So we decided this year to have a surprise party for Matt & Caden for their 10th birthday. The boys love American Ninja Warrior so we had the party at Sam Sann's Iron Sports. The boys were excited that they saw Sam right away and got to take a picture with him. We were thrilled that all the Fall Creek boys and the C2 baseball boys were able to join.
I love the friendship these two have. Although they go to different schools, they still play sports together and maybe one day they'll go to college together?? They've picked up some really great friends along the way too!
They started the party on the rope! We had lots of laughs as the course continued to get tougher and there were some wipeouts!
Check out the air Jackson got! He did so great on all the obstacles.
Of course Dad had to try too!
Next was the small warp wall. I was amazed at how many of the boys made it to the top and they were proud when they did! Marlie almost made it too! They were intensely watching each other.
Next was the competition on the large warp wall. I think this was the boy's favorite part. Some of these boys got some serious air!
Then the boys got to go through the course. They started with the spider wall and it took them a few tries to get it. Lloyd figured it out.
Marlie mastered the rope climb.
And they all loved the bar to the rings. Not many of the boys made it too far on these but they all kept trying.
This was not only the coolest looking cake but was the best tasting cake too! Thanks to Melissa for getting the perfect cake!! Can't believe these boys are 10 already. Can't wait to see what the next 10 years hold.
In lieu of gifts the boys decided to collect books and games for the literacy library at the Aldine Family Hope Center. Thank you to all of our friends for SO many awesome books. The kids at Aldine were thrilled to get them!
Matt had his first official guitar recital outside of Kristi's music studio. Matt was one of 3 guitarist that performed along with several piano players from the area. He worked very hard to memorize a 3 minute piece - Andante in A minor. Matt we are so proud of you!! I know you were nervous but you did great and looked so handsome!
The video is in 2 pieces. I was with Marlie at her first dance competition so I think Dad was so nervous recording that he thought he had missed the first part!!
Matt you get better and better each year. I can't wait to hear what you'll play next year. I sure hope Marlie can join you up on that stage!
We were really excited to participate in the Walk by Faith again this year. Matt and Daddy walked for Team Teague and Marlie and I for L3.
Teague is Matt's good friend that he plays baseball with. We are thankful that Teague is doing great and is cancer free. What a blessing! The C2 baseball team came out to support Teague and Addie's Faith Foundation. Team Teague won for having the most participants!
Marlie and I were so proud to be there to support the L3 Foundation and Landon's family. Landon lost his battle to cancer in May 2014. Marlie loves Landon's sister Teigan. Here is Marlie with Savannah and Teigan. Both of these girls dance at the same studio Marlie's dances and they have been so sweet in helping her over the past few years.
The kids ran the 1K again this year. Matt, Caden and Dylan came in 1st, 2nd and 3rd representing Team Teague! Matt was so tired when he crossed the line but he ran great and was ahead by a long shot. Marlie actually came in 3rd but a little girl cut over and did not run the whole race and crossed the line 2nd??? Oh well, Marlie ran great and was excited that she was ahead of some of Matt's friends!
After the 1K we walked the 5K. It was a beautiful day and it was so fun to be out walking with all of our friends and family. Matt and Caden ran about half of it but were pretty exhausted after the 1K. We are thrilled to see that the Addie's Faith Foundation is continuing to grow and helping so many kids and their families that are battling cancer. We'll be back again next year to support this great cause!
I love fall! As soon as we get a fall-like day I start baking anything with pumpkin in it. Our favorite the past few years are pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! I also love a trip to the pumpkin patch. I'm not sure at what age kids stop liking the pumpkin patch but thankfully Matt and Marlie still think it's fun!! We searched the entire patch for the perfect pumpkins!! I begged them to take some sweet pictures and then let them be themselves. Of course my sweet smiling pumpkins turned into crazy ninjas. I'm sure the other people there thought they were crazy but they had fun being silly.
I also love carving pumpkins! Since the kids are now able to do most of it themselves (ok "most" probably isn't quite accurate) I'm going to get my own pumpkin next year to carve!! My cousin JP was with us and he had never carved a pumpkin so we made him participate too!!
The kids were excited about Halloween. Again, not sure when Matt will decide he's too cool to put on a costume but this year we were good. How else am I going to get a good candy stash if both of my kids don't trick-or-treat? LOL Right now Matt's loving the scary side of Halloween so maybe next year I'll let him dress up and scare kids when they come to the door!!
The King's came over and the kids made monster cupcakes. Khloe was super creative and taught my kids a few things about decorating cupcakes!!
Matt decided he wanted to be a Soul Taker and Marlie decided on Maleficent. I guess I should have asked the boys to take off their masks because in no picture can you see who they are!! Although we got rained on a bit, everyone had fun! We saw so many good costumes and I was impressed at some of the fun ideas the Moms and Dads had too. Maybe next year Doug and I will dress up?? Don't hold your breath!
