Happy Halloween!!!!

Here is our tribute to Halloween. It is funny because the kids wanted to watch this last night. Brooklyn is obsessed with the video and that is all she wants to watch. Maddux is not so into it. He didn't want to watch it yesterday although he ended up taking some peeks from about 20 feet away. Then last night when we put him in bed his stomach all of a sudden hurt and he needed to sleep with mom and dad. I think he was just scared of the monsters and didn't want to sleep by himself. I told Jennie that would happen but she insisted he watched it. Nolan was fine and also loves the video. I wish I could post the whole thing but it is over 10 minutes so I took the best part.

I was also lucky enough to leave work early today so I could go any watch Brooklyn's school Halloween parade. All the kids got to put on their costumes and then watch around the outside of the school with all the parents watching. I was surprised at how many parents were actually there. I took Maddux as he was bored sitting at home. Brooklyn was the only Snow Queen there but I guess you can only have one Queen.


Here is Brooklyn's friend Meghan who was dressed as a Panera worker.

Tonight we are off to Greg and Tacie's house to have pizza and trick-or-treat. The kids are very excited to hang out with their cousins and and also gets lots of candy. It is nice to have family so close that we can do these types of things together. We will put up some pictures tomorrow of the festivities. We hope that you and your family have a safe and Happy Halloween.

One Last Game & a Halloween Party.

Well Maddux did get to play one last game; a make-up game that was earlier rained out and he went out with a bang. His team won 7 - 5 and he scored five goals. He also scored 1 of the other teams 5 to make things close. I don't mean to brag or anything but the other team also scored their 4 goals with him on the sidelines. They only had 6 players so Maddux's team had to sub and every time he went out is when they scored. When he was in there he had no problems catching up to the other players and taking the ball from them. It has been fun to watch him progress during the season. When he first started he would just kick the ball as far as he could and now he can dribble the ball up the field and takes his time. He is still faster than most the other players so he can also kick the ball down the field and beat everyone to it. He had a lot of fun and can't wait to play again next year.










I finally got one picture of him scoring. Here he is right in front of the goal kicking it thru for one of his goals. Every other goal I always seemed to miss or didn't have the camera ready but I finally got one. I felt bad for Brooklyn as her team was suppose to play this weekend as well but they couldn't get enough girls so they forfeited their game. She had a lot of fun this year and made a lot of friends. That feeling didn't last long as she was off to the first of two Halloween parties for the day. Her friend, Kirsten, had a Halloween themed birthday party and Brooklyn had a ton of fun. They had a magician and played lots of games. Brooklyn came home with a Ziploc bag full of candy. From there it was off to our Church Halloween party. Jennie was in charge of it and had to be there early so I picked up Brooklyn from her party and took her and the kids straight to the next party. There were lots of games and crafts for the kids to play. They got to run around for a couple of hours in their costumes with their cousins and really had a blast. It is kind of funny because we haven't even been trick-or-treating yet and we have 2 huge bags full of candy.


















Here are the kids participating in one of the many games. They had to eat a donut off a string without using their hands. Brooklyn had no problem with the donut and made very short work of it.















Maddux on the other hand never got the hang of it. He kept missing and having the donut come back and hit him in the mouth. After about a minute he finally gave up and the girls let him take it down and eat it with his hands. Maybe he figured he had enough treats and really didn't need to work for this one.
















They ended up having a fun filled weekend and are anxious for Friday to get here so they can go trick-or-treating with their cousins.

The Wiggles!!!

Here are some pictures from our surprise the other night. On Thursday I took the boys out for a surprise. They had no idea what it was only that it was a boys night out. Jennie dropped them off after work and we first went to McDonald's for dinner. We then went to the show and Maddux thought we were going into a movie. It wasn't until we walked thru the doors and they could see the Wiggles sign that he knew what it was. Nolan didn't actually know what it was until they took the stage. This is the third time I have taken the kids to see the Wiggles but the first time that Nolan has gone. Both Brooklyn and Maddux loved them when they were little but Nolan has been the biggest fanatic so far. He could sit and watch them all day. It was kind of funny because I don't think that Nolan blinked once during the whole show. Both his eyes and mouth were wide open the whole show. It was the same way Maddux was the first time I took him 2 years ago.

