The start of soccer

Bradley started his first day of the mini kickers soccer today.  It is just a little 6 week once a day thing to get them accustomed to the sport at a young age and having fun.  I need to go back to the weekend though.  After the wedding my bro and his family came home with us and I love them so much I can’t leave out all the fun we had.  Saturday we took the kids to the park for playing and SOCCER, what else! We all had so much fun.

My sweet niece Aubrey

Could this boy be any more of a wild mess?

Then they both wanted to try the fireman pole.  There are no words!!

Bradley actually attempted it with Daddy’s help.

 

By the look on both of their faces, I don’t think they will be doing that for a while.  Bradley didn’t like it because it really does burn your hands. 

  Then they swung….

Then we headed over to kick the soccer ball around.  Gavin and Livi just hung out.  Gavin was intrigued and Livi, well, she just stays pretty!

Aubrey is so cute with her run playing soccer. 

 

 

Gavin discovered the scary bleachers.  Those things are not kid friendly but he was determined to walk all over them.

Then we checked out some hockey players.  Livi was not letting go of this fence for dear life!   Then Sunday they had to go home but before we tried to get a picture of the 4 kids together.  It turned out a little like this…..

All of them were not having it!

Olivia started crawling away so we had the big kids hold the babies…

Cute right? 

Just sit still and say “Cheese” Gavin!

Now on to Monday.  Gavin has found this white contraption before but today he danced in it and did some surfing!

Now for the first soccer ever! This was a big day today.  Our first child playing his first sport.  I plan to be spending a lot of my life on fields and in bleachers.  Soccer, football, baseball.  Maybe even on mats for wrestling!  Which, consequently was very much like my whole childhood.  I got dragged to all games of my two older brothers! Funny this thing called life, always changing yet always the same.  Anyways, Bradley Bear you did so GREAT!! We need to work on the whole climbing out of his shell and not mouth breathing (haha) but all in all he did so good and we are so proud of him.  He had a lot of fun and for now that’s all that matters.  Until all that matters is WINNING!!

Sporting his first cleats and shin guards.

 

Picking his nose and checking it out! Nice (sarcasm here)!

Proud Papa Bear watching over him and listening.

   

Not to enthused about all the drills. 

Third one from the left in Resting Position. 

 

One of the coaches trying to get him to start playing again.  We discovered after he may be a little under the weather which would explain some of his behavior.  I sure hope he isn’t sick! I look forward to seeing how he does next week! Soccer Mom is ready!

I Thee Wed….

Friday marked the day that my sister in law’s sister, my friend, Laura, got married!!!  I am so very happy for her in her happiness.  Everything about the day was beautiful and romantic.  Once you are married you appreciate weddings more and I loved to hear all the vows again.  In my mind I went back to my own wedding day and the magic of it all and you can’t help but walk away smiling and filled with love.  Here are some photos of the beautiful event at the Duke Mansion with most of my beautiful family.  We opted for the no children at wedding version so Brad stayed home with the boys so I could enjoy it and I got to spend quality time with my family.

Aubrey, the sweet flower girl.

 

Mommy with her flower girl

The bride ready for the isle…

Grammy and her Aubrey

Jackson and Aubrey made a wonderful team!

Jackson looking back to check on Aubrey, he was so sweet with her!

The sun was in her eyes but she did so good. 

I love how everyone is smiling at her in the background.

Father of the Bride walking Laura down the isle. 

Exchanging their Vows.  The Pastor did two cups of wine and then they each poured their wine into one glass.  I had never seen this before but I loved the symbolism of two becoming one and that you can not tell what started in Laura’s glass or what started in Ralph’s.  

You may kiss your Bride!

So happy in Love!  Married at Last!

After the ceremony their was a beautiful courtyard where all the guests were invited for cocktails until the reception.  I took some shots of Livi looking so cute.  After all what little sister doesn’t like to steal the spot light sometimes. 

 

Isn’t she so adorable!! The little girl I will never have is what I call her!

The courtyard.

Joanie adoring her man, my Bubba!

Jackson has some moves.  Ladies watch out!

The front of the historic Mansion.

Andrew and his family.

My grandma! A picture with some of her leading men.

 

 

Lastly, a picture with Laura.

Congratulations Laura and Ralph!

Giddy Up and BQOTD

Bradley found my cowgirl boots tucked away in my closet and he has been wearing them all around the house ever since.  Pretending to be Woody and a space Cowboy.  Giddy- Up in them boots partner! 

Also, I have several quotes off the top of my head.  Not just from today so its not very accurately Bradley’s quotes of the day but more like over the last week.  He contradicts himself often!

“Mommy, I love you! You are the best mommy ever!”

“Mom, you are just like all other women!” (this one made me question what Brad may be teaching him when I am not around, haha!)

“Don’t worry about me Mom, its all about you!”  (I was dumbfounded at that one.)

“California is America”  after he was telling me about the Pledge of Allegiance and how you “hold your hand on your heart.”  We are going to start our geography soon to correct this statement. 

Simple Joys

Daddy always treats Bradley to fun treats when they go in the car together.  Bug juice and Swedish fish are two of his favorites.

Gavin loves my baked ziti with sausage and Brad and I are so happy to have a carnivore on our hands! Bradley, however, has wonderfully made a change.  Before he was a self made vegan hippy eater we called him but he now eats Chicken and BACON.  Still no hot dogs grandPOP and sorry Auntie Brit that hes not in your club anymore. 

Swinging at the park this labor day weekend.  We really were going to go to my favorite NC beach but opted out last minute due to that dag on Hurricane Earl.  Gavin  never cried but the swing didn’t excite him like it has before? 

Bradley making pictures look so Painful yet again. 

Getting all clean and having bath time Together is the new thing.  Ever since I found one of these seats for Gavin, Bradley has really enjoyed his company and Gavin loves to sit up and splash away! Otherwise he would be bumping his head all over the place squirming.  I used to give him 30 second baths once he started to climb.  These are our simple joys for the week to name a few. 

Also, since its Sunday here is a Verse.

Matthew 28:18-20“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

How refreshing to know that Jesus is with us always! Now that is JOY!

Go-Go, Go-Kart?

This is our newest addition to the family.  As if we needed another one! The 4 wheeler is out of here and this has taken its place.  Bradley’s “blue motor” is what he has named it.  Brad has put petal extensions on it because even at the closest seat position Bradley couldn't reach the petals.  That would be my sign that he is not ready but that did not stop my husband!  Nope, Bradley can now reach and has driven it already with his seat belt, helmet and Daddy next to him.   Maybe this will be what puts me in labor with the third child since we don’t have the 4 wheeler which worked for Gavin.  I have found that each new child brings an extreme purchase for Brad.  It is his “baby crisis” purchase instead of a “mid life crisis” purchase.  I don’t even want to know what that would be!  One month before Bradley was born Brad got drums and taught himself how to play.  Three days before Gavin was born he bought the 4 wheeler and now 3 months before baby #3 we have this beauty.  I am so thrilled, can’t you tell!  No really, as long as my boys are safe that is all that matters and I am learning more everyday how as our 3 boys get older I will need to let them go and be boys.  I am just going to soak up the baby phases as much as I can before I lose them to dirt, sports, camping, fishing, etc.  So, anyone up for a Go-Kart ride?