Does it get better?

I guess I thought when we re-did the entry way, maybe it would be easier to put your stuff where it goes.  I guess I was wrong, Everything you see laying there belongs to our oldest son.....  Clearly its impossible

Versus Michael Phelps

Swim season started for our little guy - and just turning 13 puts him up an age bracket.  13 and up = which at times means he can swim against 18 year olds. 

With boys growing though these years = he is often paired up with kids literally twice his size.  I tried to capture this launch that included Mr. Nick and several other older, taller, stronger, bigger kids.

Forever amazed that he gets in there and just keeps swimming

Cool carmera

With Nick's new cell phone, I switch from a company phone to a company stipend and therefore got a new phone.  Just in time for my trip to Cincinnati.  It is a work conference but I had to share the striking photos it took.  

Over the Rhine went from slums to swagger and we got to tour it while snowflake were falling.

Veteran's day at all 3 schools!

One year with Veterans day in all 3 schools -

 Chris stayed home to put the kids on the bus,  while my dad and I started  the early morning at CMS - more of a performance style with the kids in the band and than a speech from Officer Rodgrious.  The middle school is starting to be the age where you can really talk to them about the military options that excist so here's hoping the format changes over the years as both CIS and CBPS allow you more time with the kiddos.

My dad headed to CIS with Chris while I went to work.  WE all met at CBPS for the final school for the final year.  Drew was happy to host.

We love all the CBPS kid questions and how simply they do the performance.  My photographer friend captured this adorable grin on Drew's face all too well.

Projects

Life can be full of projects.  They are rewarding, a hassle and often time life improving.  Here are a few that took over our weekend.  2 Rose of Charon that are hopefully not too disruptive to the front yard football field.

Moving the carpet ball table and leaving the legs off (Drew's idea)  cannot understand how or why it turned into a dog bed.  A little update - it got its legs back and moved to the side.

Happy to play games with mom while football is on.

Giving thanks to the early stages of our Pellet stove!  Step one of how many?

Parental projects!  With all the help my folks give us carpooling kids,  dinners and just general support - we are thankful to help with one with their projects.

Oddly leaf raking wasn't on the list - however this one make an epic pile with an even more epic slow motion leap.

Shane is at Frankies football party - everyone is in the right place!

Surprise - Nick is 13?!?! What!!

He is 13 and with a day off for election day he was happy to chill.  We woke up and did Body Pump together.  Such a sweet guy, just happy to spend the time together.  Always willing to take part in what others enjoy too - maybe a bit of benefit and thoughts of him catching the 'bug' -

While we were working out, MY wheels started turning.  Rather than have his birthday party this weekend when we really aren't certain the weather, maybe we can do it today.  Maybe a SURPRISE would be just the thing a 13 year old would love.

Maybe we need some form tips - o.k. o.k. that aside!  I wasn't doing tricep push ups at 13!

After 'class' texted the mom's of his best buddies - come on over and surprise Nick at 3!  I was overwhelmed and thankful when they all started responding with ways to work it out.

I headed off to work orchestrating in my mind what it would look like.  Chris took the boys mountain biking with the Briggs - not a bad way to spend a birthday.

One my way home from work, I grabbed a yummy ice cream cake, and ordered some pizzas to head our way.  Got home just in time for our first surprise guest Benecio.  The other boys started arriving, playing basketball on the hoop while I set up a bit.  Chris texted me they were headed our way.  I started giving out nick's NEW cell number to all his buddies so they could text him - what are you up to today?  Can you come over?  Lets head to the turf.  Etc...  All things that he had to decline.

Than we all hid downstairs - I was struck by how much bigger these boys are getting?!?!  When did this happen?!?!  A few boys were the last to get here and scattered downstairs to wait.

Than I heard Nick come in, we tried to be quite as Dad sent him downstairs for a random errand.  Than there you have it - he was surprised!  It was an afternoon of football playing,  soccer, and just time with your friends.  Grinning from ear to ear - warms my heart that he could feel the love.

Two peas in a pod??

Table full of boys, Pizza, wings, soda - what more??

We DID it!

Love celebrating this sweet child.  he is thoughtful, considerate of feelings.  If only we could get him to be a bit less absent minded.....  At least when I remind him to pick up after himself he is pleasant about it.  May he continue to surround himself with good friends and continue to be that bright star among them - that they remember, they are friends with him because of how good he tends to make folks feel - smile included....

Ironic part of this day - Its the SAME day that our favorite people head far far away - to a country I cannot even begin to imagine what life will be like.  In some ways we will try to live vicariously through them in an effort to understand an appreciate.  Same travels - they are fortunate to have you! 

Cross country season

He went out for his - it shocked me that he wasn't the fastest runner on the team as he is now soundly beating me (but not yet Chris)  Here they are in Avon.  With the meets right after school, the likelihood of me making them has transitioned.  Thankful I got this one.  See our guy?  Mighty!

He kept up with it - even though he wasn't the fastest, he loved the time with his friends - it was a social sport for him.  Championships was HUGE and fun to watch.  Gotta admit - the girls - Ashley and Kendal really rocked this team!