Jennie's Driving Adventures.

Just thought I would post some pictures from Jennie's short trip to Brooklyn's basketball game last Saturday. She was sitting at a stop sign when a Ford F150 decided to back up right into her. Lucky for her it was a Strongsville police officer so he made sure the situation was taken care of. She now has a rental, which the kids like better because of the DVD player, as she waits for the van to get fixed.

Our Easter Weekend

Well our Easter weekend was extremely busy and full of fun. It started off Friday night with some of Brooklyn's friends coming over to dye Easter eggs. I think some of their fingers may still be colored. It is always a lot of fun to dye eggs but can leave quite the mess.


Maddux and his pink hands.


Brooklyn with her new eyeballs.


Nolan couldn't let them have all the fun.

Then with Saturday being the day before Easter there were no games scheduled for that week so I took the three older kids to the IX Indoor Amusement Park. It is a giant indoor building filled with over 60 different roller coasters and rides for the kids to ride. We have gone for the last 4 years and the kids have a blast. It is nice because you pay one price to get in and then can ride all day long. It is like an indoor fair. We ended up staying for close to 7 hours this time and I was extremely worn out by the end of the day. It was however quite entertaining because for the first time we spent the majority of the day on the adult and big kid rides instead of the little kid rides. The kids were a lot braver and found out, after going on some of the rides once, that they really liked the bigger rides and they were better than the little kid rides. We ended up having to go on some rides over and over again; and these were rides that they wanted nothing to do with in the past. This way I didn't have to just sit and watch but could instead ride with them.


Here are Brooklyn and Maddux on the flying swings. I can only take so many rides that just spin around and around.


Nolan and Brooklyn at the end of the giant slide. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to tell who won. Maddux is not even in the picture yet.


This was one of the boys favorite rides and one that really surprised me. The ride is called the inverter and takes you up and hangs you upside down. I was very surprised that not only did they ride it but they had to go on it multiple times. I did it once and had my share of being hung upside. It is definitely different doing it when you are young and then again as you get older. It just isn't the same. I love this picture because the kids are looking right at me and smiling while they are hanging upside down. The white planks in the background are the ceiling.


Brooklyn and Nolan getting ready to ride the angry caterpillar.


While there we took in a magic show and when the magician asked for some help Maddux was the one he selected. He had Maddux first balance a long feather on his hand and then asked if he could do it on his nose. It actually made it quite awhile before it fell off.


One of the few little kid rides that they went on.


This is the effect of playing Plants vs. Zombies too much on the computer. This is the Zombie look from atop the Ferris Wheel.


I really wish I would have thought of this earlier. By the time I thought about taking video we were on our way out. I did manage to get a little video of them while on the tornado.

Then on Sunday we went over the Grandma and Grandpa Kerr's for a good ole Easter egg hunt and some dinner.


Since it was raining we had to have the hunt inside the house and made the kids wait in the garage until all 260 eggs were hidden.


Payton going through and checking all her loot. This was the first time that she really got into the hunt and didn't stop after the first couple of eggs.


Brooklyn finding an egg in the wreath.


Payton and her blue mouth after eating all of her treats that she found. That girl can put the candy away.

Couple pictures of Brooklyn and her budding sports career. Now if I could only get Jennie to take some pictures of the boys. I am going to have to find a way to do that while coaching their games.


Brooklyn with one of her friends working on her pitching technique. She has really gotten excited about sports this year and really seems to like softball.


I had to put this picture up to show you the size of some of the girls that she is playing against in basketball. It is 3rd thru 5th grade and there are really some big girls out there. This is the girl that Brooklyn had to guard during the game and you can see the size difference. There are some real monsters out there. She is starting to get physical and can play some lock down defense when she wants to.

Anyway, we hope that you all had a Happy Easter and are enjoying your time as we wait for Summer to approach. We are very busy with everything going on right now but wouldn't change anything. It is such a blessing to be able to watch and help the kids with their various activities and we look forward to many many more years to come.

Celebrating the Life of Grandma Laura Beard.

