Swinging

After another doctor appointment for Brayden, the boys and I joined some friends at the amazing Clemyjontri park. Thankfully it was not nearly as busy as the last time we were there but the carousel was closed for the season. Luke found a new swing to try (sporting his King of the Playground shirt) and Brayden enjoyed his moment in the special swing. Carter was busy climbing.

End of the Season

Soccer season came to an end this past weekend.












Luke had a blast and is celebrating his goal. Mini soccer hands out medals, he was wearing his proudly.

Carter seems to be a bit more of the defense mind set when it comes to soccer. He wants to protect that goal. Since he moved up to the older soccer group, the kids each get little trophies (in the photo he is holding his cupcake!)

Trick or Treat Waterford Style

All day long Luke asked "Is it time for trick 'n treating yet?" I told him that it would be time when it was dark. Then he asked over and over again. "When is it time for dark?"

Halloween is always fun. Dressing up and lots of candy. Well, Waterford does Halloween right. The historic village hosts tons of trick or treaters. The old homes and dark streets make for perfect Halloween scenery. The elementary school decorates several houses and helps supply the candy. When I say decorate, I do not mean just some fun lights and pumpkins. They really take it to another level. This barn was decorated like Halloween in Mexico and even had a Mariachi band playing outside.

We joined several families for the adventure. Carter and Luke were ready as Batman and Robin. Brayden opted not to wear a costume this year. The boys were thrilled with the amount of candy and had lots of fun seeing friends all dressed up.

Soccer, Soccer

Carter and Luke have soccer this fall.


This is the first year Carter has practice during the week and then games on the weekend. The games are fun and not really set up to keep score, although the kids still know the score.


Luke plays in Mini Soccer. He loves every minute of it. Not quite sure about his form yet but he gets it done!


A lot of their soccer has been rained out this season but there is always more soccer just around the corner...spring soccer!

Love

My brother, Matthew just got engaged last weekend. Hooray! We all adore his finance Betsy! The boys think she is fun. The boys think it is buhgusting (disgusting) that they kiss.

Check out their wedding website betsyandmatt.net for the whole story and pictures. They just set it up so it is a bit under construction.

Here is a little tidbit from their engagement.

...Then she got to a heart that said "Oct 4, 2008 Betsy’s dad gives Matt his blessing." When she saw that she said, "What does that mean?" She was smiling, looked a little unsure of what was going on. I told her to look at the next heart. The next heart she cut open said "Oct 11, 2008 Engaged."...

Celebrate 6

Carter celebrated his 6th birthday with his new kindergarten friends and neighbors. The party was all about fall: costumes, decorating pumpkins and candy (only a little bit). The party was a blast. It was interesting seeing Carter interact with all of his new friends. He was definitely a gracious host, making sure everyone had a pumpkin to decorate, handing out the cake before he ate his and organizing everyone for activities.

It was beautiful weather so all of the children could play outside (thank goodness). The moonbounce was pushed to its limits by a crowd of kindergartners. All of the kids looked adorable in their costumes. Carter was Batman and Luke was Robin (or Wobin, as he says it). Brayden will be in costume for Halloween, he slept in his Papa's lap for most of the party anyway.

Carter had a wonderful time, he loves being with everyone. At one point during the party, he came running inside. I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Nothing, I just wanted to tell you my party is fun!"

He had a blast. I know that I am not cut out to be a Kindergarten teacher.

Carter is 6

Carter Paxton is 6 years old today.

This morning I was in bed (the boys are my daily wake up call around 6:00 a.m.) and listening to Carter. He gets up each morning, makes his bed, turns off his nightlight and fan, then comes into my room. Sometimes he hums or talks to himself. Today he was singing Happy Birthday.

Carter has pretty much been the same child from the beginning. Sweet and mild mannered. He tends to be very meticulous and expecting bit of perfection in everything his does. He loves being outdoors. He loves, loves animals. The moment he could talk he knew that he was going to be a zookeeper. When he started preschool at 2 years old, the teacher asked the children to draw a picture of an animal. Most children drew pictures of dogs or cats. Carter drew a picture of a wombat. Just last week he told his teacher the difference of a camel and dromedary.

