Festival

The girls were working at a festival at their Grandparent's church today.  We're great pals, so of course we went by to see them!  KK showed off her balloon animal skills by making us a snake and a worm!  We hung out with Grandpa Overton in the bounce house for a bit, then went over to see the firemen.  This guy was really cool. He put on all of his gear and showed us what he would look and sound like if he were to come in looking for us in a fire.

Then we got to go in the truck! They let us play with everything!

Then B suckered Mom into another face painting fiasco.  I went off to show off for the girls by winning lots of cool prizes while he and Mom stood in line, then waited for this elaborate face painting job.  Of course, it lasted about 2 minutes before he was yelling "I WANT IT OFF!  I DON WANNA FACE PAINTED!"  Mom almost pulled the newly washed truck over to tie his hands down when he started smearing his fingers everywhere, but we made it home intact!

Who Needs a Plan?

Mom picked Levi AND I up after school today for another archery lesson at Mr. Shaver's house.

But, Mr. Shaver must've forgotten because he wasn't home. No sweat! We don't need a plan to enjoy an hour together!

Game!

Let's just say Coley's not the only one who has game.  While he and Braylon are out playing ball, Lila and I are having a heckuva time on the sidelines!

Coach Harry

Just a note from the editor about an awesome new person in Cole's life. 

Baseball season has been off to a rough start this fall.  Cole moved up a league and went from being the star, to being overwhelmed with 3 hrs. of practice, very intense Dads and very serious teammates.  He was actually hinting about quitting this sport which he has loved for the past 2.5 years and it was breaking our hearts.  Mark doubled up on backyard practices and I was just really trying to make it less intense and more positive for him.  Yesterday was our first game, well first 2 games actually.  It was the hottest day of the summer and we were at the ball park from 4-8 pm.  Cole still swings at every pitch so struck out his first two times at bat and fought tears on his way back to the dugout both times.  He was disengaged in the field (played in the sand which he hasn't done since he was 5) and just seemed to go through the motions fielding the ball slowly and throwing it casually to first.  I actually prayed when he went to the plate the third time for him to just connect with the ball.  Prayer answered and ball delivered DEEP into center field for a triple AND the game winning run for the Cubs.  It was just what he needed and I was over the moon to see the smile return to his face.

Game two saw three more strikeouts, but when I left with B at 7:30 he was still positive and just looking to make an out.  Our plan was to get one solid hit and make one out for his team at these first games.  When he came home at 8:15 he presented me with a giant smile, reports of an easy out at 3rd and THE GAME BALL!  This is where I tear up because I know there were many boys on that team who made bigger contributions yesterday, but somehow Coach Harry knew my boy needed that ball. 

So here's a big shout out to the really good coaches out there who not only teach fundamentals, but reach out when kids need it and inspire them to give it their best.

Thank you Coach Harry!

Metamorphosis

A week ago, we got another chrysalis from the Farmer's Market. We couldn't wait to see what happened to it!

We watched it very carefully until one day it started to turn black.

When we left for Costco this morning, it looked amazing!

How cool is this?

Look what was waiting for us when we got home!

Mind blown!  We took this guy outside and let him enjoy the beautiful world.  Thanks for letting us watch your arrival!

The Thing About My Brother...

My brother Coley is a cool 2nd grader now.  Yes, he does like to tease and fight with me but the thing about my brother is that he really really loves me.

This morning he was so happy to announce that he'd introduced me to "The Super Hero Squad" and was even happier to report to Mom and Dad that I liked it!  Then he dug out all of his old superhero squad guys and the helicarrier and gave them to me!

After school, he came right home and can you believe he played superheroes with me?!

My favorite thing about Coley is that he is never too cool to include me.  I love you Cole!

PRE-SCHOOL!

The big day finally arrived!  My first day of pre-school at Zion Lutheran.  My teacher is Mrs. Keller.  We already love her because she taught Coley too!

Mom and Dad got me an awesome new lunch box which lights up and makes R2D2 sounds. 

