Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Pumpkins and good friends
We made our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch today after mass. It was a beautiful, sunny day.
We took a tractor ride to the pumpkin patch and then, the hunting began. Brian and Carson went looking for pumpkins while Brooke and I guarded our row of potential pumpkins. The vines were a little too hard for Brooke to navigate. She kept getting tripped up and the tall weeds were bothering her. She kept yelling for Carson and Daddy if they got too far away!
"I sit on the punkin."
The deliberation - as is tradition, Carson and Brian each selected their own pumpkin. Carson spent the rest of the day asking Brooke and I whose pumpkin was better. He's not competitive at all. Really.
They narrowed it down to 7 before making their selections. We consider pumpkin-selection to be a very serious process! But, once you choose - you're all in. No second-guessing!
A very nice young girl offered to take our family picture. So nice!
After we picked our pumpkins and rode the tractor again, we ate lunch/yummy snacks and discovered Brooke's fear of bees. The bees love the cider and she was really frightened of them buzzing around. She would bury her head in me and say no, no, no bees. They played in the giant haystack for a while before we left.
Before:
After:
We bought some apples and said farewell to the pumpkin patch until next year! 
We took a tractor ride to the pumpkin patch and then, the hunting began. Brian and Carson went looking for pumpkins while Brooke and I guarded our row of potential pumpkins. The vines were a little too hard for Brooke to navigate. She kept getting tripped up and the tall weeds were bothering her. She kept yelling for Carson and Daddy if they got too far away!
"I sit on the punkin."
The deliberation - as is tradition, Carson and Brian each selected their own pumpkin. Carson spent the rest of the day asking Brooke and I whose pumpkin was better. He's not competitive at all. Really.
They narrowed it down to 7 before making their selections. We consider pumpkin-selection to be a very serious process! But, once you choose - you're all in. No second-guessing!
A very nice young girl offered to take our family picture. So nice!
After we picked our pumpkins and rode the tractor again, we ate lunch/yummy snacks and discovered Brooke's fear of bees. The bees love the cider and she was really frightened of them buzzing around. She would bury her head in me and say no, no, no bees. They played in the giant haystack for a while before we left. 
Before:
After:
We bought some apples and said farewell to the pumpkin patch until next year!
My good friend Heather, who lives in California, was in town this weekend! After the pumpkin patch, we spent the afternoon at the Houk's. Heather introduced Becky and I a long time ago, and the three of us girls have had several fun adventures over the years. Our families have become great friends and we're so blessed to have the Houk's and Perry's in our life.
Not long after we arrived, we snapped a photo of the girls, but then I put my camera down(sadly). Carson and Brooke are joined by the Houk kiddos - Caroline (3) and Winston, Truman and Theodore (15 months). Their sweet puppy Hank joins the fun, too. We always have fun spending time with these wonderful people and today was no exception. Brooke went without a nap today (too much fun to sleep!!!) and threw a huge fit - because Heather was leaving :). We missed you, Jay!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Soccer Kids
Carson had such a great soccer season! We were all a little sad the season ended today, although it will be nice to have our calendar free up two days a week. We had a great group of families playing this season - four were returning with Coach Chris and three were new to the team. Brian was the assistant coach this season and he did a great job (I'm trying to convince him to coach basketball!). As U-7's, they had referees and the parents and team were on separate sides of the field.
The Soccer Kids had a double-header today with games at 10:15 and 1:45. By this point in the day, Brooke was d-o-n-e (thus, the rare out-of-crib pacifier appearance).
Coach Chris said lots of nice things about Carson during the "trophy presentation." He called him a goal-scoring machine! Carson scored at least one goal during all but two of their games. He also has some really pretty footwork!
This picture is really indicative of how the families interacted. After the game, all the players and siblings gathered under the goal and ate snack. They were laughing and playing while all the parents were standing around talking.
Check out that messy chocolate face :). Oliver's sister, Bianca, was nearly as bored at the soccer field as Brooke was at the soccer ball (that is what Brooke called the soccer field). They were quite a pair and kept each other entertained. They would kick the ball back and forth, throw big rocks down a drain on the field, play peek-a-boo, read books, play tea party and eat lots of snacks! Bianca brought Brooke chocolate chip cookies this afternoon.
The Soccer Kids had a double-header today with games at 10:15 and 1:45. By this point in the day, Brooke was d-o-n-e (thus, the rare out-of-crib pacifier appearance).
The entire team, and band of Dads who helped coach. Stefan, Brian, Jade, Kassie, Evan, Talia, Oliver, Carson, Julian, Brian M. and Coach Chris.
