Halloween Night

Halloween night started off a little rocky with Natalee being pretty cranky and moody; however she changed her tune pretty fast once we got out of the house and started down the street.  We had the wagon with us, but both kids preferred to walk around. Natalee looked so big carrying her basket around...in fact she would not let anyone else carry it, even when it got heavy with all the candy!  Natalee followed Nico up and down, to and from each door or driveway, she learned to help herself to any bowls of candy sitting around and quickly gained an understanding that the goal of this activity was to fill the basket with as much candy as physically possible.  Both kiddos did great, had a blast and were exhausted when we came home!

Carving Pumpkins

Halloween was very special this year!  Pops came into town to trick or treat and experience this sugar filled night with Nico and Natalee.   The night before Halloween, (would that be called Hallow's Eve?) we carved pumpkins.  Natalee was quite interested and yet very disgusted by what we were doing.  She wanted as much to do with pulling the innards out of the pumpkins as Nico always does!  Nico still can't stomach the smell and feel of the gooieness of the pumpkins.  He still gags when he has had his overload of pumpkin grossness, but at least by now we expect this reaction.  It is still pretty funny too!  The pumpkins turned out very well and we were then ready for Halloween!

Soccer Game #6 and the Awards Night

We had our last soccer game of the season with the awards evening the following night last week!  What a great couple of months Nico has had playing soccer!  As a parent, it has been amazing to watch him soar, succeed and gain so much confidence in himself.  Nico tried his best during each game, has natural ability and skill, showed us that he is competitive and even can be a team player. 

One of the most fantastic things about soccer this year was the organization itself. Upward Soccer was run through our church, Chesapeake Church and during each half time in the practices and games, the children and coaches participated in small group studies focusing on Christian characteristics, such as perseverance and honor, and what the Bible says about those traits.  What a blessing it has been for Nico to have this opportunity stay in God's word even during soccer! We already can't wait for next year!