It's not scary to go off to school when you have a big brother just down the hall! 

I know that if ever I need help, Coley and his friends will be right there for me.  I love you Coley!

Okay, let's Go!  NOTE:  We are still young enough to not be embarassed by the matchy matchy Vandy backpacks Mom buys us.  Stay tuned for future rebellion against this trend.

Of course the biggest Vandy was there!  Daddy went in late to work so he could be there when I went off to my first day.

Hooray for Zion Lutheran!

We Are Pre-School CHAMPIONS!

Okay so Mom did spend the rest of the morning sobbing about her babies growing up too quickly.  At least she waited until she was out of sight to do so!  Embarassing Mom!  My buddies Jonah, Aiden, Alex and Dylan may have seen you!

Celebrate!

Today we FINALLY got to see our dear friends the Chailles.  We all had a LOT to celebrate, but mainly we just missed them and were so happy to spend an afternoon with them.

Cole, Mommy and Jonah's Daddy all have had birthdays lately AND Jonah and I are starting Pre-School in the morning!  That's a lot to celebrate!

Happy Birthday Old Man Chaille!

There were a lot of candles on the rainbow cake Mom made.

Oh and of course, I wore the Knight costume which I have not taken off for more than an hour since last Tuesday. 

We do not love this posing business...

Is this what you want?

C'mon Ma!  Take the shot already!

Thanks for coming over to play and celebrate with us!

Second Grade!

And just like that, in the blink of an eye, summer is over and it's time to go back to school.  You may remember just a few short days ago, when I was off to Pre-School.  Guess what?  It's time for 2nd Grade!

We stopped in to see Sis.  It's her first day of Kindergarten.  I wanted all those other boys to know she has a big 2nd grader looking out for her. 

I already knew where my classroom was.  I already knew my teacher and I already knew just what to expect.  That's what we love about Zion!

Of course, my two wing men were there!  Dad went in late to work and B came along to make sure everything was good enough for me :)

He even helped me sharpen all of my pencils!

Miss Kreutz was just as bright and cheerful as she always is.  I have  a feeling it's going to be a great year!

She had a letter for me waiting at my desk!

Which is right next to this guy!  How cool is that?!

Mom gathered us all up for a class photo.  We lost Claire and Ashley so now we're down to 12.

And this is what second graders look like MOST of the time!

We were soon off to chapel to say some prayers for the school year.   At the end the 2nd graders all got their very own Bibles! 

I tried to dodge the obligatory hug.  Everyone thought that was pretty funny.

Yup, I'm a pretty cool dude and 2nd grade is shaping up to be AWESOME.

We Three Kings

Sunday.  The day after.  Man, we were like Zombies!  The last party animal left just as Mom was getting us dressed to go to ANOTHER party.  Here's where B was found at lunchtime.

We did manage to rally and stumble over to our good buddy Alex's 4th birthday party.  Jonah was there! 

And of course, these two quickly came up with identies and a plot to save the world.

Another pinata.  This one lasted through almost all the kids (like they should!)

B was the first Vandy to take a turn.

I was the second and because I hadn't exhausted my pinata swing the day before, I unleashed a monster blow and took Batman down.

Most of the kids were busy stuffing their bags full of loot.  B?  He found a little pink bottle of bubbles and was happy as could be.  Here he is with the birthday boy in his dapper new specs!

And here are the caped crusaders who were running around saving booootiful princesses all afternoon.

You may be wondering which of us is Batman and which is Robin.  If you are, you obviously don't know us well!  We are BOTH Batman thank you very much.

Alex had the same cake we brought to daycare for OUR birthday!  This one turns your poop forest green as an added bonus!

I think Alex's Dad lit the candle 4 times :)  We like to blow it out!

Oh and then Alex swiped a big fingerfull of icing which was the FUNNIEST thing we've ever seen!

He tossed his spoon away and dove right in.  Atta boy Alex!

We three are about to rule Preschool.  Happy Birthday Alex!