Goof Balls

After baths, the boys always have the chance to run around. Basically they run from one end of the house to the other...as fast as they can...giving high 5s whenever possible.

Well, last night Grant added a new twist. Usually Grant is in his boxers and Beckett is naked. Well, last night Grant put boxers on Beckett. Of course, they are too big and it is the funniest thing. Then when Beckett went to put on his PJs, apparently, he didn't want to remove the boxers because he came back with them over his bottoms. Maybe this will be the incentive we need to get him out of diapers.

Anyway, tonight I remembered the camera and so I took a couple of pics.

They are quite the 2some and keep Roger and I laughing (when we aren't ready to strangle them of course! :-)

Enjoy.

This Saturday Grant faced the Storm (I think that was their name). I don't know how they decided teams, but this team got the short stick. The kids really didn't know what to do and the players kept disappearing. Roger had to put some of our players on the sideline so that the teams could stay even. Anyway, as you will see in the video, Hannah, a little girl on Grant's team, was on fire this weekend. Grant scored a couple of goals...hopefully you will be able to tell.

Beckett had a great time at the game this weekend. He is quite the ball dribbler.
He also flirted with his little friend Alina leading her around the field, holding her hand and gave her a few kisses as well. It was so cute and unfortunately I didn't think to pick up my camera. I will keep an eye on them this weekend and try to get it on tape.

First Day of Fall

Unbeknownst to me, today is the first day of fall. And as luck would have it, we did a very fall thing today - we went and picked apples.

I told Grant earlier this week that we were going to the orchard and he was so excited. He asked all week if it was Friday yet. :-)

We went with one of Grant's good friends, Isaac and Isaac's mom and baby brother. We had a great time. Grant and Isaac really enjoyed picking the apples and Beckett really enjoyed pulling the wagon. :-) After filling our baskets, we went to a play area where they had several areas for the kids to romp around - straw maze, straw mountain, corn stalk fort and several play structures. We also made a visit to the orchard store where, of course, we had to sample one of the fresh, homemade caramel apples. Mmmmm. The kids thoroughly enjoyed that treat and got plenty sticky in the process.

 Beckett setting off with the wagon and baskets. He is obsessed with pulling wagons. In fact, it was the only way I got him out of the house this morning. He told me that he just wanted to stay home today, but when I mentioned that there was a wagon to pull, he laid right down to get dressed and then ran out to the car. I guess it's all about finding the right incentives. :-)

 Heading into the orchard. Lots of apples on the ground...not too many on the trees.

 Grant coming up with a plan.

 Beckett's first apple of the day.

 I thought this was a cool shot...kind of artsy on my part. 

 Rachel, Baby Alexander, Isaac and Grant

 And he's off again.

 Why are all the apples so high up?

 Beckett couldn't pull it any longer.

 The 3 boys on the straw bale mountain. Beckett wouldn't let go of his apple.

 Love the tire swing!

 Beckett pushing Baby Alexander. He is just facinated with babies. Funny story - I was picking up Beckett one day at the child care area of the gym and one of the women that works there asked me if we were having another baby. While I was trying to decide if I looked pregnant and thereby needed to get back on the treadmill, she said "because Beckett is just facinated with the younger kids and is always helping them and showing them how to do things." Whew...and oh good. :-)

 Grant launching himself off the straw bale.

I think that they were burying him in the straw.

Follow Me!

Today I took the kids to a class taught by our parks and rec department. I am consistently impressed with the programs that they put together...always a great price and always exceed our expectations. Today's class was all about Monarch Butterflies.

I was a little nervous having both kids since Beckett is sometimes not the most co-operative little guy. Luckily the teacher tried to include him as much as possible and we were outside so he was able to go off and explore.

Grant loved the class and thanked me afterwards for taking him to the "great class." During circle time he gave lots of answers because, as luck would have it, one of his favorite shows has an episode all about Monarchs. Amazing what they pick up when you think that they are just spacing out!

