How quickly time passes!

Wow.. it's official we have an 11 year old son! It doesn't seem possible that Brenden is almost a teenager! We had ANOTHER birthday party for him - this time for the area family members. It was a nice change from the party at Okoboji - a quiet change! In all I think he had a good birthday and was, as always, spoiled!

Last weekend was also Brenden's 1st football games of the season. He is playing on both the 5th & 6th grade teams this year. The 5th grade game was not pretty they lost 34-0. I was very impressed at how well MOST of the kids handled the loss and for the fact that even when they knew the win was impossible, they still kept trying! The 6th grade game also ended in loss.. but it was a little closer 18-7. As the years go by it becomes more obvious that Brenden will probably always be one of the smaller kids.. but what he lacks in size, he makes up in heart. I have never seen a child that has as much drive and determination as him when it comes to sports (if I could only figure out how to duplicate it with homework and cleaning!). When he plays with the 6th grade boys, he looks like a toddler in a group of teenagers. It was a little scary to think of at first, until I watched him take down one of the larger players. He has decided that anyone, no matter what size, falls when you hit them right! This picture is during the 6th grade game.. so he looks really tiny! (He's #10)


Carson is doing well. His speech hasn't improved by much if any. I have been trying really hard to repeat things to him and make him talk more - but it doesn't seem to be working. He is more interested in playing with his toys and running around in circles than listening to me! He had a pretty nasty fall off the couch into the table a few days ago. The lump was large enough that I called the doctor. Thankfully I have a great doctor who calmed me down and told me everything would be ok (althought he did offer to see him for my own sanity). The picture isn't all that great but you get the idea. By the next morning the only thing left of it was some bruising. It's amazing how quickly kids heal!

The weather is slowly changing. I wish it would cool down just a little more so I could open up the house and let some fresh air in more often! For once, I am excited for some cooler weather - the boys have some really cute clothes that I can't wait to make them wear!
This weekend is MY birthday weekend. I am going to get a pedicure tonight (my favorite thing in the world). Tomorrow we have a babysitter and are going out with friends for a while. Sunday my mom and I are going to Brunch! I guess Brenden isn't the only spoiled one! ;)

Time to Celebrate

We have offically entered into the busiest birthday time of the year - which is the start to just a very busy few months! Brenden will be 11 on the 14th, but due to football practice and games we decided to have his party a little ahead of schedule. The last weekend od August we packed up a total of 5 5th grade boys and headed to Okoboji for the weekend. We were lucky enough to be able to rent a very nice, new private cabin at our favorite resort for everyone to stay in. The weekend was spent hanging out in the waterpark, watching the boys run like crazy kids outside, playing Wii & watching movies. In all I think everyone had a pretty good weekend! It was our first experience with so many kids (and our last!) This weekend we will be having cake & ice-cream with the family.





Next week is my birthday.. (my 25th for several years running), also thrown in the mix for the month are several of dougs immediate family and one of my most fantastic friends! September always seems like the month that all the craziness begins. Before we know it, Halloween will be here, soon followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas and Carson's 2nd birthday! This time of year I take a deep breath and pray that I can get everything done in time!

Carson went to the doctor yesterday due to a lovely cold that decided to attack. Doctor says he will be fine as long as it doesn't turn into ear infections and just to wait it out. We finally asked about his speech (or lack of it) and if we should be worried. The doctor seemed concerned when we explained how few words he says but how many noises he makes (proving that he isn't just a "quiet kid"). He said if something doesn't change in the near future (by 2 1/2) that we will be looking into speech therapy and hearing tests. I was really scared at first but the more that I think about it - I think he is just lazy and we are too! We don't force him to use words and all of us seem to talk for him. I am making an effort to change our behavior and hope that it changes his! Wish me luck!