kara who has two boys of her own, gave me the perfect birthday present--a ninjabread cookie kit. The boys had so much fun making and eating their ninjas.









All ready for Christmas!