We walked in and they could see the stage all set up and the big sign over but Nolan wasn't sure what was going on. He has seen them lots on TV but really didn't know what was going on. It was funny because they were playing music until the show started and every time a song ended he would say, "it's over", and I would just think to myself just wait, it hasn't even started. We had really good seats and were only 8 rows from the stage and had aisle seats. They could see everything up close and could stand up and dance if they wanted. Maddux would sing and dance but Nolan was just awestruck and just watched. It was funny when they first came out on stage in The Big Red Car because his eyes just got really big and a huge smile came across his face. I think it was then that he realized that they weren't coming on the TV this time. The aisle seats are good because they tend to run through the audience from time to time and interact with the fans. We were lucky enough to have three of the four run right down our aisle. They were all inches from us. Maddux stuck out his hands to get fives but Nolan had no idea what to do and just stood there in awe.
As much as I hate to admit it the Wiggles have grown on me. I remember hating them the first couple of times that I heard or saw them but now I know every song. They do put on a very good show and the kids absolutely love them. The show lasted about an hour and a half and is non stop the whole time. Those guys have to be in incredible shape. They then both got to pick out a souvenir after the show to bring home. Maddux picked a baseball cap and Nolan got a shirt. I think next year it will probably be just me and Nolan as Maddux will probably be a little too old for them. It is kind of sad that the last three concerts that I have been to were all the Wiggles. I guess that is what happens when you have kids.
Brooklyn, Jennie and Payton also had a girls night out. They went over to Jennie's parents and went out with Connie for dinner and Brooklyn's surprise. They ended up going to an art shop where you can paint ceramics and have them glazed and take them home. Brooklyn is quite the artist and had a blast. She got to make a Santa mug and really enjoyed herself. I was worried that she was going to be sad about not being able to go to the show but I haven't heard one thing about it from her. I think she is officially over the Wiggles.
Jennie and I love doing things with and for the kids and it is always fun to surprise them with things like this. I feel kind of guilty because I think I have just as much, if not more, fun than they do. It is priceless to see the expressions on their face when they finally figure out what they are doing.

The sweetest laugh you have ever heard.

Yesterday was Payton's three month birthday and she is growing up so fast. She is making all sorts of noises, smiling at everyone, and has the sweetest laugh that I have ever heard. We had to capture it on video and even though it is short it is one of the cutest things you will ever hear.

The kids last games of the season.

On Saturday Maddux had his second karate tournament. And like the first he finished in first place with the highest score. There were probably about 25 kids ranging in age from 3 1/2 to 7. He scored a total of 20.5 points and was the only competitor to score a 7, he got two of them. I don't mean to sound biased or anything but he was by far and away the best in his class. Even though he is doing so well I don't know if they will move him up for awhile because of his age. The other kids in his class are 6 and 7 and he is still 4. This may keep him where he is at for a little while. He loves it and we have seen a huge improvement over the last year. Here is Maddux receiving his medal for first place. He now has two first place medals to show off.






I felt kind of bad because Maddux's karate tournament and Brooklyn's last game were at the same time so I didn't get to see any of her game. They did tie 2 - 2 to finish the season 1 - 1 -6. Their last 2 games were by far the best of the year. I am also happy to report that next year Brooklyn will have a new coach. Apparently I am not the only one who thinks her coach this year was useless. Connie has graciously agreed to be her new coach. We were also fortunate to have Grandma Elaine come and watch Brooklyn's game.
I know that Brooklyn had a lot of fun but it is sometimes hard to watch her team play with little or no direction. Maybe I shouldn't worry about it at this age but I see the other teams they are playing and there is a huge difference. I don't want her to fall behind because one coach doesn't want to take the time to teach the girls. Anyways, it is over now and we will see if she wants to play next year.

