The Dragons

This past fall, Gage played AYSO soccer. I was really nervous about it. Gage only played half a season last year in the Syracuse city league and some of the kids on Gage's team this year were in their third year of playing. I also signed Mike up to coach to his surprise. He really didn't want to, but AYSO needs volunteers and Mike and I actually have experience so who better to coach. Growing up, my dad was extremely involved in every aspect of AYSO from putting up the nets every Saturday morning to coaching at least one of our teams. It's just something I felt like Mike and I need to do. Mike ended up having a lot of fun and he received many praises from parents saying their kids were actually learning something. He held practices once a week and game day was on Saturdays.

Gage had a lot of fun and even scored the first goal of the season. Some games he played better than others, but I feel like he really enjoyed it. When Gage hustled, he hung right in there. I'm so proud of him and I hope he continues to stick with it. I've posted various pictures from throughout the season. I wish I could have gotten more, but trying to chase Tanner on the nearby playground didn't allow for more.

Their team name was The Dragons.

Mike always had the boys warmup before games.




Here's Gage practicing dribbling and shooting the ball.

The boys always listened intently to what Mike was saying. Ha ha.

Here' Gage giving a high five to his buddy Jackson. They are in 1st grade together this year.

Gage is extremely pushy. Mike and I have had to talk to him about not pulling jerseys. Gage always insists the other player starts it.

Most of Gage's games were at 1pm and it was hot!

Gage loved to play on this toy before and after all of his games.

Gage's biggest fans.

I think Gage's team only lost one or two games. We were all sad the season was over, but Mike will coach the same group of kids in the spring. We can't wait!

Halloween Square Dancing Party

For the past couple of years, my Hall Grandparents have invited my kids to their annual Halloween Square Dancing Party. The kids get to do a few fun square dancing moves and then trick-or-treat around the tables. The party ends promptly at 8 because the square dancers like to have their own party.

Here is a picture of maybe half of my grandparents' great grand kids. I think they made up most of the party!

Here's Tanner right where he loves to be, in my mom's arms.

My dad even got in on the chicken dance.

I'm so glad we were able to go. The kids always have a lot of fun shaking their booties!

Landen's Halloween Program

Today we went to Landen's Halloween Program at his preschool. There are roughly 45 kids in his class. Thankfully they split them into 3 different groups for their Halloween Program so everyone can see the kids' costumes and cute actions. Landen was so excited for this day and so was I. Gage was always singing his songs around the house, but Landen never does. I wondered if he even knew the songs. He proved me wrong today.

Posing with best friend Ava.

Tanner was awful during the program. I had to take him into another room at one point. So much for getting there early and sitting in the front row. It was a long walk to the back when he was freaking out.

After the program, the kids line up and do a little trick or treating with candy provided by their parents.

Tanner even got in on the candy action.

I always wonder what it would be like to be a fly on the wall watching these two at school.

Annual Syracuse City Pumpkin Walk

For I don't know how many years, we have gone to the Syracuse City Pumpkin Walk. Hundreds of pumpkins are carved by volunteers and lit up. The kids always enjoy it and better yet it's free! This year we were joined by our friends the Hoovers and Corey and Bobbie.

I made the kids pose before we left.

The Pumpkin Walk is held just down the street from us so we pulled out the wagon and set out for a nice walk. Thankfully it was warm.

Landen and Peyton kept themselves entertained while waiting in line by having Spiderman fight Bumblebee.

Tanner didn't really like his monkey costume even though he looked adorable in it. He is striking a pose with his Uncle Corey.

This is our attempt at getting a picture of all of the kids in front of the Pumpkin Walk sign. I didn't even get Tanner close to joining the group.

Hopefully Mike and I will attempt carving something difficult like this next year.

Watch Futball Dad!

One time Mike let Tanner stay up a little later than the other two boys. Mike told Tanner he could only stay up if he sat with Daddy and watch football. Well, it has definitely backfired on Mike. After we say family prayers, Tanner runs downstairs, jumps on the couch and says, "Watch futball Dad." He thinks he gets to stay up all the time now.

How can anyone tell Tanner no?

Ogden Nature Center

I was fortunate enough to be able to chaperone Gage's field trip to the Ogden Nature Center. I love watching Gage interact with his friends and teacher. I was probably the only parent with a camera. I gotta get my pictures in before Gage thinks I'm embarrassing.

The kids were in a circle learning about predators and their prey.

The kids were hiding in the weeds while being taught about how animals camouflage themselves. Gage just got spotted.




The kids were given nets to try and catch bugs. I had to help them put their bugs in their bottles. Yuck!

Gage got one.

Gage was blowing some sort of flower in the air.

You can't really see in this picture, but there is a huge turkey walking by Gage.

There was a neat fort that the kids walked through over and over again. It was hard to pull them away from this area.

I'm so glad I was able to go with Gage and see him with his friends. It was nice when it was over because those kids wear me out!

Gage Goes Golfing

Gage went golfing with Mike for the second time in his life. Mike says that Gage seems to enjoy it. We might try and get him his own clubs for Christmas. This is the only picture Mike got which is one more than he got last time so I guess I should be grateful. Looks like I will have to join them if I want anymore than this.

Summer Fun At Lagoon

We were fortunate enough to be able to get Lagoon passes once again this past year. We definitely get our money's worth. We went to Lagoon A Beach more than ever as well. I braved the crowds and actually went a lot with just the boys and I. Unfortunately you wouldn't know it. I never brought the camera when it was just me because I knew I would never be able to take pictures and I always forgot the camera when Mike came with us. Leave it to my mom to take some good pictures of when she was able to join us on our last trip of the year.

Gage started out a little timid this year and we weren't able to get him to try the Colossus or go on the White Roller Coaster (even though he went on this last year). He did go on the Screamer because his buddy Zach went on it and because he knew it WAS my favorite ride. I must emphasize the word WAS because I haven't been on the Screamer for years and I think it will be a long time if ever before I go on it again. It made me so sick. Gage didn't care for it much either. He also went on the Jet Star for the first time which he really liked. Gage's favorite for the second year in a row was of course the Wild Mouse. I don't know why but that ride freaks me out. I feel like I'm going to drive right off the edge.

Oh Landen. It might be a few years before Landen is tall enough to go on any of the big rides even though he really wanted to this year. Mike did sneak him on The Bat by talking the Lagoon worker into it even though he wasn't quite tall enough. He loved it and couldn't understand why they wouldn't let him on it the next time we went. Landen really enjoyed riding the Tilt A Whirl and The Scrambler.

Tanner was a little unsure at the start of our Lagoon season and I thought we were in for a long summer. However, he really caught on quickly to how fun the rides were. He loved driving the cars, riding the whales, and going "up down fishy" in the Sea Odyssey. Tanner's favorite was probably the train which his nice Grandma rode 3 times in a row with him because she just couldn't tell him no.

Here's some pictures of our last trip of the year to Lagoon.