joy school graduation

Joy School Jack

Joy School Ben
(I told him to smile, and he said "smile")

Joy School was a challenge for several reasons this year, including the fact that Jack and Ben are VERY energetic. This photo is misleading, since I don't think that they stood still like this for more than a few moments (all year long!).

Some impromptu dancing courtesy of Ben during the Joy School Graduation Program.

super mario brothers seventh birthday

We asked just a couple of friends over to eat cake and ice cream, the kids played, and Pete got his coveted AT-AT Lego set! He's been saving his money and this year for his birthday we contributed to the pot along with grandparents to get it for him.

so long soccer saturdays (for now)

Soccer has ended for the Spring Season 2011. Our last game for Jack and Ben was this week and it ended up raining for the better part of it. Ben was not a happy camper (in his defense, he had been sick the week leading up to the game), but Jack continued to play his heart out. Jack has really proven to be a soccer star, scoring goals at most of our games, and more importantly, seems to LOVE playing (as evidenced by the huge grin on his face in most of these shots).

Jack going after the ball despite the rain.

Jack turning it around.

Taking it down field.

One on four.

These shots give the illusion of some amount of organization and talent that really don't exist in U4 soccer. It is still mostly chaos with children often distracted and running in random directions. Jack, however, does seem to be honing his skills in soccer and has improved remarkably over the season.

After the game, Jack is pleased.

During the game, Ben stood still, shivering, and repeating over, and over "I don't want to get wet, I don't want to get wet." He was still not totally back to himself after ALL three boys had the flu this past week. And he didn't like the rain :).

burgess falls

easter

pinewood derby

Pete participated in his first pinewood derby in March 2011. He and Wade spent many hours working on it together (and Wade spent plenty of his own time researching and planning out how to win!). In the end, Pete didn't make it to the last rounds, but he did get 3rd place for the Tiger Cubs (his age group of kids).

Pete's car is the red one on the far right.

Watching his car race.

3rd place for Tiger Cubs!

The Tiger Cubs!

brothers

Ben is #3, Jack is #2. Ben was on track dribbling towards the goal,
when Jack came up along side.

Ben takes a shot on goal.

It hit the post and bounced out.

Jack grabs Ben before and after the shot.

Ben is not happy about Jack's interference.

soccer saturday

Spring has sprung in Nashville (and then went on vacation, and then came back again, etc, etc). In any case, it is soccer season, and this year Jack and Ben are playing on a team for the first time! Pete continues to play (U7) and enjoys it, although the jury is still out about whether or not he's going to continue into competitive play as he gets older.

As for Jack and Ben, I decided to coach their team this year (U4). They really love playing and I have enjoyed "herding" the 3/4-year-olds on the field. Jack and Ben have gotten so big, it's hard to believe that they are 4 and doing so many big kid things (like playing soccer). I really need to update the sidebar photos of my boys! Our team is still learning how to play and after 3 games, we finally scored some points at our game today. Jack scored twice! His first soccer goals- I was so proud.

Ben talking smack to the other team

Ben's kick

Jack going the wrong way

Jack

birthday #4

...included a pinata


..some cakes

..and candles

...Spiderman and Optimus Prime were also there (of course).

...and don't forget the birthday boys! (Jack)

...and Ben

...birthday cards
...and presents (transformers, legos, soccer cleats)

...and one family who sure is happy to have Jack and Ben on the team!

ben is four

I Love this guy!

I love how he says "dude."
I love when he howls like a wolf (for seemingly no reason at all).
I love how he says "sorry" for biting his brother or saying 'stupid'.
I love his martial arts/dancing.
I love when he sings.
I love his prayers (and how he can stop to take a bite WHILE he is praying).
I love his sly smile when he gets caught.
I love his hugs and kisses.
I love his wii skills (and even how he asks 5 times a day to play).
I love how he yells when he gets mad.
I love his adorable little nose and how he wipes it on his sleeve.
I love how he shares with his brothers/friends.