The best part of soccer

It was trophy time this week. Remember those gold trophies we used to get when we were little? Well, even those are not safe from the changing times... check out the one Jadyn got at her team party Thursday...

It's a bobble-head trophy. I never would've thought of a bobble-head trophy - how cool is that! Jadyn loves it! At the banquet, she was acknowledged by her coach as the...

(trumpets sound...)

The happiest player! That's our girl.

We also got our soccer pictures back this week, so enjoy these. Kids are a great reminder that it's not whether you win or lose in life, or even whether or not you're the star, but what matters is that you enjoy the game. Jadyn's favorite part of soccer - yes, it's still "running around and falling down." Way to go, happy girl~

I love my Daddy!

Look - I can fit in Daddy's clothes!

(Well... almost)

Crumpets & Tea, Anyone?

There's always time for a tea party!

Party-time

A little birthday story...

Jadyn woke up yesterday morning and came in to cuddle in our bed as usual. For all those who sometimes wish to be a fly on the wall, here's how the conversation ensued:

Daddy, "Good morning, Sunshine!"
Jadyn just smiles and cuddles up.
Daddy, "Guess what - you're a big 4 year-old now!"
Jadyn, "Yeah - but I'm a little bit sad"
Daddy, somewhat surprised, "Why is that?"
Jadyn, "Because I miss three"
Mommy and Daddy exchange muffled laughter, and Daddy says, "That's okay. You got to be three for a whole year. Now you get to be four for a whole year!"
Jadyn, "Yeah. And then I'll be five."
Daddy, "That's right."
Jadyn, with a big smile, looks up at Mommy and Daddy and says, "And then maybe someday I'll even be six!"

I tell you, we've got a real optimist on our hands! Aim for the stars, Honey! Oh, can you remember the days when the simplest things in life were so exciting...? That's the joy of parenting - you get to live all those moments all over again. And they seem to be that much more precious the second time around.





We had a couple neighborhood friends over on Jadyn's birthday for cupcakes.









A very excited birthday girl!









Check out the expressions! "What's it going to be...??!!??!!??!!"

(It was a cool new skirt! - I think Jadyn's friend Breanna was more excited at this point.)

Who shrunk our bear?

Happy Birthday, 4 year-old Jadyn!

Support MDA

Mark had the chance to volunteer time during the fire department's annual "MDA - fill the boot" campaign. They had a great time and were able to raise over $8K at that intersection alone that day. All the money goes to the local MDA organization to help kids suffering from various MDA supported conditions. Way to go!

Litter box training?

I have to admit, this is the first thing that came to mind when I saw these pictures that Julie took.

What do you think?

The kids enjoyed the beans! A friend gave us a huge bag that they didn't need anymore, and the rest is history!

Artistic Impressions of an "almost 4" year-old

Here's Jadyn's drawing of her and daddy as firefighters at the fire station...

What an artist!