Monster Jam

Over the past few weeks all Hampton has talked about are monster trucks. They are the current happy meal toy (yes we eat at the golden arches from time to time). And while Sweetie was here taking care of all of us when we had the flu, she let him watch YouTube videos which opened a whole new realm of monster truck obsession. Some of our best friends were able to get several tickets to Monster Jam when it was in town, so Saturday night Ben took Hampton. Can you tell he was a bit excited!

Two boys thrilled to be there together. After Sweetie's visit, I asked Hampton if he would like to go to a monster truck rally. Of course he was pumped. Then I asked him who he would want him to go with him. Without hesitation he enthusiastically replied, "DADDY!!!" I wanted to go too (just to see his excitement), but I knew it would be a special time for them...and someone had to love on L and R :).

Hannah, Wes and Connor

DESTROYER

Ninja Turtle - Hampton's least favorite

Hampton's favorite monster truck was Gravedigger, who made a very short appearance before he broke his rear axle. We don't have any pictures of him, but

It was a late night and I was already asleep when they came in. He was WIRED and far tooexcited to tell me all about it to let me sleep. I was beyond excited to hear all about it. He showed me pictures, videos and told me every detail he could remember about their special night. It was so much fun to see the excitement in both Ben and Hampton after their boy's night. They are such a blessing to me!

Thank you Engrams for using your mad connections to bless my boys! We are thankful for your friendship!

I have videos to post, but blogger isn't letting me right now.

Workin'

A friend of ours gave us a bunch of firewood (THANKS Spencer!!!) and the boys couldn't wait to help Daddy unload it. Hampton was super excited to use his work gloves and eagerly helped even though he was super cold.

After all the heavy lifting we all enjoyed a warm fire and some entertainment...Ben sang for us :).

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Just a Glimpse

This is an old video, but not an uncommon scene at our house.

Want to come visit?

Another Cold, Snowy, FUN Winter

Everyone keeps telling us that we are having unusual winters, but we're not so sure this is unusual. In fact super cold, snowy winters are all we have known since moving to KC. Ben is not the biggest fan of the winters here, but the kids and I like them...really Hampton and I enjoy them. Lucy and Reid get pretty cold. We have had several light snows (3-5 inches) and a few pretty intense snows (10+ inches). Between the snow falls are also some pretty cold days. Needless to say we have spent many days indoors and many days w/o leaving the house. Here are some pics of our fun in the snow.

The pics above are from our first dusting one Sunday morning. We had to bundle up before church. It was our first chance to wear the snowsuits Sweetie and Pops got L and R for Christmas. Too bad all I had for their feet were rain boots.

These are from our first big snow. We played in our driveway w/ neighbors for a couple of hours. The littles ended up eating animal crackers in the garage much more than they played.

Frankie, Kristin and Sam

Hampton is so proud of his "super fast" sled...thanks Kate!

Katie and Reid...Lucy wanted nothing to do w/ it.

The Big Boys of Briar

Our driveway is not very steep, so they had to get a running start and dive.

Brandon, Katie, Michelle and Ben

Snow with Daddy

She's happy with Daddy, but not a fan of a moving sled!

Reid on the other hand loves adventure.

Clearly ready to go inside

Some Things I Want To Remember

Lucy calls bananas "Gahleegahs"

When Janet and Arlene watched the kids during Grandma's memorial service, Hampton told them, "Four year olds are alergic to crackers, so you might want to feed these to the babies."

When Janet and Arlene asked him if Sweetie got him one of the toys he responded, "No. I got those for Sweetie when she was seven and that was eight years ago."

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 :).