Soccer Awards Party

Soccer season came to a close, but we enjoyed one last great moment as a team at a little awards party on the Monday night following the last game.  We all met at a local pizza restaurant and enjoyed a fun evening eating pizza, sharing laughs and memories about the season, enjoying some yummy cupcakes, and getting trophies of course.  I know that it may not always be the case where trophies are given to every team, I have to say that I do think our little team deserved some recognition for all their hard work.  They fought hard every game and really learned to work together as a team.  I really was proud of all these guys...and gals!  Eddie and I wanted to add a little special treat for the parents and players so we gave them little collage prints of some of our favorite pictures from the season.  I really love the way they turned out, and I want Evan to remember this little team of friends.

The boys enjoying their dinner together. 

Coach Kyle enjoyed sitting with all the girls. 

A speech from the Coach. 

Passing out awards and saying a few words about each player.

Evan proudly accepting his trophy. 

Aunt Jessica ordered some cute little printable cupcake toppers for the occasion. 

So cute and the yummiest cupcakes. 

Special messages for the team. 

This may be my favorite of all of Evan's trophies.  It is so cute and well made. 

Mattie Claire ~ 5 Months

Dear Mattie,

Happy 5 Month Birthday!  We hope you have enjoyed sharing this past month with your earthly family.  We've had quite a busy month filled with lots of fall fun.  I know you would have loved apple picking, pumpkins, and leaves.  We really missed you on this Thanksgiving, but although we can't be together, we are still so very thankful for you.  We are so thankful God gave us you, sweet angel, even if we only got to have you for a little while.  As we enter the Christmas season and think about all that means to us, we can't help but think how special it must be to spend your first Christmas with Jesus and celebrate his birthday with him.  Please wish him a happy birthday from us.  We also hope you will enjoy joining us in your earthly home for our little family celebration.  We think you will like all the fun and special times we share together.  If we could see you now, you may look a little like this:

Big brother Evan at 5 months. 

Big brother Brody at 5 months. 

We took some pretty new flowers to your grave earlier this month.  Mommy just wanted some simple red and white flowers for Christmas. 

A sweet little warm outfit Mommy bought you before you were born.  And your nice warm monogrammed blanket from Aunt Jessica would be perfect for keeping you warm as we've had some chilly days lately. 

Sweet little Peter Rabbit. 

Yes, you would have had the cutest little bunny feet ever. 

I think this sweet little dress would have been perfect on you with some warm leggings.  I just love the color. 

And you must have a first Thanksgiving outfit.  

You have your very own sparkly tree in your room.  

Your picture overlooks our big Christmas tree, and I just love the way the tree gives you some added sparkle like you are a little star. 

We love you, sweet Mattie, and we hope you enjoy this special season in heaven.  You will always be in our hearts!

Love always,

Mommy and Daddy

Happy 1st Birthday, Grady!

We can't believe that it has already been a year since this little Thanksgiving blessing came into the world.  What a blessing he has truly been!  He has definitely proven to be a little fighter as we have seen him overcome some odds that were medically against him from birth.  He was a small baby with some genetic issues to contend with, but he has really already surpassed so many of our expectations for him and continues to surprise us with his progress.  Despite having hearing issues that will inevitably mean he'll have to wear a hearing aid for life (his ear canal isn't formed at all in one ear and is undeveloped in the other), he has proven to respond to sounds and does well with his hearing aid and sign language.  He is also just the happiest baby in the world and loves everyone he meets, but his grandparents are definitely his favorite people.  He is his great-grandpa's favorite little buddy for sure!  He is now proving to be little mover as he crawls around very quickly and is standing up and cruising some too.  He is also developing a quirky little one year old attitude and does not like being told no!  Ha!  I am definitely seeing more and more similarities to his big cousin Brody.

Mommy did a great job on the decorations.

The birthday boy is ready to party!

This little turtle is one!

And he's so excited about it.  He understands and knows the sign language for yay and shakes his little fists when he's excited!

Cupcakes for the guests. 

Cousins Evan and Brody giving their baby cousin lots of love!

A picture with Mommy and Daddy. 

Grady's happy family.

A cute turtle center piece.

Mommy made the birthday party hats too. 

Talking to his mommy. 

Brody cheesing for the camera of course. 

Grady getting kisses from his big sister, Chloe. 

Cute family. 

Daddy with his babies. 

Grady's special turtle cupcake. 

Preparing to blow out his candle. 

Grady's like "um, you are putting fire close to me.  Why?" 

"Just give me the cake, lady, and nobody gets hurt!"

"Okay, now what am I supposed to do?"

"Ah, you want me to eat it.  Okay, you asked for it!"

Here I go. 

"What are you looking at?  Haven't you ever seen someone eating cake before?"

"What?  Do I have something on my face?"

"So?  I'm still cute!"

"Anyone want to high five?"

Brody still prefers using utensils. 

Big sister Chloe shows little brother how it's properly done. 

Presents!

Yay!  Paper!

Okay, cousin Evan, but this is my toy!

Yay for big presents with lots of paper! 

And it is now time for a milk break. 

Wow!  Grady racked up!