The Chargers--Ry's Soccer Team

Before they begin each quarter, the smart coach has them point the direction of their goal time after time.  Here is Ry pointing.

 

Ryan LOVES playing soccer.  Because of his birthdate, he is one of the youngest on the team, but boy does he have heart.  Even when he's "on the bench", he's standing up on the sidelines cheering for his team.  We love his little-man intensity.  It is so fun to watch.  On a side note, we have really been trying to teach him to be gentler with his sister and other girls when he plays.  We laugh as we watch him on the soccer field because we can tell that he's conflicted when he's trying to get the ball away from a girl.  He really wants to be aggressive, but he's not sure that's the right thing to do.  We tell him that it's okay on the soccer field. . .very sweet.

Caniac Carnival

 

After soccer games a couple Saturdays ago, Daddy took M&R to the Caniac Fesival at the RBC Center.  They had an awesome time.

Cupcake Flowerpots for Debbie's Shower

Madeline's First Soccer Game

Praying Mantis

On a family walk on Wednesday night, Daddy spotted a Praying Mantis on the sidewalk.  As we stooped low to check it out, it jumped onto Daddy's arm.  We were watching it walk up Daddy's arm, observing its praying arms, and looking at its huge, bulging eyes.  We were all fascinated and intrigued.  All of a sudden, the bug began booking it up Daddy's arm near his should.  Before Mommy could grab it up, it jumped onto Daddy's head and ear.  Daddy reacted by yelling and shooing the bug off.  We all got a great laugh out of it, and sweet Madeline said this, "When we get home, Daddy, you HAVE to Facebook that".

A Labor DayTrip to the Zoo

Before heading out to the zoo, we had a restful morning.  Check out what Madeline created with the change from her piggy bank.  So cute.  I love that she thinks that life is all about smiling!

Ryan and Mommy worked very hard on this 3-D superhero creation.  Even with all his boyish energy, Ryan loves to sit down and color and create things.  My special, special boy.  And what a funny facial expression.

Be careful boy.  That things going to bite you!  Obviously, it's not real, but man, it was one of the most live looking statues we've seen.  We were all a little tentative about touching it.  Of course, Ry was first in line.

And we announce the egg birth of Ryan Joshua. . .40 some pounds and very long.

And also, we announce the egg birth of Madeline Olivia, 40 some pounds, very, very long, and pure sugar.

Me and my babies.  Thankfully, this was a very, very tame rhino!

A little rock climbing.

Okay, his faces crack me up.  Boy, you are too, too funny.  You are such a joy in your Mommy's and Daddy's lives. 

Ride 'em chimpanzee!

Watch out Bobo, Mommy's found a new 4-legged love, and his kisses are much, much drier.

Okay, another really scary, real looking statue.  I love this picture.  So, so cute.

Oh my goodness, what a cute, cute snake picture.  Who else could make standing next to a snake appear so cute!  Mommy's precious, precious baby girl!

Thank goodness, Daddy's so strong.  It's no fun looking at sea lions and seals at less than 4 feet.

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On a whim we decided to go to the zoo on Labor Day.  We had such a wonderful time.  I'm so grateful for time together as a family.

Outer Banks-Hello Earl

 
This year we enjoyed another trip to the Outer Banks with our best friends the James'.  Of course this year was unique because Earl traveled up the East Coast, causing a mandatory evacuation, but oh well. . .those things happen.  And the days that we had at the beach were awesome.  Thank goodness for travel insurance.  And it was sort of exciting, as we waited to see what would happen.

Aunt Lanie and Uncle Bobby are SO fun.  Madeline and Ryan adore them and we are so grateful for this special relationship.  I can't remember what happened in this picture, but I'm pretty sure that it involves a crustacean with pinchers.  And it looks like Aunt Lanie is about to get Ryan.

 
Oh no, Aunt Lanie's got him.  There's no escaping.
 
It might look like Ry's protesting, but this little guy is loving every second of his captivity.  I think there might be some tickling going on here!
 
 Look at that handsome man with his sweet girl.  Daddy has an amazing gift for finding sand crabs.  It might be his incredible patience.  He is SO, SO fun on the beach.  The best daddy ever.
 
 Is this not the coolest turtle?  Madeline, Uncle Bobby, and Aunt Lanie worked tirelessly, sculpting it, and then decorating it with beautiful shells (Uncle B may not have been too involved in the shell decorating).
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My and my boy.  It is so hard to get a picture with him. . .he loves to be going and moving 24/7.  He really is a love bug.  If you catch him before bed at night, he loves to just cuddle and wrap his little arms around your neck and let you know how much he loves.  How often have I heard him say to me, "I love you more than poop"?  What mom of a boy can beat that????!!!!
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Our free spirited, beach loving girl.
 
Oh my goodness, she's adorable!  Look at that precious face.
 
The neighborhood we stayed in had a beachfront clubhouse with an actual diving board.  This is the first time the kids went off a diving board and they LOVED it.  So fun!  How cute is Madeline holding her nose???
 
I'm so grateful for this vacations.  It truly bonds the family and blesses us with memories we will continually cherish.  And it's so special to share this time with the James', who are an extension of our immediate family.  Can't wait till next year!!!