Carter is 6 years old. He is a Kindergartner. I can still get a good cuddle from him. He might hold my hand if he forgets that he is a big boy now.

We are the Pirates

A fantastic pirate party for two birthdays! The Drakoupolus family celebrated Jake's 2nd and Peter's 5th.

Carter and Luke could not have asked for a better party. They pretend to be pirates all of the time. The party hosted a treasure hunt and making your own treasure maps! Carter is still holding onto his map.

We love the Drakoupolus family and were thrilled to be part of the celebration. Jeremy holds a special place in his heart (as do we all) for Peter.

Udvar Who?

We have been so busy the past couple of weeks, I have not had a chance to post about some of the outings.

We joined the Coleman family to tour the Udvar-Hazy museum.

Living in NoVA we take for granted that so many museums and national landmarks are so close. This museum is located near Dulles Airport. The Udvar-Hazy Center is an extension of the National Air and Space Museum.

We viewed all sorts of interesting aircraft and space gear. Some planes so small, it is surprising that a person and an engine could fit in it. Jeremy, Carter and Luke tried an airplane simulator, definitely a highlight for the day.

OH Canada

Jeremy, his father and a friend headed north for the animals. This adventure took them to Alberta, Canada. A three day hunt for Greater, Lesser Canada Geese, Specs, Mallards and Pintails. Was the hunt a success? Just look at the photo, I would say they were successful.

Drawing

Carter is loving kindergarten; the bus ride, classroom activities, the teacher, library, new friends and everything else.

This is one of his drawings from school.

Upper left, I can look at the sunset

Upper right, I can pick up a heavy rock because I am strong

Bottom left, I can run fast (he drew his hair crazy because he said he was running so fast)

Bottom right, I can build blocks

He was so happy about taking a picture of the picture. He took a picture of himself being happy. Could he be any cuter?

Two Party

The boys' cousin, Kaden, just turned two. He celebrated with a party at a local park. Gorgeous weather, open space with plenty of room to run and lots of food, who could ask for more? Well cake, they loved the cake.

Carter & Luke with their cousins Kaden & Mekayla

Brayden just enjoyed being outside. One of these days he will enjoy the cake too.

The Great Frederick Fair

The Frederick Fair is one of the best fairs around.












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Carter and Luke wandered through all animal barns. It looks like Brayden did not enjoy the smell...

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Then they convinced Jeremy to let them try out few rides. The bumper cars and an obstacle course were a big hit.
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Why do I go? For the cotton candy, which I have to share with my children.

Luke's Big Day

Luke started his second year of preschool. It was his day today. He could select anything he wanted for breakfast. He picked a donut (so my child) but added some fruit because of mommy's persuasion. He was ready for his first day of preschool. When we arrived at school he told me, "Luke go to preschool, not Carter, just Luke." And then told me, "I carry my backpack in, not you." He was trying to be the big boy. He entered his class with excitement and sat down ready to start. He was thrilled to have his big preschool day.

Left Home a Boy, Came Home a Little Man

Today was Carter's 1st day of Kindergarten at Waterford Elementary School. He was excited but treated the whole thing like it was no big deal. He was ready for kindergarten as if he had been doing it for some time. Carter is in the afternoon class 11:30-2:30 and knows several children. The kindergarten theme is animals. Could Carter ask for more? I do not think the teacher knows what she is in for when it comes to Carter's animal knowledge. Let's just say his fun reading is an animal encyclopedia. The classroom tables are named for animals, his table is the giraffes. According to Carter it was fun and he is ready to go back. The biggest deal of the day was that he could have chocolate milk at snack (something mom does not do at home).

Carter left home this morning my little boy and then came home today a little man (no hugs at the bus stop, only when we get home is what I was told).

How did Luke handle it? Just look at the picture...Not so well. When the bus came, Luke walked onto the bus with all the children. I had to hop on the bus and gently persuade him to join me and say goodbye to Carter. Okay, I really bribed Luke with snacks and a movie. He begrudgingly came with me.