Snapshot Sunday

Snapshot Sunday

I LOVE this photo. Xander was not terribly excited when I told him Thursday night was the first night of his Special Olympics basketball practice of the season. He kept saying "bad boy, basketball" the whole afternoon.

Until we got there. It was a small turnout for the first practice, so there was lots of one-on-one instruction which really helps him. He practiced a defense stance and actually enjoyed it and was doing well with it by the end of the drill. He learned how to rebound, even running past people and pushing a few people to get to the ball. He's always struggled with understanding you can be a little aggressive during defense in sports (you know, that whole "be nice, don't take things away from others" the rest of the time is pretty confusing when you start shouting "take the ball" during practice and games)! He made five rebounds during drills, and was SO proud of himself. He kept looking to the sidelines to see if Connor and I were watching and cheering.

And then he closed the gym down. Coach Leslie and all the other players were wrapping up and ready to go home after a long day of school then after school activities. It was 7:30p. Xander was still at the far end of the gym, shooting from his favorite spot, even after they shut the lights off in the gym ...

Snapshot Sunday

Bruno really wants to help taste test the desserts we made to take to our family's Thanksgiving celebration. You know, just to make sure they're okay for everyone else!

Snapshot Sunday

Sawyer's happy place, walking in the pedways downtown. He loves to watch the cars go by.

Snapshot Sunday

Back yard hoops in flip flops in November ... got to love the weather in our part of the world! Xander never gets tired of shooting hoops.

Snapshot Sunday

Xander showing some love to Aunt Kelly on their McDonald's adventure earlier in the week. #bestauntever

Snapshot Sunday

After the rains ... one of my favorite view's from Grandma and Grandpa's lake house ...

Snapshot Sunday

My favorite spot in the whole house ... sitting on the back porch swing and watching the sun set through the trees ...

Snapshot Sunday

There are not words to tell you how amazed and impressed I am by this kid every single day. He played (strummed) the guitar and sang "Counting Stars" by One Republic at his school's Variety Show. He's brave and fearless, and so talented at the things he enjoys.

Snapshot Sunday

A beautiful view of sunset on the Elkhorn Creek. As always, Josh and I keep our eyes on property a little further out of the city with a little more land to roam for the boys and a little bit more distance from the neighbors. It's on our someday list. We checked out a lot that backed up to the Elkhorn Creek and offered this spectacular view, albeit down a rather steep and significant hillside where half of the property was down the hill. Gorgeous view, but in the grand scheme of things, not the safest location for the boys ...

Snapshot Sunday

Despite the chronic ear infections, you can't stop that smile. It lights up the room.

Snapshot Sunday

One of my favorites from our day trip to Raven Run. The boys taking a water break on the bench after our hike, looking out over the field with a crazy blue sky and amazing cloud cover ...

Snapshot Sunday

This view never gets old ... bright sunset and stars coming out above ...

Snapshot Sunday

Gorgeous sunset from the back yard on Wednesday night this week ... the sky was on fire!

Snapshot Sunday

The struggle is real, Bruno says. Staying awake on a lazy day is hard ...

Snapshot Sunday

Snapshot Sunday

Aunt Kelly and Sawyer went to the ice center to watch the holiday show. Sawyer looks pretty intense here, but he enjoyed all of the music and movement. He clapped and danced along.

Snapshot Sunday

Snapshot Sunday

Snapshot Sunday (Part 2)

Spectacular fall sunset from the flag football field!