Soccer Camp

Henry couldn't wait for the first week of August when soccer camp started.  He doesn't like the heat so much, but he doesn't seem to notice it when he's playing soccer!  He even insists on wearing a t-shirt under his jersey...and it was a hot week!  I brought the camera for the final day of camp.  Grandma Jo and Grandpa Will joined us, too.  Grandma even played in the campers vs. parents/grandparents game while I took pictures.  Afterwards, we enjoyed the meal the local churches provided.  It was fun to see how much he learned this week and how much he enjoyed it.

He made new friends during the week -

he and Emily liked competing and playing at the park, too.

Camper vs. Parents/Grandparents Game

Getting a few tips from one of the coaches.

Happy Camper

Walter fell asleep on the way to the field, but

woke up in time to help grandma on the field.  

He just loves this!

Here comes Henry.

The adults made a tunnel and chanted "Ba-na-nas" (their team was the Yellow Bananas) while the kids ran through to get their certificates.  It took awhile to get through the whole team so there were a few breaks for the parents to shake their arms out.

Checking out his certificate.

Introducing Dot

We were so sad about saying goodbye to Otto, but it was especially helpful to the boys that they had something to look forward to.  We called the breeder to ask his advice and when he heard what had happened, he invited us to come and pick out another puppy.  Nate and I went back and forth - maybe it would be good to take a little break and get a puppy next year...puppies are a lot of work...were we ready to do puppy and potty training all over again?  Henry and Walter were confident that they wanted another puppy.  They didn't want to wait until next year. 

 

The following Sunday we drove back to pick out a puppy.  Henry really wanted another boy dog, but we settled on a girl because it seemed like her personality would be a good fit for our family.  Since we didn't pick a boy, Henry asked if he could pick the name and he chose "Dot" or "Dottie," which was fitting.  She's been a great addition to our family and we're so glad we have her.

 

We stopped at the lake on the way home and gave her a much needed bath.  Henry was too busy playing with his cousins for pictures, but Walter couldn't get enough of Dottie...and the feeling is mutual (every morning she waits outside their bedroom for them and every night on our way to bed she tries to sneak into their bedroom to sleep with them).

 

 Checking out her ears.

 

Going for a serious look.

 

Some of Dot's favorite spots:

On top of any clothes she can find...



...And of course, the blue chair.

Saying Goodbye to Otto

 Unfortunately, it became clear in August that Otto was ill and we had to put him down.  It was definitely a rough time.  There were lots of questions and discussions about death, heaven and Jesus.  We were thankful for the fun times we had with Otto. 

The Honda

 When the boys found out we were trading in our Honda, they were both a little upset (it has a DVD system that they've enjoyed on long car trips).  To make sure he didn't forget the car, Walter asked to take a picture next to the Honda.  His pose cracks me up!

Grandma Jo

Grandma Jo was so kind in helping us with some landscaping in early August.  She went shopping with us to find plants and come up with a plan.  She even drove by our house in the early morning hours and hopped out of her car to make sure the layout and spacing looked right.  On this day she stopped by to answer more of my questions.  As soon as she pulled up, the boys were out the door to greet her (and ask for some gum).  "Take a picture of us!" Walter said as he stood by her (that's when Henry made his move and disappeared). 

 

 

You have to do a silly picture, too.

Which makes Grandma give you more kisses and hugs.

 

 

Sodas

Making sodas is one of the special things that Henry and Walter like to do with Grandpa.  They are learning from one of the best!   

 

*One soda memory that will stick around for awhile:  The boys ate their delicious sodas, ran upstairs and proceeded to jump on grandma and grandpa's bed.  They came down after jumping to report that someone had a tummy ache and moments later the soda reappeared!  Lesson learned - Sodas and Jumping don't mix.

These Boots Were Made For...

...technically, these froggy boots were made for playing in the rain, but on this day they ended up coordinating with Walter's cast and pajamas while he displayed his amazing kicks and fancy hand moves. And boy is he fast! Obviously he was too much for my camera phone to handle!