Tanner is 9!

I can't believe it! 9 years old.  It doesn't seem that long ago that he was born. What an amazing 9 years. He is growing into such a wonderful, smart, and great kid. We are so proud of him and all that he is and does.  We had a lot of fun celebrating his special day.  

Tim and I were up late (waiting for Tanner to fall asleep) setting up a few surprises.  When Tanner woke up and opened his door he was welcomed with a cascade of balloons on him :) 

 While he was sleeping we snuck into his room and set up a desk for him in his room.  He was very excited...he has wanted one for a long time. 

 Because it was his birthday we let him ride the Gyro at Watermans fall festival.

 He requested crab legs and sushi for dinner. It was an adventure!

 Tanner really tested my artistic skills this year (which are nonexistent) when he requested a tiger cake.  We started this pick anything and I will try to make it when they were really young and the requests were simple things like a spider or a soccer ball.  They get a little more challenging each year.  I had fun though.  What you can't see in the picture is that on the inside the cake is striped with chocolate and vanilla batter. 

 His siblings gave him some pretty neat presents this year.  Kaden got him a cool laser light football set that they can play together.  Brooklyn got him a book light because she knows how much he likes to read in bed when he should be sleeping :)

 Here comes mom and dads gift...is it?...can it be?....

 YES!! It is! A bow and arrow!

 Celebrate!

 He had to go out and practice as soon as possible.  

(Don't worry all you skeptical "you are crazy" parents...it is made for kids and there are VERY strict rules attached)

Tanner fell in love with archery this summer at cub scout day camp.  It is fun to see him pick up new hobbies and get so excited about them. It was a great birthday here and he is excited for his friend party this weekend.  Archery themed of course.

Surprise Treat

My little boys are so cute and sweet.  The other day they heard me talking to Tim and mentioning that I was craving a treat or chocolate.  They promptly snuck into the kitchen to make me a surprise treat.  They are pretty good little cooks and Tanner makes dinner (supervised) occasionally so he knows how to read a recipe and follow instructions.  Tim discovered them halfway through and decided to let them carry on because the kitchen was already a mess at that point.  I came in to the smell of fresh baked pumpkin cookies in the oven....my favorite.  

They look delicious right? I was so proud....

"Just one thing mom....we couldn't find the vanilla....so we used mint extract instead."  :)

They actually tasted pretty good. More like mint chocolate cookies instead of pumpkin chocolate.  How sweet they were though to make a nice surprise for me!

Black Hat Bash

Last night we went to the Black Hat Bash at our children's museum.  It is a huge event throughout the whole museum.  The place was packed, but we had a lot of fun.  The kids loved the opportunity to put on their costumes a little early and celebrate!

 The haunted house was great and much scarier than I remembered.  Tanner and Kaden loved it, but I think Brooklyn was a little apprehensive as you can see from her lack of smile. 

 There were a few craft tables so we came home with all kinds of skeletons, pumpkins and brains. Look how intent they are.  Very serious stuff :)

 You can't go to the children's museum and not ride the carousel.  I am happy to see Brooklyn enjoying it....she used to be terrified. 

 Here is the reason all this happened.  The children's museum hosted an art contest and took entries from all over the state.  There were more than 3,000 entries.  Both our boys got to have their artwork displayed! Kaden was a finalist in his grade level. Here he is with his amazing picture!

 Tanner got second place! He received a pretty cool prize bag from the museum with all kinds of art items in it.  He loves it!

Great job boys!! We are so proud of you!

Field Trip

Brooklyn got to go to the apple orchard for her school field trip this fall.  We had a great time! Growing up in New England...fall is definitely my favorite season.  There is nothing better than the cool crisp air, beautiful leaves and apple picking.  Brooklyn had to try every color of apple she saw.  I think she decided red was her favorite.  That's my girl!

 

Go Team!

Tanner and Kaden have been playing soccer this fall and absolutely loving it.  They have been learning a ton and improving so much.  We love the program they are in and the coaches are amazing.  They focus on fun and learning and not the competitive aspect. They don't even keep score during the game (but I bet you most of the kids can tell you). 

Way to cheer on your teammates Kaden!