things boys do

thanks to the Allen family, Adam had a great day on the water a few weeks ago and got to reel in a big one...the extent of our fishing has always been at the end of a dock, with periodic nibbles and an occasional catch~ usually tiny small-mouth bass, one third of the size of this unlucky guy Adam is so bravely hanging on to...
 

 

and total news to us~ Hudson does the splits!  we had no idea.

 

showing the family at grandma and grandpa's house...

the prize of "first in the pool" goes to AJ this spring of 2013...the crazy guy jumped in all on his own, probably thinking it would be like the hotel pool he'd been at the week before...yah, not so much..........

 

 

the worst part was when Dad asked for a picture at the side.  the frigid, fifty-ish degrees are to blame for the forced smile. 

 

then the moment of "why did i do this?????????"

 

well, for the bragging rights, of course!  AJ's super happy to say he was first in this year, and i believe it may be his first time ever holding the title...NOTE: the wrap in the warm beach towel happened next~ it just wasn't photographed...

one handsome catcher

baseball season 2013 is upon us.  in full "swing". :) there is a certain handsome eight year old that is taking a serious liking to the position of catcher. 

incidentally, worth noting is the debate around our house about whether the original term is "back catcher" or "bat catcher".  ppfff...isn't it obvious???  well, apparently not...so far my side is winning most votes, so feel free to weigh in, but only if your opinion is the first of the two options! haha...well, apparently most times the position is now simply called "catcher". regardless, Hudson loves putting on the gear and stepping behind the plate.  he also plays out field, but truthfully, catcher offers a bit more action, and action is good for a busy, easily distracted, high energy kid.  he's getting more consistent at both catching and returning the ball to the pitcher with a nice accurate throw.  the funny picture below is from one of the first games, when Hudson asked Jeff about his new navy socks.  it went something like this....Jeff was outside doing something with the pool or lawn, and Hudson came out and said "Dad, i don't know how to put on my new socks".  Jeff responded, "You just pull them up, like any socks."  a few minutes later this is how he emerged from the house.  we did fix them before he went to play, in case you were wondering...

 

 

joelle's pics~ part 2

more of the shots from Joelle's cool new camera...as promised.  below, tournament pictures from Niagara Falls.

 

 

these weekends always include lots of silliness...

 

restaurant antics,

 

giant slabs of fudge. i want some right now.

oh, and these too.

 

the falls on a cloudy and cool day.

 

friends since the beginning.  still funny together...someday i predict they will be like Trish and i.  squeezing in a visit over coffee amidst busy family schedules. 

 

rugby season 2013.  i think Jeff took this picture for her.  i'm so thankful she made it through the games without any serious injuries.  some bruised and battered up legs, but those battle wounds are something to be proud of, it seems...

her view

Joelle has been enjoying a great new camera.  an early birthday present from grandparents who couldn't resist.  very sweet of them, and sweet for her.  if given the time, i think photography would be something she would pursue further.  probably someday...at the moment, however, she's a busy girl.  that's not to say that dabbling with angle and light and subjects isn't fun, because to her it is!  i love her shots, and i love seeing her view of things...here are a few recent and random shots.  more to come, because she has captured more than i lately~ both places and events i wish to remember with ones i/we love...oh, i left out the many mirror shots.  because i don't really get them.  i'm trying though.

 

thanks Joelle!  keep them coming! 

wrestling

 

some of these photos are more clear than others, but the true essence is there~ and this is what i wish to capture and lock in my memory.  as a family, we are almost through the wrestling season of 2013.  all but AJ have competed this season, and believe me, he's pretty eager to get in the mix!!  Hannah has been recently moved to the disabled list, however, as she had a collarbone break during one of her matches a while ago.  what a trooper she was that day!!  x-rays show she has healed well and should be good as new when wrestling resumes next year.  that is good. 

 

 

Hudson, loving the Gatorade and pep talk from Daddy during a match...Hudson is doing so much better this year with his inner character at these tournaments.  we are not concerned about his individual match outcomes or medals or podiums.  for Hudson, this sport is giving him healthy outlets and endless opportunities to grow and tackle the hard life lessons taught in sport~ like winning well and losing well, digging deep, persevering, restraint, etc...he's showing progress!!  way to go, buddy!

 

notice the pics of my kids are all when they are in positions of control...yes, that is intentional, but also not always the case in real matches.  they win some and they lose some~ and we hope there is shaping and character development occurring in the process.  because in reality~ anyone can win and shine in their success, but the true test is how we lose in life~ and graciously losing is where true toughness comes through...

 

another pep talk

Adam before a pin.  the ref is down on the ground too as he/she must determine whether both shoulder blades are in contact with the mat.


 

 

there is one remaining wrestling tournament we plan to attend, and then the boots will be tucked away, the singlets washed and stored...then (and now already!), we'll roll out the soccer cleats, baseball gloves, ball-hockey sticks, rugby mouth guard, etc....we are blessed to have such amazing opportunities~ for our children and us as parents~ plus, life is never dull!