After circle time, there were a few crafts and then the teacher showed us how to hold and tag a monarch. Grant really got into this...listening intently and made sure he was doing it correctly. Then we were all given nets and we marched out into the fields.

Unfortunately we did not catch a Monarch (it's a bad year for them - something is eating them up more than usual). But I am proud to say that we were the only ones to catch a butterfly. It was a Buckeye Butterfly - wings with lots of shades of brown. Grant thought this sounded cool and kept saying it over and over throughout the rest of the day.

 So cute. Beckett ran up and grabbed Grant's hand as we followed the class back to the classroom area. :-)

 Grant answering a question during circle time.

 Craft time. Love the tongue action Grant! That's when you know he's concentrating.

 Grant getting ready for the hike - showing proper form for carrying his net.

 Mmmm, not quite Beck...but close.

Listening to teacher give last minute instructions.

Alligators, Trains and Roasting Marshmallows!

We made a trip up to Ft Wayne this week. Our first stop was the Ft Wayne Children's Zoo again. For a limited time, through the Children's Museum in Indy, we were able to get into the zoo for free. Our last trip felt a bit rushed at the end, so we started at the end of the zoo and worked our way back this time. Another huge difference was that it was about 40 degrees cooler (50 instead of 90) and so all the animals were out and about.

Alligators

I think that this was my favorite part this time. First of all, did you know that alligators can sit on the bottom of rivers (or in this case, pools?) I definitely did not know that and the thought of stepping on one of these in a river really makes you think twice!

This was the largest of the 2 gators in the exhibit and as you can tell, he floated right up to the glass. It was a little creepy to have only 3 inches of glass between you and this HUGE gator. And believe me, his little eye never left us.

Grant wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing.

Train Ride

The train was up and running this time. It was a great ride, especially since we were the only people on it. We went around a very pretty lake in the zoo and saw lots of birds fishing and a few turtles.

The kids are always up for climbing on something.

Grandma and Papa's House

After the zoo we went out to Roger's parents house (Grandma and Papa) for a nice visit. Not only did the kids experience their first roasted marshmallows, but also had their first sleepover at Grandma and Papa's house.

Here the boys are helping Papa with the fire. Throwing sticks into the fire...ahh, brings back memories.

Everyone checking out a medivac helicopter that flew right over the house.

Waiting is always the hardest part.

Are you sure the fire isn't ready?

Finally!

Buddy was ready to catch anything that fell off...he knew to stick close.

Looks like it was worth the wait.

Grant wasn't so sure. He liked them, but not the crispy part on the outside...he only ate about half of each one.

This is a video of the marshmallow roasting.

Soccer Saturday!

After many many weeks of anticipation, today was Grant's first EVER soccer game. He was unbelievably excited this morning and I think that it probably carried all the way through the game. :-) After reviewing the tape, looks like we need to have a few discussions re pushing in soccer. In fact, according my conversation with Grant after the game, he was "pushing kids out of the way because he was so excited to score a goal." Good thing there aren't any red cards at this level. He also falls an inordinate amount...but he does that at home too.

 Grant practicing before the game.

 Coach Simmons with Grant and our wannabe soccer player Beckett. Poor kid, just wanted to play too. 

 

Grant and his friend Emmitt. Emmitt and his family live down the street from us.

 Beckett is obsessed with Baby Asher, Emmitt's little brother (about 5 months old). This is also Emmitt's sister Alina...she is also 2. We have playdates with Emmitt and his family at least once a week.

 Such a cute pic.

 The soccer cluster. I don't think that there was a single pass in the game...at least not on purpose.

 How old are you? I am three. How old are you?

 Grant's biggest cheerleader - Go Grant Go! Go Wind Go!

 Grant and Emmitt during halftime.

Coach Simmons with a few pointers.

If you would like to see a longer clip of the game (about 7 minutes or so), choose the first video. My favorite part is Grant falling into the goal and getting his arm stuck in the netting. Classic.

If you just want to see Grant score his goal, choose the 2nd video.