Can't Handle All The Cuteness!

I know she's mine, but I just don't know of a cuter, sweeter little thing than Clara Mae!

Rockin her boots and a hat that Aunt Cheryl made, perfect for the cooler weather!

Everett Family Reunion

In October we were able to join the annual Everett Family Reunion (this is Sam's mother's family-and lots of them with six siblings!)  We were unable to make it the entire time that we were in Missouri, so we were excited to go and visit with family.  And with lots of cousins and kids, my boys had a blast! It was held near Muscle Shoals, AL, and we had a very enjoyable time.  The weather was perfect, and the location was beautiful.  

We were so very excited that Aunt Olivia, Uncle Mark and Ardsley were able to come as well! And along with sitting up from a laying position on her own, Miss Clara has started to wave.  I love watching that little hand open and close to wave at everything and everyone.  

Drew and Ardsley. She just loves Mac and Drew, intently watching and copying all they do. So sweet!

"Cheese, as Drew has her in a choke hold. haha

With cousin Owen

The girls, seeking refuge from the cool wind against the building.

Me and Ms. Joy

Cheered on the Dawgs even at the reunion!

We must get Mim some maroon!!!

Clara watching the game with Daddy...actually sleeping :-)

Happy after her nap

Love these girls

Ahh, melts my heart!

And this totally melts my heart.  Those two boys LOVE their daddy!

The Hammers!

The boys just finished up the fall soccer season and absolutely loved it! It was a lot of fun watching them play together and seeing them have so much fun.  We had a great, encouraging coach who we are very thankful for! 

Honestly this sweet to each other about 99% of the time

Water break! Look at those red, sweaty faces...

Family pic...apparently it was green day! 

Sweet sister watching the boys

Team huddle for the "Hammers" (West Bros Construction Team)

Drew and Coach Rob. 

 Both boys were very fond of Coach Rob and Coach Richard.  And they made sure to ALWAYS obey their coaches.  No matter how loud this mama would yell on the side, if it was not an instruction from the coach, they didn't budge. 

Houston, Peyton and Mac with a little teamwork

That's Mac on the left and crazy Drew #7 with his arms flying.  He had lots of fun on the field...airplane flying, cartwheels, talking to his buddies. That boy is always after a good time. Mac was always very serious and could run very fast to catch up to the other team.  He didn't always push his way in to get the ball, but he was always there first! Maybe being more aggressive will come next year ;-)

Getting ready to play with a thumbs up

The whole team! 

And my boys sure loved the snacks at the end of a game! haha

Happy 5th Birthday, Fireman Mac!

Well, it happened.  On Sept 30, despite all my best efforts to keep it from happening, Mac turned 5! How is that possible?? I asked him if he would just stay 4 forever and he sweetly replied, "No mom, I have to turn 5. No matter what, God makes me grow bigger so I have to be 5." He decided on a party at the local fire station.  I didn't realize they even hosted parties, but I found out from a friend and it was a fabulous choice!  Very low maintenance and all of the kids had a blast. 

I scored this fabulous fireman suit the week before the party! He was pretty much convinced he was the real deal :-)

The Taylor Crew...best we could do at the moment!

My kiddos with both grandmothers, Mim and CeCe. So thankful to have both sets at the party!

Thank you Columbus Fire Department for a great party!

The cake wouldn't have been complete without a sparkler candle!

Making a wish

Snack time for everyone.  We set up the party in the firemen's kitchen area with their adjoining tv room.  There were at least ten recliners all around the room with a large tv playing a Sunday afternoon football game.  Never thought about what it might look like in their hangout area before. They were so nice to share the space!

Getting a little demonstration of what the full gear looks and sounds like

Watching Mac open his gifts.  I was very proud of Mac for thanking each child and being grateful for every gift...even a couple that he already had :-)

Group photo of all the kiddos

Sweet Drew.  He was so excited for Mac and his party.  When Mac would talk about who was invited, Drew would say "And me? Am I invited?" Of course, Mac always responded with a "Yes, Drew.  You're my best friend."

With the Hill cousins.  Very thankful that we are close enough to each other now to always share in the fun of parties and other family events.

The close up version!

The kids went on a tour of the fire house and truck.  The tour was cut short before going inside when they received a real call to go out on.  It was pretty perfect timing and really neat to see them in real action.

Headed out on their call, complete with left behind boots.

Party snacks! Fire balls, fire truck wheels and flaming firehoses.  We also brought a cake just for the firemen to enjoy and say "thanks"

Get Your Game Face On!

Last week the boys had their first soccer practice and were so excited!! They are on the same team this year which helps simplify life a little.  Mac played two years ago in Missouri, but it was not a very organized program so it wasn't that great of an experience.  Drew has never played and was beside himself that he is now big enough to play.  Of course, they are thrilled to play together, and Mac is so encouraging to Drew when they practice.  Here's to a great season of soccer!

Snapped a few pics before heading out to practice

Mac's big kick...as an older kid on the team (3s and 4s) he is pretty good so far and pays close attention to everything the coach says

Drew loves to kick that ball in the goal!  But if he misses, he instantly hangs his head and walks slowly away...we are working on being ok with not always making it but also giving lots of encouragement.  He sees his big brother doing well and gets disappointed when he doesn't perform the same.  Sweet baby :-)

Clara and Sam.  Sam is not coaching but sure enjoyed joining the coaches to make practice successful.  Thankful to have him!

Sweet thing watching her brothers

Waiting to start the next drill

Our coach Mr. Richard is so great!  He is a perfect mix of structure, fun, and encouragement for this age group.  Feel blessed to have him (he also happens to be a friend from church)

This is how Drew stands after he kicks and makes it in the goal.  He just stands like that and stares at the ball for a few seconds, then turns and says "Yeeess!" as he looks on the side to see if I was watching.

My babies sure get hot and sweaty, but they loved it and were so proud of themselves

Clara and I were quickly deemed the cheerleaders.  And I was told to cheer loud as we were driving to practice.  So, even though no other parents were loudly cheering during the ENTIRE practice, I sure enough did! I always want to be their biggest cheerleader, and if it makes a difference to them, I could care less if everyone on the side thinks I'm a crazy mama ;-)