Good Sport

This is a story that I just had to tell. My Eliana loves football. I mean she really loves it. While her cousins are visiting with friends, Eliana will sit and cheer for an entire game. Who do we cheer for? Well, our beloved school, where Aaron works and Owen now attends. Go Eagles! Last year when we first took our kids to a football game Eliana would cheer, "Run Eagles don't fall down!"

Tonight was the first home game of the season, and for the record we creamed the other team. With that I will first mention that our students and families are amazing sports. They cheered for the other team who performed the half time show, and even clapped when the other team finally scored their lone touchdown. We know what that is like, our first season was rough. We cheer for our team, not against the other team.

So, after the game we were standing chatting on a walkway that the other team had to use to get to the locker room. The players started heading our way with their heads focused on the ground. Eliana was so excited about the players coming her way that I told her to wave and say "good game." She proceeded to do that to every player from the other team that passed us. Then as we walked to the car we saw a few of the coaches getting things together at the bus. Eliana walked right up and said "good game." The coach smiled and said, "Thank you sweetheart." I was very proud of her, and what a testimony to the other team who had a long bus ride home.

More Family Photos

Check out Aaron's face. Do you see what is in my hands? This is how I told Aaron that we are expecting our third little blessing. I am so thankful to have it all caught on camera.

Yes, number three is due April 5th. We are all very excited.

Family Photo Shoot

Before Owen went back to school, we had a family photo shoot. I have been wanting to do that for some time, and I am so glad we did.

My big Kindergartener

Last Friday was Owen's first day of Kindergarten. To answer the big question, no I didn't cry...and neither did he. In fact, he was very excited to go to school. He literally skipped into the class. It is hard to cry when your child is so happy to be somewhere. His teachers are both very nice and we are looking forward to a great year.

Oh yeah, he even has his own locker.
First day of school

Junior Rangers

This is the story of two junior rangers. While on vacation at Glacier National Park, the kids participated in the junior ranger program. This consists of completing an activity book, and a hike. Then being sworn in by a ranger, signing a certificate, and receiving a badge.

Owen was more than thrilled to become "a real ranger" and asked our camp hosts if he could go on patrol with them. They were more than kind and obliged. Not only that, but they requested the ranger come meet Owen. He showed up just before bedtime and took the kids on a patrol of the campground with him. Owen even used the loud speaker to say "hi mom." They were so excited it took them at least a good 30 minutes to wind down and go to sleep.

The next morning my junior rangers led mommy and daddy on a hike. They told us all about nature. Did you know that according to Eliana, "black bears will eat your kids, and grizzlies will eat the adults." They also, told us when to sit and have snack breaks. They did a wonderful job, and we all enjoyed the hike.

Owen heading off for patrol.

Owen checking a campsite ticket.

A beautiful scene on the junior ranger led hike.

Junior Rangers in a tree.

Meeting with the ranger and reviewing the activity book.

Signing the certificate.

My sweet rangers.

Gone Fishing

Owen releasing a fish.
Owen liked fishing, but wasn't too sure about having a fish in the float tube with him.
Aaron and Owen at the trailhead after completing their hiking/fishing trip.
Check out my fishing cutie.

One of the trip highlights for my boys was the father and son fishing. Aaron took Owen on two fishing outings while we were away. The first was to Avalanche Lake. This required a 2 mile hike in, and the out. While there they caught a dozen west slope cut throat trout. I will also mention that Eliana made it about 2/3rds of the way down that trail, before we turned back for lunch and a glorious 2 hour nap.

A few days later they took a float tube out behind our campsite to do some fishing. They were able to catch a lake trout out there, barbless I may add.

Owen was very excited to have a special activity he could do with Dad. I am sure there will be more of that in the future.

Glacier National Park

My little tree hugger.

Playing in the lake behind our campsite, and attempting to skip rocks.

We just returned from a summer camping trip in Glacier National Park. It was the children's first camping trip, and they loved it. Really, we all did. Aaron visited this park when he was a kid, then again with me about 8 years ago (what? where has time gone?), and now with our kids.

When you drive up a mountain and have no cell service, I must say there is something freeing about that. Family and friends enjoying each others company without interruption.

We did enjoy our share of adventures, but I left relaxed, and refreshed. I am so glad we were able to go.