Laura Lee Beard December 28, 1937 - March 29, 2011

Last week we lost a very special person in my Grandma (Great Grandma) Beard. While it was nice to get together with family and celebrate her life, there was definitely a different feeling being there without her being there. Even though she will be missed by all we are grateful to know that we will see each other again. This is not good-bye but instead a see you later.

I am so grateful that we lived so close to her over the last 9 years and loved having my kids know who their grandmother was and be able to spend as much time with her as we have. I can remember as a little boy being so excited to go visit my grandparents and I saw that same excitement with my kids. Now it may have been the fact that my grandmother always had a gift for them, would take them out to eat, and usually took them clothes shopping; but I think that some of that was also being able to spend time with and get to know their great grandparents. I am so grateful that they had that opportunity and that my grandmother also was able to see them grow up a little. I have so many memories of my grandmother from turning me lose in the garden, to taking me skinny dipping in the creek, to helping her make dinner, to visiting her at her store and being able to go pick out the clothes that I wanted, to having her visit us while in Montana, and being able to take the kids down 3 or 4 times a year, that I truly feel blessed to have been a part of her life while on earth a and am comforted by the fact that we will be reunited again one day. One story that I shared at the funeral and will always remember about her involved my grandfather, a baseball and a bat. My grandfather had peaked my interest in baseball and had me in the yard one day throwing baseballs to me to hit. I remember hitting one ball right back at him and hitting him right in the eye. I dropped the bat and ran into the house, into the back room, crying. Still to this day I remember how bad I felt. I felt as though I had really done something wrong and was in trouble. I remember her coming back and getting me telling me that everything was going to be ok and that grandpa would be fine. After a little coaxing she finally got me to leave the back room and go see grandpa. I will never forget going into the kitchen and seeing him standing there with a steak on his eye. He took it off and his eye was all swollen and already black and blue. I will remember that entire story for as long as I live. My grandmother was a very strong and independent woman but had such a big heart and was always looking for ways to comfort and help others. She was very giving of her time and often volunteered to benefit others. She touched the lives of so many people and will be missed by us all. I have no doubt that she is in a better place and has moved on to the next phase of her life. She is with Heavenly Father now and can continue her works along side Him.

The following is just a compilation of pictures from our recent trip to Indiana in which we remembered and celebrated her life. The fist slideshow was pictures of her life and our lives with her. Thanks to my cousin, Sierra, for putting the pictures of my grandmother together and creating disks for everyone to take. There are quite a few pictures that I had never seen and am grateful to now have them in my files.

Grandma we love you and miss but know that you are in a better place and Heavenly Father must have needed you back with him. We are blessed to have been a part of your life and grateful to know that we will see you again one day. You have left a strong legacy here on Earth and we are all proud to be a part of your family.

Our Monthly Update.

Well my monthly update is starting to become a habit and I apologize for not updating more. Things have been really busy at work and by the time I get home I am exhausted and not in a blogging mode. With the kids starting up sports again things are going to get really busy. I will try and do better but make no promises. Maddux has been playing in an indoor soccer league to get ready for the Spring league which starts in a couple of weeks. He was asked to play by some of his friends and really enjoys it. He is on a pretty good team and they have not lost yet. I think I may look into it again next Winter as it is good exercise and get them out of the house. He has played 3 games so far winning two and tying the other.


Here he is tracking down the ball.


Not sure what is going on in this picture. He either really has to go to the bathroom or is preparing for a hard rebound to come right back at him.


I am not sure what you call this kick but all I know is that you can see the ball (blue spot) at the top of the screen. He was standing about 15 feet away from the goal and appears to have kicked the ball straight up and hit the roof. Again, not sure what he was going for here.


Here are Payton and Nolan dressed in aprons, made by Connie, ready to go to work and help out in the kitchen.


Here are our two little chefs helping make dinner. Nolan has often been one to volunteer and help Jennie or I but now Payton has gotten into the action. They really like to be a part of the process in helping make dinner or whatever we are preparing.


