September Football Fun

Guess who's coaching Flag Football?

Yup, you got it - TYLER!  And a big thrill this year - Wayne AND Weston are both on the team.  It has been so much fun - lots of sunny, summer afternoons in late August and warm fall days in September to practice across the street.  I visit with the other moms, Wyatt gets to play with the other kids, and Wayne and Weston and Tyler get to run around like chickens.  Hahahaha.  Weston loves playing - he sometimes tuckers out by the end of the practice but more often than not he's got a big smile on his face.  The team is made up of Kindergarten, First, and Second graders.  Our first 5 games we were undefeated, and only on Saturday October 12 did we take our first lost - to a group of "Third" graders from Meridian - biggest third graders I ever saw!!!  :-)

I frequently get asked why we have our kids play sports at such a young age.  Here is a summary of my answer:

1. Yes it makes us busier, but it is fun, and it's time that we spend devoted to our kids and something they love to do
2. They are learning lessons earlier in life, which makes it easier!  They struggle with doing their best and still not scoring a touchdown, missing a flag, or even watching a friend get a touchdown and dealing with the feelings of being happy for their friend but upset they didn't get it themselves.  They are learning that when you practice, you learn and improve.  These are LIFE LESSONS that they are learning one week at a time while playing sports.  
3. We are building relationships and connections with other families and making new friends that we otherwise would not have had the blessing of knowing.  

Wyatt's going to preschool!

After sending Wayne and Weston off to school, Wyatt was PUMPED to head to his first day of preschool.  He'll attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:15 to 11:45.  His friend Dane is in class with him, and he loves it!  His teachers say he started off pretty quiet, but now he's chatting up a storm.  Can't believe the little dude is this old already!

Super Boys waiting for the Bus

Our mornings before school are pretty easy.  Everyone dresses themselves and usually they get their own breakfast.  They have even started finishing the packing of their lunch and putting it in their backpacks!  There's lots of time to play, read, or be on the computer, but at 8am they have to get coats and shoes on, and head outside to wait for the bus.  They still have some downtime, and they like to get the last of their wiggles out before school!

 It's pretty special to send the two of them off together - love that they have each other now at school!

The first day of Second Grade - Wayne

In the days leading up to the first day, for the first time Wayne did not want to go back to school.  His reason?  "you mean I can't swim and play Wii all day anymore?"  Nope dude, that ship has sailed!  Once he was heading back though, he really was excited.  He has the same teacher as last year, who we LOVE.  She is a fantastic fit for Wayne.  He's got a lot of friends in his class this year too, including Weston his best bud.  I look back and see how much he has changed over the past 2 years, and I think...  he's going to change again over the next 2!  I know, I know, I should have realized this sooner.  He is a joy and a delight, and I am so excited for him to have a great year!

Dad - Take me out to the ball game!

What a gorgeous day for a ball game.  These two have been looking forward to this since May, and finally the day arrived.  No surprise they left earlier than planned!  I took the littles to church, and they made a pitstop at Starbucks and then headed down south for the day.  Wayne was in love with the stadium, and of course, all the FOOD!  He told me he hardly ate anything.  When I asked him what he did eat, he said, "a frappe, hotdog, pop, nachos, peanuts, cotton candy, and popcorn. I think that was all.  Not much."  Seriously?  We are in TROUBLE when he turns 16!  They got there early enough to walk around the whole stadium and check out the team shop.  Which of course Wayne wanted a jersey just like Dad's.  They almost got Felix Hernandez's autograph, but just missed out.  So close!  During the break between innings Wayne was busting a move with his foam finger, and the cameras panned and the next thing they knew Wayne was on the big screen!  So crazy!  Even the Murphy's came up to us at church the following week and said, "We saw Wayne!"  He was pretty excited.  After the game (the Mariner's lost) they went down and Wayne was able to run the bases.  Pretty cool for a kid!  Tyler is one amazing Dad.  As much as Wayne loved the game, I think Tyler might have enjoyed taking him more.  

Down, set, hut! Football 2013

The week before school started we began football practice.  Tyler is coaching a k,1,2 team so Wayne and Weston are BOTH on it.  Woohoo!  They practice directly across the street from our house, double woohoo!  :-)  Weston LOVES football.  He can't wait for practice every night.  He's still learning, but he sure has enthusiasm!  Wayne is mature like all the 2nd graders, and they really do help with the younger kids.  Tyler is such a great coach, and really tries to get the kids to have fun and learn at the same time.  Can't wait for games to start next week!

 Sister sister is the boys' biggest fan!

 Rain?  Who cares about a little stinkin' rain.  We're football players!

Eliza Island Getaway

We looked forward to our trip out to Eliza Island all summer long.  We had to wait until the end of summer so that all of our schedules could align, and we finally made it happen over a Friday/Saturday, spending one night on the island with the locals.  Eliza is about a 20 minute or so boat ride from Bellingham Bay, and is a private island.  My Uncle Wayne and Aunt Barb own a cabin and property in the best part of the islands.  We can run from one the ocean on one side of the island to the ocean on the other side of the island in under 5 minutes!  It was so nice to get away and just enjoy time with the kids, exploring, and roughing it.  I do mean roughing it!  We slept in our tent, and used a compost toilet.  There is an outdoor shower there, but we didn't stay long enough to use it.  We spent lots of time both days exploring the island and the creatures, crabbing, and eating.  It was fabulous!   The kids were so great, and loved every minute.  They pitched in on the chores, and ate like champions, and entertained each other for hours.  A perfect trip!  Excuse the photo overload, but there were just so many cute ones.  Eliza 2014, we can't wait!