HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

"Dorothy"

"Rhino Power Ranger"

" Luke Skywalker "

Halloween 2008

This is how Derek picks out a pumpkin!

Pumpkin Heads !

Do you think Nathan should lay off the candy?

Big Morning for Nathan!

Nathan was very proud of himself!

This is a picture of the actual note Nathan made for Matty.

Working hard on the envelope.

On Monday morning, Nathan asked if he could make Matty a card. Matty and Livie were at school and Derek was taking his morning nap. It was a perfect time for Nate and I to make something together...only he did NOT want my help. First, he wanted to use some fun stamps on the paper. Then he asked for a pen to write Matty's name. I got Nate the pen and the next thing I realize, he has written Matty's name on the top of the paper. He needed a little help with the "y". I was impressed he remembered how to spell Matty's name and with how well he wrote it. He said he needed to write "Nathan" at the bottom of the note. I just sat and watched with my mouth wide open as he proceeded to write the letters in his name. He couldn't remember what an "h" looked like, so I wrote one on a separate paper and he copied it onto his note. He then finished the other letters in his name. It was a very exciting moment in our morning. I cherish experiences like this with my kids. I absolutely enjoy observing them learn and accomplish something new...but I do have to admit, it is a little sad for me too. They are growing up so fast.

Nathan put his special note in an envelope and wrote Matty's name on the front of it. He brought it with him when we left to go pick Matty up from school. He instantly gave the note to Matty and this became a big moment for Matty. He took the note and said, "Thank you Nathan. DID YOU WRITE MY NAME?" Nathan replied, "Yep. All by myself." Matty opened the note and said, "Nathan I am so proud of you. I am going to keep this forever...even when I am all growned up." How great was that? Matty could have blown him off (like he sometimes does)but he really celebrated Nathan's accomplishment and that meant the world to Nathan (and especially to me). Nathan and his mommy bragged about the note all day. I am proud of you Nathan!

The End of a Great Soccer Season!

Livie defending the goal.

"Shooting Stars" 2008

Go "Stormtroopers"! 2008

(Matty's in the white jersey)

We wrapped up a fun and exciting soccer season yesterday, as Olivia and Mattingly each played in their last games. David, Nathan, Derek, my parents, David's dad, and I cheered the kids on during each game. Olivia worked her little buns off trying to score a goal. She played in the Under-8 division this season and she did remarkably well. She learned to be very agressive and to not be afraid to take the ball away from the opposing team. I was very proud of how determined she was in every one of her games. Her coach said, "Olivia bleeds soccer!" She makes me want to get out there and play. It was a blast watching her improve every game! Way to go, Livie!!

Mattingly played in the Under-6 division again. He really came alive towards the end of the season. Last week he was dribbling the ball up the field and taking it right to the goal. He scored his second goal during that game. His face lit up with excitement as his ball rolled into the net. It was incredible as a parent watching from the sidelines. He had worked hard all season to improve as a soccer player... and he did it. During yesterday's game, Matty was a rock star goalie. He jumped on the ball and used his body to stop the other team from scoring. (Funny story... earlier in the season, David was standing behind the goal to help Matty as goalie. The other team had taken a shot at Matty's goal and David yelled, "Jump on it, Matty!" And literally, Matty tried to jump on the ball with both feet. It was hilarious. Just a kid, trying to do what his daddy told him to do.) We enjoyed watching our kids learn to love playing the game of soccer. Their little bodies had big desires to get out on the field each week and play some serious soccer. Can't wait for next season!