Let The Games Begin!

Literally.

I always knew that some day our little man Ty would have a schedule full of sports practices and games, and I would be that proud (and slightly crazy-protective) mom sitting on the sidelines sipping her coffee and marveling over how amazing her son is.

Yes, I will be that mom.

And now that he is 3, he can finally join some organized sports! This is his first experience with a sports team, so we thought it would be fun for him to do it with his cousin and best buddy, Little Dave. The two of them looked absolutely heartbreaking in their adorable tiny shin guards and big smiles. And just like I always thought he would be- Ty jumped right in there and loved it.

I was super worried that he wouldn't listen to the coach (primarily based on my personal experience at home with him not listening to me) but apparently, coaches are cooler. Ty not only listened to every command, but he picked up on all the drills and moves, and he had this permanent grin on his face the whole time. He and little Dave were just too cute for words.

I am seriously having so much fun with the kids at these ages, how can I freeze time???

Best buddies and teammates.

Love you Ty!

A Boy And His Papa

They like to go to the Italian barbershop together for haircuts and a little male-bonding time. Ty loves his Papa, and Papa is crazy about Tyler.

* I love both of them :) *

My Christmas Angels

Oh I just love these two. So much that it hurts.

On our way rushing out the door to get to Christmas Eve service at church, I snapped a few pics of my babies to remember these fun ages. I think this was the best Christmas yet because at 5 & 3 years old, they were both over-the-moon excited about Christmas and all of the festivities involved. Both of them really understood the meaning of Jesus' birth, and Bella even impressed us all by memorizing the longest bible verse I had ever heard her recite. I will try to post a video, because it was that impressive.

I can't even believe how much she has changed since last Christmas. Ugh, it both melts and breaks my heart at the same time. She is so beautiful!

We spent the entire day of Christmas lounging in our pajamas (matching of course... thank you Grandma :) ) and playing with the kids' new toys. I was really excited to share some old classics with our kids this year, like Operation. Remember that game?? They loved it!

And Ty worked with Dad to practice swinging the bat with accuracy in preparation for T-Ball in the Spring.

Notice John's snowman pj's :) And notice Ty's lack of pj's :))

And when you are a 3 year old little boy, and don't want to waste your time going inside to go to the bathroom, you do this. Oh my sweet little boy. You are ALL BOY for sure.

Let's Go Eagles!

Is this the cutest little cheerleader you have ever seen, or what??!

A little while ago, Bella participated in a one-day cheer camp at school, to try it out and see if she liked it. She was one of just a few Kindergarten girls that participated, and I was so amazed by how much she loved it! All the girls learned some cheers and a dance routine from their "coaches" (older girls from the high school squad), and then they performed them that night at a Varsity basketball game.

John and I were absolutely dying as we watched form the stands. It was so stinkin' adorable to see Bella standing in the front row, yelling out the cheers, and watching her coaches intensely as she followed along.

Her cousin Marley did it with her, and we are so excited that next year, the girls get to be on the 1st & 2nd grade cheerleading squad together. It will be so much fun to watch them at football games cheering together!

Oh my little Bella ~ we have so many fun times ahead. I can't wait.

And then again... let's try to soak it up for as long as we can =)