Jake and Brady Central

Football

We have spent the last few months playing some serious football. At practices, on game days, and in the living room! This first flag football season for Jake and Brady was nothing short of awesome. They loved it, did well at it, and had fun. It is hard to believe how much 5, 6, and 7 year-olds can learn in a short 8-week season. Jake and Brady made some amazing runs, passes, catches, "tackles," and touchdowns. Best of all, they learned the ins and outs of a game they love, and were great sports every step of the way. The Troublemakers' first season was an incredible success! Videos coming soon!!

Jake - #20

Brady - #13

Brady, Dylan, Anthony, and Jake

The Troublemakers

This picture cracks me up!

We're #1!

Playoff games!

Way to go Troublemakers!

Proud Coach Daddy and Mommy

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a wonderful, long Thanksgiving weekend. There is nothing better than good food, wonderful family, and time off of school and work!! On Turkey Day, we went over to Poppy and Ma's for the absolute best Thanksgiving meal ever. I know everyone says that about their family's meal, but this really is the best! To make it extra special this year, Grandma got to cook her delicious meal in her newly remodeled kitchen! She and Poppy had just recently done some amazing updates in the house and it looks just beautiful. We had a fun day playing football in the backyard, stuffing ourselves, and enjoying the company of family.

Grandma's beautiful kitchen

Jake and Uncle Jarrod

Uncle Joe and Brady

The boys with Poppy and Ma

The day after Thanksgiving, we avoid Black Friday shopping at all costs, and we spend the day putting up the tree, listening to Christmas music, sitting by the fire, and watching Christmas movies. The boys always have a great time looking at each ornament and remembering where each one came from and why it is special.

Decorating the tree

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Grandma and Poppy have started the tradition of having all of the grandkids over to decorate gingerbread houses. The kids love it almost as much as the grandparents! After decorating and lots of playing, we all sit down for a yummy dinner. Grandma and Poppy are the best!

The table is ready

All 9 cousins listening to some pointers from Grandma

Brady hard at work

Jake concentrating hard

Jake's masterpiece

Brady's masterpiece

All done!

Brady's 6th Birthday and Halloween 2009

In what seems like the blink of an eye, our little guy is now 6. It literally seems like yesterday, that Brady was a little chunky monkey, sucking his thumb and repeating everything his big brother said. He is now a strong, confident little man, incredibly athletic, inquisitive and smart, and the most lovable little guy there is. He is the best friend to Jake and he makes his Daddy and I so proud.

Celebrating at school was extra special for Brady this year, because he shares his birthday with his teacher, the most amazing Kindergarten teacher on the planet. He brought donuts for the class, and the whole cafeteria sang to him at lunchtime. After school, the four of us came home and Brady opened up his presents. He was all smiles. For dinner, we did our birthday dinner tradition of eating at Island's so Brady could get his BIG dessert. Watching the boys share that huge treat, trying to chew through the smiles, is the best.

Poor Jake was sick on the day we were supposed to have everyone over to celebrate Brady's birthday, so we had to reschedule. Instead, the whole family came over on Halloween, costumes and all! Brady went with a Ghostbusters theme this year, which fit right in. The cousins were all decked out in their costumes, we ate some food, played some games, and then got down to business...cake and presents! Brady requested a Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man cake this year. That was a fun one for Mommy and Daddy to make, and Brady loved it. Next came the gifts. Brady is the greatest person to buy presents for, because he genuinely loves and appreciates each and every one.

We ended the night with some Trick-or Treating around the neighborhood. The boys scored way more candy than they could ever hope to eat. They came home and made the trades (peanut/nut vs. "safe" for Brady) and then munched on a few pieces, smiling and laughing all the while.

Happy 6th birthday Brady Boy!! We love you bigger than the sky!