Abby The Volleyball Player

Abby came home the beginning of February close to tears.  And of all the reasons why, it was because she made the middle school volleyball team.  She said "the only reason I tried for it was because I knew that you and Dad wanted me to do it.  And I'm so busy as it is.  If I have some free time I want to spend it with my family or reading, not doing volleyball!"  She was very upset and said there was a big wait list of kids that wanted to do it.  

I told her it was only for 8 weeks.  I thought she needed to give it a try and if she didn't like it she didn't have to do it again next year.  And then I held my breath and prayed that she would enjoy it.

Last week she had her first game.  Not only did she do great, but she really loved it!  As we were leaving the gym she said, "That was so much fun!"  She even came home and the first thing she did was check my calendar to see when her next game was.  And I even heard a moan of disappointment escape her when she realized there were only four games total.  

I for one, am the happiest mom in the bleachers cheering her on!  I'm so happy that she is enjoying this and hope it's something that she's able to continue with.  Her first game she scored the first point for her team and ended up scoring a total of 8 points!  The next time at practice she even got moved up to the next team.

Looking forward to game two next week!

Grayson Turns One

It actually happened, I can't believe it.

In just twelve short months Grayson went from this....

To this...

Crazy.

He is the sweetest one year old ever and oh how we adore him.

Grayson's birthday presents consisted of balls, his favorite things ever. 

 (And yes, he is opening his presents on the floor of the kitchen.  I guess that's what happens when your the baby of five and your birthday falls on a busy Sunday when mom is sustained to a new calling and the whole family has to stay after church for her presidency to be set apart.)

My favorite part of the first birthday....

the birthday cake smash!!!!

Don't let that messy face fool you.  Of all our babies Grayson probably ate the least amount of cake.  He was feeling a little sick and only about four bites actually made it too his mouth.  He sure had fun playing in it though.

A few days after his birthday I attempted to take a few pictures of him.  Attempt being the key word.  He still wasn't feeling great and was not up to it.

McKenna was my "get him to smile and laugh helper"  

Just a few of the many things we love about Grayson:

He has the funniest hair line.  If you were to draw a line on his head from ear to ear, he has tons of hair from that line and back.  However, nothing from the ears forward.  So looking at him from the front he looks like a bald little baby.  It cracks us up.

He loves all the action provided by his siblings.  I guess this is a good thing as our house is sure full of noise and bodies in motion.

He still is not walking, but that's just fine by me.

He is a fantastic sleeper.  12 hours at night, from 6:30 to 6:30, and 2 naps that are 2-3 hours each.

He is a stubborn little guy.  He absolutely refuses to hold sippy cups.  He'll drink out of them as long as you hold it for him.  But he will not use his own hands to hold it.  (it's the same with the fruit smash on the go bags) And if I try to make his hands grasp the cup he pulls them down hard and cries.

He says "Momma" and "more."

He loves to play catch.  If no one is around to play catch with him he spends long periods of time throwing the ball and chasing after it himself.

He loves loves loves dogs.  He makes his own little high pitched "ruff" sound whenever he hears a dog barking.

We all love to hear him giggle.  In fact the whole family will gather around when I'm tickling him just to listen and watch him laugh.

It really is wonderful how he completes our family, we sure are lucky to have him.

Happy Birthday sweet Gray.  We love you!!!

Basketball Season

Basketball season came to end, leaving us one Saturday free from games before soccer games start up again.  So before that madness starts again, I do need to capture a great season of YMCA basketball.

McKenna's team had an incredible season.  They got played up a league and so were playing against all fifth grade teams.  Every game McKenna was put on the other teams best offensive player, often keeping them scoreless throughout the game.  Her confidence really grew offensively this season and she became very good at getting open and dribbling up the lane for a basket.  Amazingly, they went undefeated and won the championship game!  This makes two sporting seasons back to back of going undefeated, soccer and then basketball.  The common denominator in both is McKenna!!!  (She has been asked to play on a AAU basketball league team next year.  I didn't know what that was, but apparently it's a big deal.  The coach wants her on the team even though she knows she wont be available for Sunday games.  Someday soon she's going to have to choose between basketball and soccer, but I want her to be able to do both for as long as possible!)  

One reason she loves basketball is because she plays with some of her best friends; Kate, AG, and Mason.

Zachary had really great season too, but for totally different reasons.  His team didn't win one game.  However, it was such a great experience for Zachary and I was so proud of him.  He learned valuable lessons of trying your hardest to the very end, having fun regardless of the score, supporting your teammates, and the power of a positive attitude.  The best part of Zachary's season was seeing his personal improvement, both with ball handling and shooting.  His last game he made three baskets!!!!

Day #6

LOVE IS....

Never needing to be alone (even if in the bathroom)

Day #5

Love is...

 Wet, slobbery baby kisses

Day #4

Love is...

Cuddles on a sick day

Day #3

Love is...

Family game time

Day #2

LOVE IS...

Bret taking care of the kids for 8 hours so I could spend the morning here.