Coach Chris said lots of nice things about Carson during the "trophy presentation." He called him a goal-scoring machine! Carson scored at least one goal during all but two of their games. He also has some really pretty footwork! 
This picture is really indicative of how the families interacted. After the game, all the players and siblings gathered under the goal and ate snack. They were laughing and playing while all the parents were standing around talking.
Check out that messy chocolate face :). Oliver's sister, Bianca, was nearly as bored at the soccer field as Brooke was at the soccer ball (that is what Brooke called the soccer field). They were quite a pair and kept each other entertained. They would kick the ball back and forth, throw big rocks down a drain on the field, play peek-a-boo, read books, play tea party and eat lots of snacks! Bianca brought Brooke chocolate chip cookies this afternoon.
The little hair bows are my most recent attempt at managing Brooke's hair. The little rubberbands are way too easy for her to pull out. The hair bows, and the rubberbands, are more of a challenge. And they look awful cute! These have two colors and pink and a leopard print. I am going to try them a few more times and if they work, I'm going to stock up!
The teammates under the goal.
This was after the first game. "Beganca" and Brooke (who is saying cheese) were drinking purple gatorades. Brooke ended up wearing her, thus the wardrobe change for the afternoon :).
It took me all season, but I finally got a shot of Carson scoring a goal!
The next few pictures are from Wednesday nights game. Carson taking a goal kick.
The teammates under the goal.
This was after the first game. "Beganca" and Brooke (who is saying cheese) were drinking purple gatorades. Brooke ended up wearing her, thus the wardrobe change for the afternoon :).
It took me all season, but I finally got a shot of Carson scoring a goal!
The next few pictures are from Wednesday nights game. Carson taking a goal kick.
Miss big-brown-eyes.
Trying to get our picture - great effort, not so great result. :)
Aunt Katy came to a game earlier in the season and took some great photos. B looks great with a clip board (don't you think he should coach basketball?!?!).
Trying to get our picture - great effort, not so great result. :)
Aunt Katy came to a game earlier in the season and took some great photos. B looks great with a clip board (don't you think he should coach basketball?!?!).
Corner kick.
And one of Carson running. Carson really enjoys soccer. He never complained about going to practice or games, always tried his hardest and fancy soccer footwork comes naturally for him. I'm sure he would be thrilled to hear me say this, but his footwork is really pretty. in one fluid motion, he can stop, turn the ball around and keep going. Above all else, he had a lot of fun and made a few new friends. B and I are really proud of him. And except for Brooke having some nearly-terrible-two moments, it was a really, really fun season.
And one of Carson running. Carson really enjoys soccer. He never complained about going to practice or games, always tried his hardest and fancy soccer footwork comes naturally for him. I'm sure he would be thrilled to hear me say this, but his footwork is really pretty. in one fluid motion, he can stop, turn the ball around and keep going. Above all else, he had a lot of fun and made a few new friends. B and I are really proud of him. And except for Brooke having some nearly-terrible-two moments, it was a really, really fun season.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Sick
Once again, I have recommitted to my blogging....
Wow - it has been quite a few days! This past weekend, Uncle Fugate and Steve, Brian's two best friends from college, came into town to watch the Colts and Chiefs game. Uncle Fugate arrived Friday evening and Steve came Saturday after Carson's soccer game. Carson is on quite a hot streak - he has scored a goal in every single game! He really enjoys playing soccer and has some great footwork. I have some great pictures that I'll post soon. It can be a little challenging to keep Brooke entertained and give the game my full attention - thankfully, one of Carson's teammates has a big sister who really enjoys playing with Brooke. She is in the 5th grade and I think she'll make a great babysitter some day :)! Uncle Fugate was a huge help this weekend - he's promised to drive from Columbus every weekend to watch Carson!
Saturday evening, I went to celebrate my good friend Jay Jay's 40th birthday! Brian and his friends had a fun evening around the fire pit, which sadly, now has to be replaced after the bottom rusted out. Any ideas if, and where, we can order a replacement bowl? The frame and other components are still in great shape!
Sunday morning, Brooke woke up with a yucky stomach flu. Thankfully, our guests were very understanding about their unexpected wake-up call! We had plans to attend Becky's 10-10-10 Birthday party (several years in the making), but had to cancel. Once again, Brent and Becky proved they are some of the most amazing people, and insisted Carson come over anyway. Brent picked him up around 11:30 - and I'm pretty sure Carson had a perfect day! He admitted he had more fun than if I would have been there. I think he's right! The Houk's had a bounce house and an inflatable slide, lots of sweets and goodies and Carson played really hard for almost 6 hours! I took him back for a few hours in the evening and got to wish Becky a happy birthday in person. I am always amazed at how blessed we are with such good friends.
