Happy Fall, Y'all!

Some gratuitous cuteness for your viewing pleasure ...



Class Camping Trip

A fall and spring tradition at the boys' school is the half-day class camping trip.  After the soapbox derby, Jess and the boys gathered their things and headed out to a nearby state park for an overnight adventure.  This is the fifth class camping trip we've they've been on, so we now have actual camping gear - tent, sleeping bags, headlamps.  Add some s'mores supplies, walkie-talkies, and good friends, and you have a little boy's dream.

 There are a number of older siblings from Noah's class who are also in Ben's class.  Jess said it was funny to see how the "older" kids grouped off for their own, more mature version of camping fun.  At one point, Jess opened our tent to find this:

Ben and his buddies hanging out, seeming much older than their 2nd-grade selves (or are we just holding on to him being a little boy?).  Later, after Ben had put on his PJs, this gang came back to the tent to see if he could come out for a while more.  He went out into the dark with his friends and talked until they were all ready to turn in, and Jess felt that distinct moment when you see your kids for who they are, not who they are in your mind.  He's growing up, there's no denying it, much as we'd like to sometimes.

Soapbox Derby 2012!

On the last Saturday in September, the "Rocky Ford Rockets" (formerly the "Double Dare Davises") competed in our neighborhood's 2nd Annual Soapbox Derby.  Last year our car was all about creativity.  This year, the boys had a real need for speed.  Daddy worked a month full of weekends and late into several nights to construct the Rocket, complete with "spoiler blaster."

 The race is set up in age categories.  Ben's group went first:

 Then it was Noah's turn to speed down the hill:

 This race has become one of our favorite events of the year.  At its core, it's a fundraiser for local charities, and the energy of everyone involved is all about fun, community, and doing good.  There were some amazing cars, like our friends' Leego Car made to look like Lego blocks - SO cool!  Check out lots of fun pics of other cars here.  In the end, we didn't win for speed, but (even sweeter for the boys) we took home the trophy for "Coolest Looking Car!"

And I had to eat my words about Jess picking paint colors that, to me, made it look like a McD's car.  Watch out, the Rocky Ford Rockets WILL be back next year!

Fall Sports

Every Sunday afternoon this fall, Jess and I have been splitting up to take the boys to baseball and soccer.  Jess helps coach Ben's baseball team, while I head to soccer with Noah.  To say that Ben is baseball obsessed would be an understatement.  Any opportunity there is for extra batting practice, player clinics, or just playing catch in the yard (even playing "pretend baseball" when he doesn't have a ball or bat), he's there.

 One of the highlights of Jess's week is taking Ben to dinner after practice on Thursday nights.  Just one-on-one time where they get to talk about school, sports, whatever.  Before practice the other night, Ben asked Jess if they were going to dinner afteward.  When Jess said yes, Ben replied, "Good!  I love just sitting and talking with you."  Doesn't get any better.

 

And while Ben's at the ballpark, Noah's ripping it up on the soccer field.

We've really stressed that we don't care if he scores any goals or if his team wins, we just want him to have fun and try his hardest.  This season he's really doing both those things - so proud of him!



Siblings

We've got lots to catch up on! There's been baseball and soccer and soapbox derby and camping trip (and lions, and tigers, and bears ... oh wait). But for now I just wanted to share these pics from September that make my heart crazy happy. Everyday moments of these kiddos genuinely enjoying each other's company. What strong friends they've become. Fights? You betcha. But lots and lots of laughter and love too. Important for me to remember when I feel like I've been nothing but a referee all day. There's a special connection among siblings, and it's so fun catching glimpses of it on camera.

 Everyone should run errands with 3 masked bandits and a roll of wrapping paper, no?

 Jess and I were asked to sit at another table.  I love that we weren't a welcome part of this kid convo.

 Yep.  That's the roof of the car.

 Doesn't everyone do art in the nude?

Or a butterfly costume?  The best part is that Ben and Noah are completely unfazed.

I mean.  Be still my heart.