Payton has become very fond of using the potty and we may be weeks away from being completely out of diapers. She has been sleeping through the night and waking up dry which has made us very proud. She loves to sit in front of the TV on her potty and do her thing. I personally think she just likes the treat. It is funny because she will go to the bathroom 4 or 5 times in 20 minutes. I think she is just going little bits at a time to make sure she gets a treat after every time. I guess whatever works is fine as long as we get her out of the diapers.


Sometimes you just have to push a little bit. I think she must be trying to get one of those tootsie rolls that her Uncle Greg promised her. She really has no shame in going wherever or in front of whomever may be there. It will be really nice when she is out of diapers for good (for Jennie).


Finally we have Maddux with another missing tooth. We were very happy to see this one go as it has been dead for the last 3 years of so. He hit it on a chair and it had been black ever since. He lost this tooth while brushing his teeth this morning and really did lose it as it fell down the sink and into the drain. He is hoping that the tooth fairy will take a note in leu of the real thing. I think he will make an exception.

Our Monthly Update.

Well I know that everyone has been wondering what has been going on with us since our last blog a month and half ago. Everyone has been fine but the monitor on our laptop computer died and we can't download pictures on our desktop so we had to go out and get a new iMac. We are now back in business so I will update you on our last six weeks. We haven't been super busy which is nice as we gear up to the Spring and all the sports that go along with that and Summer. The next 4 or 5 months are going to be very busy for us.

Valentine's weekend Brooklyn and I continued our yearly tradition of hitting the daddy daughter dance. A night out on the town with dinner, dancing and ice cream. Brooklyn has a group of friends who accompany us and this year Greg came with Addysen and Brynnley. As usual the night was a lot of fun and something that I will always remember as the years keep whisking by. It is something that Brooklyn and I look forward to every year and are glad that we have something like this to participate in.


Brooklyn and I ready to hit the town. As you can tell we are dressed to impress.


Brynnley, Brooklyn and Addysen getting ready to cut some serious rug. It took a little while for Brynnley to get warmed up but once she started, there was no stopping her.


Brooklyn and Addysen demonstrating some of the Justin Bieber moves. I felt sorry for Addysen because she wore some shoes with 2 or 3 inch heels and they could not have been comfortable at all. At least she will now know for next year and can wear something a little more comfortable.


Greg and I with the girls on our way home. It is nice because because they bring in a professional photographer to give everyone a picture together and then the girls each get a flower (or two) on the way out. It is really a great evening and something special that we look forward to every year. A couple of years and I will get to take both of my girls.

For Martin Luther King weekend I took the kids to go visit my grandparents in Indiana. Jennie had to stay for Church responsibilities but I like getting down to see them any time I can. It is so nice to be so close and have the means to head down there whenever they allow us. We also lucked out as we got snow the night before we went down and were able to spend some quality time on the hills with the sleds. Although it was a quick trip it is always good to see my grandparents. We are blessed that my grandfather is still alive and that he can get to know his great grandkids. He may not spend a lot of time playing or interacting with him but I am grateful that our kids have the opportunity to know their great grandfather.


It wouldn't be a trip to Great Grandma and Great Grandpa's if there wasn't some type of present. My grandmother always seems to find the perfect gifts for the kids and it gives them something to do while they are there. They love to play in the basement but need other things to do as well.


Brooklyn on the bottom of the hill after one of her rides.


Maddux cruising down the hill. I don't know how he can see anything with his hat covering his eyes.


I think Nolan had the best time; at least until you see the next picture. He has the best facial expressions of anyone I have ever seen.


This is after an encounter with a tree. I got going so fast and didn't know what to do so he just hung on and ran right into the tree. His face slammed right up against the bark and left him with a little reminder. I will say that Nolan is one tough kid because after about a minute of crying he grabbed his sled and headed right back up the hill. I think the snow and cold may have numbed some of the feeling and he was more scared than anything. This picture is about 5 minutes after we got back. He was one wore out little boy.