Brian and the guys, including our good friend Charlie, enjoyed the Colts game from a suite! I'm
not sure KC-native Fugate was happy with the ending, but Indy was thrilled with the victory!
Poor Brooke had a rough day! She kept saying, "I sick, Mommy." I stayed home with her yesterday and by the end of the day, she was doing much better. Daddy stayed home with her today and she'll be back to school on Wednesday. Thankfully, Carson has avoided the yucky germs - thanks in large part to the Houk's. I came home this afternoon with a horrible migraine - 2 migraine pills later and a 5-hour nap, and I'm much better.
We spent most of the afternoon playing outside and enjoying the summer-like weather in October. Carson went hunting for leaves for a school project. Carson Thomas from down the street decided to help him. They were a sight to be seen on their bike and scooter riding down the street picking leaves off the neighborhood trees.
I didn't take any pictures this weekend, but snapped a few yesterday.
The kids were coloring Halloween pictures. It is red-ribbon drug-awareness week at school and Carson had hat day on Monday. Of course, he wore his Butler hat. (Today was favorite college apparel and he wore his Butler Final Four shirt! Tomorrow is red day.)
A big smile on this freckled-face. And a gigantic pile of laundry on the chair behind him!
The sick little girl who is thankfully feeling much better. Those big brown eyes get me every day!
Wow - it has been quite a few days! This past weekend, Uncle Fugate and Steve, Brian's two best friends from college, came into town to watch the Colts and Chiefs game. Uncle Fugate arrived Friday evening and Steve came Saturday after Carson's soccer game. Carson is on quite a hot streak - he has scored a goal in every single game! He really enjoys playing soccer and has some great footwork. I have some great pictures that I'll post soon. It can be a little challenging to keep Brooke entertained and give the game my full attention - thankfully, one of Carson's teammates has a big sister who really enjoys playing with Brooke. She is in the 5th grade and I think she'll make a great babysitter some day :)! Uncle Fugate was a huge help this weekend - he's promised to drive from Columbus every weekend to watch Carson!
Saturday evening, I went to celebrate my good friend Jay Jay's 40th birthday! Brian and his friends had a fun evening around the fire pit, which sadly, now has to be replaced after the bottom rusted out. Any ideas if, and where, we can order a replacement bowl? The frame and other components are still in great shape!
Sunday morning, Brooke woke up with a yucky stomach flu. Thankfully, our guests were very understanding about their unexpected wake-up call! We had plans to attend Becky's 10-10-10 Birthday party (several years in the making), but had to cancel. Once again, Brent and Becky proved they are some of the most amazing people, and insisted Carson come over anyway. Brent picked him up around 11:30 - and I'm pretty sure Carson had a perfect day! He admitted he had more fun than if I would have been there. I think he's right! The Houk's had a bounce house and an inflatable slide, lots of sweets and goodies and Carson played really hard for almost 6 hours! I took him back for a few hours in the evening and got to wish Becky a happy birthday in person. I am always amazed at how blessed we are with such good friends.
Brian and the guys, including our good friend Charlie, enjoyed the Colts game from a suite! I'm
not sure KC-native Fugate was happy with the ending, but Indy was thrilled with the victory!
Poor Brooke had a rough day! She kept saying, "I sick, Mommy." I stayed home with her yesterday and by the end of the day, she was doing much better. Daddy stayed home with her today and she'll be back to school on Wednesday. Thankfully, Carson has avoided the yucky germs - thanks in large part to the Houk's. I came home this afternoon with a horrible migraine - 2 migraine pills later and a 5-hour nap, and I'm much better.
We spent most of the afternoon playing outside and enjoying the summer-like weather in October. Carson went hunting for leaves for a school project. Carson Thomas from down the street decided to help him. They were a sight to be seen on their bike and scooter riding down the street picking leaves off the neighborhood trees.
I didn't take any pictures this weekend, but snapped a few yesterday.
The kids were coloring Halloween pictures. It is red-ribbon drug-awareness week at school and Carson had hat day on Monday. Of course, he wore his Butler hat. (Today was favorite college apparel and he wore his Butler Final Four shirt! Tomorrow is red day.)
Carson loves to read to Brooke!
A big smile on this freckled-face. And a gigantic pile of laundry on the chair behind him!