From Maddux's karate we went straight to his soccer game and made it just as the game was starting. He really wanted to play so I am glad that we made it in time. He may have one more make up game this Saturday depending on the weather but also may not. His team has only lost one game this year and weren't going to end the season on a losing streak.
His team won 12 - 4 and Maddux had 4 goals. I think that is his most for the season. I felt bad for him because I forgot to bring a long sleeve shirt and it was pretty good that morning. I think he may have been the only kid in short sleeves. It was a hectic morning and I just forgot so I am crossing my fingers hoping he doesn't get sick. He also had a blast this year playing soccer and really enjoyed finally being on a "Team" and being able to wear a uniform. He has been jealous of Brooklyn over the last year watching her compete in different things.
His team had their end of season party tonight after a quick practice. They went to Dairy Queen and then handed out ribbons. We didn't get to stay very long as Nolan threw up all over the place. Both him and I were sick all weekend and didn't do much outside of laying around. I really felt bad for Jennie as I wasn't much help and she not only had to watch over the kids but also had to clean up Nolan every time he threw up. That poor kid must have thrown up 6 or 8 times this weekend. After everything he ate came throw up. The funny thing, if there can be something funny about this, is that after he threw up he was asking for more food. He just couldn't get enough. Hopefully the worst is behind us and everyone will be back to their normal selves.

Parent Teacher Conference

Today we had Brooklyn's first Parent Teacher Conference and it is official...she is a genius. Mrs. Becker said that Brooklyn is a very good student and that she does very well in class. She is a very good drawer / colorer and her handwriting has significantly improved over the last month or so. She is very happy with Brooklyn's progress and has no complaints about her. It was pretty short but I guess there isn't much to say about a first grader. Brooklyn really loves school and has become quite the artist. She is also reading very well and has even received an award for her math skills, she must get that from her dad. All in all it was a very good report and we are very proud of Brooklyn and her excitement to learn. This is her latest school pictures which a lot of you will be getting shortly.

Back in the First Grade.

With it being Columbus Day I had the day off work and was able to spend it doing things with the kids. I got to walk Brooklyn to school this morning and then pick her up after. I also was lucky enough to be able to bring Brooklyn lunch today, at school, and sit with her and her class and eat. I forgot how small those desks and tables are. I couldn't even fit both my legs under the table to eat. I did have a blast and I think all the kids thought it was cool that I brought pizza for us to eat. It was funny listening to their conversations and talking with them. We got to sit next to Emily, who is Brooklyn's jump roping buddy, Adam and Alex who are also in her class. I was asking them lots of questions and trying to make them laugh. I was asking them what they liked to do during recess and Adam replied that he liked to chase girls. I guess I know who I need to watch out for. The whole experience was really fun and I am glad that I got to do that. I can't wait for the next day I am off where Brooklyn has school because I will definitely go back.


After that Maddux, Nolan and I went to pick up some pumpkins. They each got to pick out their own pumpkin and then I got one for Brooklyn. I think we will wait to carve them so they last until Halloween. We found a good deal on some huge pumpkins that are going to be tons of fun to clean out and I am sure that it won't be the kids cleaning them.

Then once Brooklyn and I got back from school the kids helped me fill these little pumpkin bags with leaves so I could hang them from the tree. They love to decorate for the holidays and will help out wherever possible. I don't know if I have more fun or if they do. If we could just keep Nolan from playing with or taking everything down we could really go all out.

The kids had a blast picked up the leaves and can't wait until they all fall off and they, I mean Jennie and I, can rake them up so they can jump in them. I think that is their favorite time of Fall after Halloween of course. The neighbor has a huge tree in her front yard and because of how close it is to our yard we get a majority of the leaves. It is a pain to rake them up but the kids love playing in them so that makes it worth it. We will have some pictures of that once the leaves fall.

This last picture is a tribute to Spencer and his love for jump roping. The kids have quickly picked this up and do it whenever they can. We had to go out and buy them each a jump rope so they wouldn't fight. It is funny because everyday Brooklyn will jump rope on her way to school and then Maddux will jump rope on the way home. They are actually quite good considering they haven't been doing it for very long. They have already figured out the criss-cross and can run down the street while jumping. Maybe one day we will see them on ESPN and the contest that they run.