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"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Kaitlyn: We're about to have a whole week together with both of us home for Thanksgiving, and I've got some fun plans in store for you, missy! You've been increasingly independent lately - you have learned to climb up onto the couch by yourself, you have started saying "shoe" and "please" - and you give the best "mean mug" face I have ever seen when you are not pleased with something or someone. ;) And this past Saturday you finally attended your first UNI football game in the Dome, and you did pretty darn great - lasting all the way until third quarter when it was finally time for a good nap!

Our Little Giants || Brandon's Flag Football Season, Part 1

Brandon competed in his fourth grade flag football season this fall, and it was so fun to see how excited he was for his second season of competitive football. He doesn't talk about sports or follow sports at the level that his older brother does, but that doesn't mean our boy doesn't have a competitive edge and a passion for what he sets his mind to. And football is something he has definitely set his mind to!

It was a season of ups and downs with some new faces, new coaches, cold-weather games, and a team that took some time to gel... but Brandon was SO fun to watch this year. His confidence grew so much from his third grade, rookie season, and his speed has only increased, too! I don't know how many times we heard from people watching the games, "that kid is fast!" -- and the Junior Tiger tackle coaches immediately started "recruiting" him for next year's 5th grade/6th grade team before this season was even over. ;)

He scored touchdowns - multiple a game in many cases, scored a game winner, came up with some big flag pulls, had some awesome receptions - but most of all, carried himself the way he is known for. With kindness, a sense of leadership, and a desire to give it his absolute all - not just on game days - but on practice nights, too.

My favorite picture of his season. A big catch that led him to the end zone. After two years of running track, his "runner's form" followed him onto the football field and served him well.

I didn't get to make it to every practice, but when I did, I wasn't surprised to find Brandon leading his teammates through drills, huddles, plays... and sometimes... helping to remind everyone to stay focused, to listen to the coach... and to stop goofing around. ;)

And can we talk about this little cheerleader for a moment? She had a babysitter for each of Jaden's football games since they are much longer and a bit more intense for mommy. ;) But she did so good at Brandon's games... especially the ones where the weather was good. She looked the part of adoring, adorable baby sister, had fun trying to make new friends or playing with cousin Ivy... and digging in the sand whenever she could. :)

More to come!

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"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Kaitlyn: Trying to get you to "pucker up" or "cheese" for the camera, and this is what you gave me instead! ;) You're such a little stinker these days (all days), and you seem to be growing at lightning speed right now. You are less and less baby and more and more little girl, and it breaks my heart and thrills me all at the same time! You're also a HUGE Daddy's girl right now, and that's taking this mama some time to get used to - especially after having two little mama's boys come before you! Your first molar finally broke through, and there's quite a few more teeth just below the gums that we can see coming. You're about to have a full mouth of chompers, but you really fight me on brushing your teeth. You will only do it if I let you do it yourself, and your idea of brushing your teeth is much more about sucking the toothpaste off the brush than actually brushing them clean. ;)

Junior Tiger Football || Part 2

One last post for our Junior Tigers. Mostly pictures - fewer words.

Game 4.

A last minute schedule change allowed us to play one game in the UNI-Dome, after all. A dream for these young kids - especially our own. Scoring a touchdown on the Dome field? Priceless. This was a fun one.

Look at those big boys chasing my kid!

Game 5.

Very first play of the game. To the house.

Game 6. Final outing. It was so cold. But it sealed our undefeated season.

Excited to watch these boys play junior high ball together.

That's a wrap. Such a busy season, but so much joy and pride. Jaden already misses football so much. We all do. We're so proud of him.