The sick little girl who is thankfully feeling much better. Those big brown eyes get me every day!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Our Artsy Sunday at the IMA
I knew today would be wonderful when mass closed with "Lead me Lord" - the closing song from our wedding day! I'm pretty sure I had the biggest smile on my face as Carson read the words and we sang and sang :). Starbucks, doughnuts and homemade chocolate icecream rounded out the morning! Life is good!
The IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) recently opened a new (FREE!) permanent exhibit called 100 Acres. Brian has been running on the trails through here several times and wanted us to see it, so we packed lots of water, snacks and took off this afternoon. The exhibit was wonderful - we can't wait to share it with all of you when you come see us! The trails were a little bumpy and rugged at times, so the jogging stroller came in handy. Unfortunately, Brooke's sippie cup of Silk leaked (ok, it actually spilled) and soaked everything in our bag. Thankfully, our camera and phones weren't in the bag. Huge bummer. Otherwise, we had a great afternoon running and playing outside, and we were so thankful for the breeze.
This is so cool! These huge disks are suspended in the air and during the summer solstice, the shadows on the ground become one. It took two years for the artist and the IMA staff to make it work.
This picture is my non-artistic attempt to show how massive this piece of art is, and how neat the shadows look. (It is so obvious yet that I am not artsy at all :)?)
This basketball structure was my fave! We took a soccer ball and Carson even made a few shots while we were out there. I'm not sure the photos adequately show how big this art is.
Sorry, Carson, that I totally cut your head off in this photo :).
This is not one of those "people jumping photos" - I would never attempt that with a 31 year old, 6 year old and 18 month old. Instead, my goal was to show excitement. I'll let you be the judge on that one!
Mommy and her baby girl - not really smiling, but repeatedly saying "cheese"!
The real basketball players!
The IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) recently opened a new (FREE!) permanent exhibit called 100 Acres. Brian has been running on the trails through here several times and wanted us to see it, so we packed lots of water, snacks and took off this afternoon. The exhibit was wonderful - we can't wait to share it with all of you when you come see us! The trails were a little bumpy and rugged at times, so the jogging stroller came in handy. Unfortunately, Brooke's sippie cup of Silk leaked (ok, it actually spilled) and soaked everything in our bag. Thankfully, our camera and phones weren't in the bag. Huge bummer. Otherwise, we had a great afternoon running and playing outside, and we were so thankful for the breeze.
This exhibit was made of these big wire structures filled with Indiana limestone. It is massive and very cool.
My amazing family - and Brooke's baby, of course :).
There is a lake in the middle of the park with this igloo structure out on this island. It's TINY and there are actual human beings living there. It is called the Indianapolis Island and is only 20 feet in diameter. It is an experimental living structure (thanks, IMA brochure for this helpful explanation) and for the next four summers, art students will live here and study human behavior and make modifications to this structure. Wow is all I can say.
This is so cool! These huge disks are suspended in the air and during the summer solstice, the shadows on the ground become one. It took two years for the artist and the IMA staff to make it work.
This picture is my non-artistic attempt to show how massive this piece of art is, and how neat the shadows look. (It is so obvious yet that I am not artsy at all :)?)
This basketball structure was my fave! We took a soccer ball and Carson even made a few shots while we were out there. I'm not sure the photos adequately show how big this art is.
Sorry, Carson, that I totally cut your head off in this photo :).
This is not one of those "people jumping photos" - I would never attempt that with a 31 year old, 6 year old and 18 month old. Instead, my goal was to show excitement. I'll let you be the judge on that one!
Mommy and her baby girl - not really smiling, but repeatedly saying "cheese"!
The real basketball players!
Brooke was very interested in the little boy behind her - although I'm not sure if she was interested in him, or the rainbow umbrella. 
This structure - called Funky Bones - was Carson's 2nd favorite. It's a huge skeleton and he was jumping all over it. I have decided he is part fish and part monkey!
This structure - called Funky Bones - was Carson's 2nd favorite. It's a huge skeleton and he was jumping all over it. I have decided he is part fish and part monkey!
Of course, Brooke thinks she can do anything Carson can do. Here, she is saying "Ready" and then "Go" - I help her jump on go!
This is a gigantic plastic pier that is overlooking the igloo (yes, where actual people are living for the summer!). Carson looks so big and handsome to me. He has grown SO MUCH this summer. Brian and I took turns with Carson out there (it wasn't stroller-accessible), and while we were there, Brooke was yelling "Bubby, cmhere." Translation: Carson, come here. We were all laughing at her!
If you want to learn more about this exhibit, visit: imamuseum.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)