Hampton's First Soccer Season

Hampton was beyond excited to start his official soccer season. That excitement quickly faded once he entered the first game. He said things like, "They won't share," "They're all too fast," "I don't like this" and "They're hurting my feelings"...all between MAJOR tears. This competative mom had to walk away from the whole situation to avoid humilating myself and my family. Thankfully, Kelly, Drew and Hilary were there to help.

Team Medals

Thankfully, we didn't have another outing like that. Each game improved and he even scored a goal in the last game. It was so much fun to see the excitement on his face...and Ben's!

Scoring his GOAL

So excited!

Proud Daddy!

Can you tell he's watching his shadow. He did that all the time!

Overall we walked away having a positive experience and excited for spring soccer. In fact, when I asked him what you're supposed to do in soccer (thinking he would say kick the ball int he goal), he quickly replied, "Have fun!" That he did!

Sweet Big Brother

Lucy and Reid are very much at the "mine" stage of toddlerhood. They steal each others things, bicker over toys and hit/bite at the drop of a hat. Several times in the last week or so I have "caught" Hampton trying to help Lucy and Reid "work out their differences." In the sweetest voice he can find, he gently says, "Guys, my Bible verse tells us to be kind to each other." It doesn't stop the arguing, but it sure melts my heart.

First Day of Pre-K

Hampton has been asking for weeks when school starts. He was super excited about his new classroom and new teachers and more than pumped to carry his new backpack. He didn't share much about the day, but was all smiles when we picked him up. He is on the second floor this year which is a guaranteed beating w/ two toddlers who slowly climb the stairs...and I can't put them in a stroller. His teachers seem great and his little friend Laney from last year is in his class. At the end of the year Laney said her favorite part of school was getting to hold Hampton's hand :). They're buddies so it should be fun. He is going 3 morning a week this year and is very excited! It will take me a bit to figure out how to use my time wisely since I need to pick Hampton up right in the middle of Lucy and Reid's usual nap time.

To the 2 of you who still read this blog...enjoy some recent pictures.

this first one is not the greatest, but just to show his height...

I couldn't get a good one of both Lucy and Ried, so here is an average picture of each...two are just harder to capture :).

Soccer Camp & Lasagna

Hampton throughly enjoyed his first soccer experience. However, I don't think he learned much soccer. He attended camp put on by a local Christian school's varsity boys soccer team. It was intended for grades K-8, but they agreed to let Hampton and 3 other young ones attend. He loved the idea of soccer, but was much more interested in hanging out w/ his "coaches." They guys were great w/ him. He rarely moved from one drill to another on his own 2 feet. He was usually on someone's back or shoulders. Overall he enjoyed it, but on the morning of day 2 (of a 3 day camp) he said he didn't want to go back to "practice" b/c it was too hard. We had a little talk about sticking to what we start and he had a great day.

I think Lucy and Reid discovered that they really like Lasagna...even more than Hampton like soccer. :)

Reid is a huge fan of the fork lately and actually does very well with it.

Needless to say, we went straight to the bath tub after dinner!

WOW!

From across Happi Names Hampton yelled, "Mommy, there's poop over here, but it's not mine...and it's all over my hands." It was Reid's...AWESOME

My Boys

I fully realize that I am a blog-slacker! Our world is a bit crazy right now and I can't seem to find time to catch up. Here is just a story I do not want to forget.

Yesterday as we were leaving to meet Julee and Carolina for lunch I opened the garage door and let the boys walk down the driveway while I buckled Lucy. As I reminded them to stay out of the street, I saw Hampton run in front of Reid to make sure he was safe. When I got Lucy buckled, I shouted for the boys to come get in the car. They were down the sidewalk a bit and I saw Hampton take Reid by the hand (at first, then by the wrist b/c Reid wanted to walk the other way) and lead him back to the car. I heard Hampton saying, "Reid, Mommy said to get in the car. We need to obey." As we were driving, the following conversation took place:

"Hampton I am so proud of you for protecting Reid and helping him make a good choice to obey."

"I was kinda like a super hero?"

"Yes you were. You protected your little brother."

"Why did I protect Reid?"

"Because you love him."

"Yeah, I do."

I've posted several updates, many of which are back dated. You can view them here:

Really???

First Birthday

Valentine's Day

School V-Day Party

Spring Rain

Still Lovin' the Jeep

Still Lovin' the Jeep

Ben and Brandon were also rewarded w/ motorized vehicles when they learned to use the Big Boy Potty! They each got a 4-wheeler and the boys love to ride together. Almost every afternoon around 4:30 we make a loop around our street together. Our loop often turns into some backyard fun. We are so, so thankful for this family!

They really like to trade vehicles.

Reid really enjoys the jeep...riding in it w/ his big brother and even just climbing on it.

Hampton is a really good driver and is so patient to drive slowly when Reid rides w/him.

Happy First Birthday!!!

Yes, it's true. Lucy and Reid turned ONE over 3 months ago. Apparently I took an untentional blogging hiatus, but I'm hoping to get caught up and back on track now. These first few pictures were taken on their actual birthday, January 21.

After Olivia's basketball game.

Two peas in a pod...

They are still absolutely CRAZY about their big brother!

It's strange how things are so much different the 2nd (and 3rd) time around. Hampton had a huge 1st birthday blow out, while Lucy and Reid had a very simple and small party. We invited the few friends we had (we have more now that the weather is pretty) and family. We were so thankful that Sweetie and Pops made the trek to join in the fun. We had pizza and a coconut cake from Sam's. I was just going to do cupcakes, but Ben insisted that Lucy and Reid have their own cakes to dig into. By the time we got to cake, Reid was far more interested in getting out of his seat to play than actually eating the cake. Lucy, a girl who takes after her Momma, throughly enjoyed her first sweet treat.

Sweetie and Lucy

At the "party"

Carolina and Lucy

First Pizza...YUM!

Pops and Reid

Pizza Face

C-A-K-E

Not quite sure

Lovin' It

Happy Happy Birthday, Sweet Babies

Thank you sweetie for my super cute "Birthday Girl" shirt.

I LOVE THIS BOY!

Sweetie and Reid

Thanks so everyone who celebrated our sweet Lucy and Reid with us.