Hockey with the Boys

 My mom took Cubby and Christian to a Lancer's hockey game.  Harvey was supposed to go too, but got sick and so Christian got to invite Sullivan along.  They had a great time and those horns?  Not.loud.at.all.

Soccer, Soccer, and More Soccer

Fall soccer.  Christian's team continues to battle through each game, improving little by little.  It's been a good refiner's fire and learning experience for him this last year and a half as his team has really had to work hard and pull together to get the wins.  Parents from other teams remark how much heart and energy our boys play with, and I love hearing those types of compliments more than if we were to crush the other teams by scoring tons of goals.  Here are a few pictures of Christian in action, both in goal and as a forward.

Christian and his best friend, Henry, who continue to play against one another with their friendly rivalry!

 Here are some of Kari and her team as they finished off their season strong.  Cute girls and we enjoyed watching Kari get out and run (when she wasn't "too tired") and have fun playing soccer!

Father-Son Night

Cubby took Christian to a Creighton soccer game one night.  Lots of fun for our number one son!

Goofball

So I say, "Smile!"  And this is what he gives me.

Boosterthon Fun Run

 Once again, the kids' school opted for a boosterthon fun run as their main fundraiser for the year.  It was a warm and humid morning and the kids were all decked out and ready to run!

 Kari was soooo excited that she got to be a part of it!!!  Normally, Kari is the child who gets "tired" just walking down the hallway.  Honestly, I thought she would run a few laps and then get hot, thirsty, and tired and just walk the rest.  Not so!  Aside from the designated "walking laps," she ran 33 laps in the time allotted!  (Max laps is between 35-38.)  I could hardly believe what a fast little runner she was--and she had a blast doing it!

The "buddy lap" with her buddy, Nora.

 After the kindergarten-2nd graders ran, it was time for the 3rd-6th graders to run!  (Oh yes, we had to stay out there for just a bit longer!)  Britta was pretty good sport though--and, thankfully, we found a shadier spot for Round 2.  (Juliana was at preschool so I dodged a bullet on that one.)

Christian's class

 And they're off!  Christian is a speed demon and was one of the top 5 finishers (of all the four upper grades!!)  Em got off to a strong start as well...

 But then after some hard running, she and Ella had to come over and say hello and give Britta a high-five.

 After Christian finished, he came over and relaxed in the shade!

Christian and Sullivan

Em and Miss B

Britta was very into her cup.

Practice, Practice

Christian continues to work on getting faster feet.  He will take the ball out and practice kicking it against the house in a trap and pass type of drill.  I really admire how hard he works when he decides he wants to improve at something.

 So that way, when it's game time, he knows what to do with the ball and can make quick and smart plays.

Pretzel Making

Christian loves pretzels and had wanted to try his hand at making some one Sunday afternoon.  (And, of course, Juliana "Me Too" Lindseth had to help too.)  They were really easy to make and turned out so yummy!

Big thumbs up from our official taste-tester!

Scouts

Now that Christian is eight, he has embarked upon the journey into Scouting.  This was from his first awards ceremony--getting his Bobcat pin.  Scouting is certainly a lot more work for parents than I would prefer, but Christian loves going and doing guy-stuff so I will do my best to support him in his endeavors.

Rivals

 These handsome boys play for two different soccer clubs and once and a while, they play one another!  It's funny bc I'm cheering for both Christian's team and various players on Henry's team since many of them are Christian's friends.

This time, Henry's team was the victor, but to the boys it was business as usual immediately after the game.  Great boys, great friends!

Contemplating the Mysteries of the Universe

Brothers

At Henry's confirmation

Since Cubby and I have colossally failed Christian in the brother department, we have been so incredibly blessed to have the next best thing...best friends (who happen to be brothers).  Christian, Henry, and Ben play together almost everyday and I am forever grateful for these boys and what wonderful friends they are to our son.  Honestly, they are his brothers (and sometimes they fight like brothers, though, for the amount of time they play together, it's not all that often!).