Basketball season has also ended for Maddux and Brooklyn and now we will shift our focus to soccer, baseball and softball. Maddux will start playing in an indoor soccer league next week which transitions right into the regular league. Baseball will be right around the corner and Maddux will be one busy boy. Brooklyn will we playing in a Spring basketball league and then start soccer in April. Nolan just got done with his first session of swimming and will start karate next week. He will also play soccer in the Spring with the other kids. Times are going to be very busy and will only get busier as Payton gets older and the kids get into different things. I keep telling Brooklyn that she needs to hurry and grow up so she can start driving everyone all over the place. I only have pictures of Brooklyn playing basketball as I coach Maddux's team and Jennie is not one to take pictures.


Brooklyn sprinting down the floor to get back on offense. This may be the fastest that I have ever seen Brooklyn run however I do think the picture adds some speed on as well.


Brooklyn has started to get a little more aggressive and I do have proof. At the beginning of the year she really didn't want anything to do with the ball and would shy away. Towards the end she started to get into the game a little more and even scrapped with some of the other girls. Jennie believes there may be hope for her yet. She still has a long way to go but she is slowly making progress.


We couldn't have a six week update without a picture of Payton. She is getting so big and a blast to be around. She is the girl version of Nolan. A quick funny story from the other week about her. Jennie has slowly been trying to get Payton out of diapers but has had very little luck. She will wear her "big girls" every once in awhile and will sit on the toilet but doesn't do anything once on there. Well the other day we hear her calling for mommy and wasn't sure of where she was. Well we found her sitting on the toilet going poop. She had taken off her pants and diaper and got on the toilet all by herself. It was her first time and she couldn't wake to call Grandma to tell her the good news. Grandma has typically promised the kids a treat for the first time that they use the potty and Payton wanted to make sure that she collected on that promise. Her treat of choice; fruit snacks. We were very proud of her and hope to be out of diapers in the near future.

One last picture of Maddux, who just lost one of his front teeth last week. If it had only been the black one. We have been waiting for 4 years for that thing to fall out and it is still there.



Now that our computer situation is back up and running I promise to get back on the regular track with our blogging. We will be getting very busy and should have plenty to talk about. We hope that everyone is doing fine and will talk to you all later.

Maddux's 7th Birthday

Saturday marked Maddux's 7th birthday and does he know how to throw a party. He went roller skating over the Christmas break for the first time and decided that he wanted to do that for his party. The next thing you know we have 21 kids and 10 or so adults at his party. It was a lot of fun and I know Maddux had a very good time. It is amazing at how fast the time goes by and how quickly Maddux has grown up. He is a very mature little man and has been such a blessing to our lives. He does very well in school and is our little athlete. His teacher routinely compliments him on his maturity and willingness to help out with any and everything. The following are pictures from his party as well as a photo story of his life.


Maddux with his friends and cousins during his special birthday dance.


Maddux cruising around the rink. The first couple of laps he goes around holding onto the side but as soon as he gets his roller legs warmed up he is all over the place. He did very good for his second time out.


Liam, Maddux and Cannon taking a break. They were playing a sound that Maddux does not like so he had to come off the rink and cover his ears.


Here are the "Beliebers" showing their support for Justin Bieber. They actually left during the cake because the DJ played a Justin Bieber song.

Here is a quick recap of Maddux's life in pictures.


His very first birthday and family picture. Look at Brooklyn's red hair.


Maddux and Brynnley with Grandma Elaine and Margie. It is funny because I think Brynnley still makes that same face today.


Maddux when he had some curls (18 months old). I know that Jennie was very sad to see those go.


Maddux at one of his first trips to the zoo (4 years old).


Maddux's bad boy days in karate (5 years old). He was one mean looking kid.


Maddux doing his best David Beckham soccer impersonation. You gotta love the mohawk.


This is one of my favorite pictures of Maddux. I told him to look at the camera and waive the it was perfect.


Maddux standing on third after hitting a triple. Baseball might be his favorite game to play.


Maddux is the king of the beach in Clearwater, Florida.

We are so grateful for Maddux and the blessing that he is in our lives. He is a very special boy and we are glad to have him in our family. Thank you to all of those who took part in his birthday and helped make his day special.