Wednesday Night Lights

Kayden and Josh have been playing flag football for the last couple of weeks.  I have to admit that it is one of my favorite sports to watch.  Games are full of excitement and entertainment!  Even on the sidelines:

A one armed push-up so Kayden will stay warmed-up while on the sideline.

 Some stretches.

 The entertainment doesn't get much better than that! (giggle, giggle)

Josh had fun too!  This year he was on a team with all his buddies.  They played well and had a good time!

Jaxon Turns 14

It wasn't that long ago, really.

 He was my giant teddy bear.  Now he is just giant.

We spent the day today celebrating Jaxon's 14th birthday.  We got dinner at the restaurant of his choice--Cafe Rio--and then celebrated at home.

 Happy birthday!  14 sounds so much older than 13.

 

 Kayden wanted to make Jaxon a birthday present.  So he went down to the Lego box and built Jaxon a Lego Shovel and put it in a box with some miscellaneous Legos and then put the box of Legos in a big box and wrapped it up.  Jaxon is proudly showing off his shovel above.  After Jaxon had opened Kayden's gift, Kayden quietly sat down and proceeded to play with the very Legos that he had just given Jaxon (bottom right).  Funny kid.

 McKay being the prankster that he always is, emptied Jaxon's underwear and sock drawers and put it in a box to wrap up.  He also added some miscellaneous items he found floating around Jaxon's room.

Now for the real present.  Jaxon asked for a Spurs sweatshirt for his birthday this year.  He was very happy to see what he wanted.  He immediately put it on and gave it two thumbs up.
 

Jaxon asked me to make him a favorite dessert of his.  We all sang Happy Birthday to him while McKay put him in a choke hold.

14 Things We Love About Jaxon:

1. His confidence.  Jaxon lets you know what he is good at.  It can be mistaken for pride at times.
2. His ability to make friends.  He still eats lunch with the girls every day.  It is starting to spread and other boys see how comfortable Jaxon is and then joins in.
3. His love of basketball.  He is on the Lone Peak bantam team again this year.  He also loves the Spurs.
4. He is quick to forgive and quick to say sorry.   This is one of the things that I love most about him.  I so appreciate when he comes and tells me he's sorry along with a big hug.
5. His smile and how contagious it is.
6. I love that he and McKay have become best friends.  Their relationship has grown so much over the last few months.
7. His desire to do what's right, even when it's hard.  He is currently working on his Eagle project.  He is learning just how hard it is to get everything completed.
8. Still love his giggle--especially when I hear it late at night with his brother.
9. He is grateful.  Whenever I help him out with something he never forgets to let me know that he appreciates it.
10. His big heart and happy nature.  He never comes home from school in a bad mood.
11. His willingness to improve.  8th grade has been an adjustment.  He has stayed in contact with teachers about his concerns and has had to study more this year.
12. He plays with his little brothers--whether he invites them to play outside or on the Xbox, etc.
13. His charisma.  He can talk to people so easily and they immediately like him.  He even has this ability with adults.
14. His laid-back nature.  However, sometimes I worry that he is too laid-back.  But I am glad that he rolls with the punches.

Happy birthday Jaxon!  When you were born, you brought a lot of joy to our home in a time of sorrow and worry.  (He was born shortly after 9/11.)  You still bring that joy to our home today.  We are so thankful for you and who you are!

Hangin' With the Big Boys Now

Kayden and his baseball team were invited to go to the Owlz baseball game (a local minor league team) where they were able to go out onto the field with a player for the National Anthem.  Kayden was so excited he could hardly wait!

While he was waiting to be called out onto the field, he was able to get autographs from the players.  He even received an Owlz baseball mitt that they signed (top left).  When they introduced the starting lineup, they also called a player from Kayden's team then they would run out onto the field together.  Kayden thought it was pretty cool that his name was called over the loud speaker (left middle).  Kayden ran out onto the field and stood with #4 during the National Anthem.  Kayden stood with his baseball hat over his heart (top right). It was about the cutest thing ever.  Then when they were done Kayden ran off the field with a wide smile on his face (bottom).  It was a fun night at the ball park and the Owlz won!