Ethan's first baseball game

At the end of Ethan's big day we took him to his first Braves game. He was so excited and had a blast. He loved taking pictures of the players with my camera so Ii wanted to post his pictures on here too! I thought he was going to want to walk around most of the time, but he didn't, he wanted to watch the game and sat in his seat most of the time.

It was hot! He didn't seem to mind too much. He loved Grammy's binoculars and we had great seats on the lower level so with them he could see really close! We took him to the upper level and walked around a little so he could see everything.

I love watching Ben and the boys. I am usually the watcher, I like to be behind the camera. Ben loves them so much and it shows so much in both of their smiles! I am not sure who is having more fun.

Awesome view! And then we went back and watched the rest of the game and Ethan took more pictures.

His prize was a #1 hand (10 dollars!!) and he loved it! We left in the 10th inning with overtime tied 3 to 3. The Braves played the Cardinals and it was a good game! We left before it was over so we could pick up the other 2 boys and get home. The Braves did end up winning, several more innings though! Overall it was such a good day. Packed with fun... belt test, soccer and the Braves game. It was a great family day.

1st game as a Bandit

After the belt test we rushed to the field (only 4 mins late) and he played the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter. He did so well! I was expecting him to be really tired, but he ran on the field and scored a goal right off the bat!

GOAL!!! Go Ethan!

I love that when he is serious about his playing his tounge is always hanging out the side of his mouth. It's so funny! I always know when is really trying.

GOAL # 2! He was so proud of himself. He talked about his board breaking and 2 goals all night yesterday and all day today. He is learning fast and having so much fun. I enjoy watching him because he plays hard and has fun. His confidence is a lot better this year in soccer, I think because of Tae kwon do. It has really made him strong and confident. I have no idea which team won, they don't keep score at their age. I know our team scored at least one other goal. They are all so cute. Running around and cheering each other on!

Belt test 9-11-2010

Stretching out before his fist belt test. He was so ready, so proud. I was worried that when he got there he was going to be scared with all the people, but he has trained so much, he was ready. All of us on the other hand not so much. In my usual fashion I came in, 15 mins early, with my camera, video camera, diaper bag, stroller and 2 kids in tow. Ben and I looked around at the 2 little benches all the parents had to sit on thinking uh-oh, because soon to follow us was grandma, grana and grandpa ray. Well our plans for the day were bet test at 10, soccer game at 12 and Braves Game at 4. Little did we know when we started talking to all the parent, belt tests last 3 to 4 hours and you are not suppose to leave any earlier. I talked to Master White (Ethan's teacher) and got permission for Ethan to leave when he was done and he said he would try to get us out by 12. Well, anyone who knows me knows that I cannot stand to be late anywhere, so the whole time I was sweating making it to the soccer fields and coordinating everything. Well 30 mins in to the bet test (about 25 kids) they had only stretched! Ah! With 2 little brothers, this was not going to work. Tae Kwon Do is about silence and concentration. So Grana took Aiden home with her (not seeing Ethan perform at all) and Ben ended having to step in and out with Gavin. It did not go as I had planned. Ethan sat so quiet and patiently waiting on his turn, watching everyone who tested before him. He finally went at 11:10, my mom had to leave before he tested too! But when he got up there he was confident, strong, and did awesome! I was so proud of my little man!

He did his 10 step with precision and yelled out his "1 sir, 2 sir....". I can't believe how much he has grown through this sport! We were worried about him messing up on his form because it's his newest learned item, but he did it without hesitation. It is so funny as a mom how you just beam with pride for your children. It's not like I did the thing!! After his performance came sparing. I didn't even know he would have to spar for his belt. So when they said "Ethan, put on your sparing gear." I was thinking, "How do I put this on him, daddy is outside!!" Thankfully another dad stepped in and gave me a hand. And this is the funnest thing ever. I am pretty sure we don't have to worry about him getting hurt.

Ha! He looks so sweet! I don't think he can even walk in it!

Ready.....

Bow...

Fight! He did well, it was really cute. He sparred with a little boy and then a little girl. He did really well. Then he took off his gear and I started packing everything up, ready to run out the door as it was 11:58 and Master White asked Ethan to step up front. I thought he was just going to congratulate him (they don't give the belt until the belt ceremony in a week or so after all the scores are talleyed and belts are ordered...who new there was so many logistics), but Ethan walked up and Master White asked Ethan what he had for breakfast. Ethan promptly replied "pancakes" and then he asked Ethan if he was feeling strong and to show everyone a strong downward chop. Ethan did and then mater white slid a board under and Ethan broke it. He was so proud! And I was crying.....because I had put away my camera!!!!!!!! When do I ever miss stuff on camera! It's like surgically implanted into my hand! I was so bummed! And Daddy was in the car with Gavin, everyone else had left and Ethan was radiating and proud! I hugged him tight and he carried his broken board like he was super hero. I love it! It was a great first belt test for Ethan, he did everything very well. I was bummed that I didn't get babysitting for the boys so the grandma's and daddy could have seen it. But now we know, and next time we will plan better, and I will have my camera ready for the board break!

A Sunday morning, headed to church

After watching the first UGA football game of the season as a family yesterday, we felt it only necessary to share our bulldog pride on Sunday. Especially since aunt Kat came to church with us.

Taking a picture of the three of them presents its own challenges. Gavin is not big enough to sit on his own, but big enough to squish his brothers!

I feel so blessed to be involved in a church we love so much. Our children bounce in there on Sunday mornings with Aiden proclaiming "I am going to see Aiden's friends". It's so cute! Gavin smiles comfortably as we hand him over to the nursery workers, knowing he will not even be put down : )

Brotherly Love-there is nothing like it!

And since we have like no family pictures because I like to be behind the camera, not infront of it. We got Aunt Kat to take one of everyone!

We just spent the holiday weekend at home. On Saturday we watched the GA game, On Sunday we went to church and then to pizza with uncle T and Aunt Kat. Then Ethan and I went up to my work to fill in my schedule, he is such a ladies man, he loved seeing all the nurses and I enjoy showing his off. Then my little shopping buddy and I went to walmart. Ethan loves some Walmart. He get's that from his Grana. We bought the necessary groceries to get through the next few days, the essential Batman T shirt Ethan could not live without and somewhere in the process we lost a flip flop. Why is it that boys cannot keep shoes on their feet? It was to me a great weekend, because we were all together which does not happen as often as we would like. Tomorrow Ben returns to work but My mom, Mother in law and Grana all come back in town so I am sure our day will be family filled! We have missed them!

soccer practice

My favorite time of the year....soccer season! I am equally as excited as Ethan for soccer season to be back up and running. We started with a new league this year, West Metro, and we are loving it. Ethan's coach and teammates seem great. Of course for Ethan, the best part is that his best friend Landon is on his team.

They are too cute out there playing together. I love it too because then Mandy and I can tag team all our kids at games and practices. That is a huge help when Ben's at work.

Nothing like grass stains and sweat in a house full of boys; I love it! I was so proud of him. Proud of his strong kicks, never touching his hands on the ball, dribbling and scored goal in the scrimmage. I was even more proud of is sportsmanship, brave attitude as he took the field with a new team, great listening skills and the smile on his face.

Way to go Ethan!

Unfortunatly I think he is going to miss his first game because he has a Tae Kwon Do belt test at the same time. He has been practicing hard for months for it.

At the end of a busy day, it all ends back at home; with mommy bathtub, bubbles and your best friends, your brothers!