Gone Fishin'

Last Friday Kevin had the day off and decided to take Brielle fishing. They went out to a lake where its almost impossible not to catch a fish. Brielle was very eager to go but she is only two so she perhaps wasn't the most patient of fisherman. She loved her pink and purple rod and she loved to see the fish in the water but up close she was pretty weary of them. When she got home she did the cutest impression of their faces and their flip flopping.

She wanted to smile for the picture but she just couldn't take her eyes off those fish. All their flapping and flopping made her a bit nervous.

Kevin said this is what she did most of the time- played in the dirt- while waiting for the fish to bite.

Kevin bbq'd up the fish and they were delicious. It was trout- in case your wondering.

Another Student of the Month

In her very last chance of the year, Makenna's name was drawn to be student of the month. Her teacher said she wasn't surprised because Makenna had so many tickets this time. We were so happy for her too. I can't believe how lucky I am that both of my kids are such awesome students. Both their teachers have nothing but good things to say about them. I don't mean to brag but I am so proud of my good kids. Here are some pictures of Makenna getting her certificate, and then with her teacher, and then one with her neighbor friend Allie who was student of the month from her class today too.

Brayden's Birthday Bash

Eight is Great!

Brayden has been so excited about turning eight. He can't wait to be baptized... which is happening on June 5th, for anyone who may be interested.

This was the first birthday ever where we didnt have the typical birthday party with the pinata and pin the tail on the donkey. I just decided that 8 year olds might be getting a bit big for that and I really didn't know what else to do with them. So I presented Brayden with the alternative of inviting one friend to accompany him to the AMAZING Pizza Machine and then on his actual Birthday we had some friends join us for just some cake and ice cream. I think it worked out well and as usual the birthday festivities seemed to go on and on.Pizza Machine Fun. (As you can see from Kevins face, to us adults, this Pizza Machine thing is getting a little bit old).

On Friday night we went out to Texas Roadhouse because Brayden wanted to sit on the saddle and be sung to. I dont know why this is so appealing to him but it was fun to watch. We also celebrated Uncle Scott's finishing his finals. It was a fun night and the first time that I really enjoyed my food there. The key is - get the steak!Saturday started with a yummy birthday breakfast. We were lucky to have Scott staying with us and his friend Candice which made the day all the more special. Then Brayden opened presents. He was thrilled and very grateful for all of them. Brielle was tortured by this. She couldn't accept that it wasnt her birthday and they werent her presents. Brayden, being the sweetheart that he is, let her open a couple, just to make her happy. And then onto Saturday afternoon... a few friends, and even some family (how lucky) for our simple cake singing event. No party, no games, no treat bags, no presents, and parents must stay- this is the way to do it I tell you.
And here is the cake Brayden requested. His dad was so proud! And I got to use my cake cricut for the lettering.

And in an unexpected turn of events we found ourselves at Red Robin for dinner that night so Brayden got sung to AGAIN. And this time he even got free ice cream too.

We feel beyond blessed to have Brayden as our son. He is a gift- a special spirit in our home. We love him dearly and can't believe he's already 8!
Happy Birthday Brayden. You Rock!

Sunday Morning Picture

I took this picture to put on mothers day cards but I have had some requests to see Makenna's new hair do- so here it is...

Man my kids are cute!

Funnies

Here's a conversation Makenna and Aurora (her 5 year old cousin) had in the car this weekend.

Aurora: Do you have any imaginary princes? I do. He always wakes me up when I am falling asleep with his tv.

Makenna: I have two imaginary princes but I dont like them. They are always fighting- fighting and fighting about marrying me.

They then went on to talk about their imaginary puppies. The things they come up with- its just hilarious to me. So far it doesnt look like Makenna has any self esteem issues. That's a good thing.

While I am remembering, Brielle said something pretty funny yesterday in Sacrament meeting. She had escaped our pew and was twirling in the aisle. I was trying to coax her back telling her we can't dance right now- its church -we need to be reverent... and in reply, she dramatically said to me:
"But mom, It's my dream!"

Oh kids are so cute!

Touchdown Brayden Strikes Again (Twice!)

It's only fitting that on his birthday (Happy 8th Birthday Brayden!) Brayden scored twice in his flag football game. Both touchdowns were scored by running his favorite play - the center hand-off (consequently, all 4 of his touchdowns this year have been run off that play). This first score today was our very first play from scrimmage - watch him split the first two defenders and then out run the rest of the defense:


This second score is my favorite -- Brayden runs so fast that he runs right out of one of his shoes! :-) It catches him off guard, but he only hesitates for a second and then scrambles the rest of the way with only one shoe on...look at the smile on his face as he passes the camera into the endzone:



Needless to say, his team one again by a score of 52-6 and the team is now 5-0 on the season.

The rest of the day was filled with cake, ice cream, food, friends and fun (and a few presents) -- Melissa will blog all about it soon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYDEN - WE LOVE YOU!!!

126-12

...That's the combined scores of our flag football games at the season's midpoint (through 4 games). Our team is undefeated (4-0) and have outscored the opposing teams 126-12. The great thing about it all is that every kids (we have 9) has at least one touchdown and every kid as multiple scores (either touchdowns or extra point conversions). We have also done a really good job of spreading the ball around fairly evenly...My friend with whom I coach is a stat geek just like me, so we have someone track stats each game for us and then he compiles them in a spreadsheet -- here's the total for this year at the mid-way point:


















Brayden had another great run during this game. This was a 2point conversion run in which we do a fake dive, end around to Brayden in which he does a great job juking the first defender (wearing the red shorts -- the kid practically falls down from Brayden's fake) and makes it in for the score. As Matt, our co-coach said "Brayden does a great job of reading the field and making the right moves in cutting first to the middle, then to the outside. I had a great view of this play, and the video doesn't do it justice."

Needless to say - I was very proud. Way to go Brayden -- and go Titans!