Panther Football

In the past six months we have moved, Erin started new job, had a baby, started new schools and completed our first football season at Great Bend.  It seems like it has all just flown by and we have sat here for the past 3 days just thinking about everything that has happened in that time and all the memories that have been made.

I have been wanting to write about the football season multiple times, but then we got on a winning streak.  There was no way I could change up the routine and talk about it.  :)  Then we got into the playoffs so I thought I would just wait it out and do an end of the season review.  (This post got a little long because of that reason)  What a ride this season was!  The Panthers began with a 8-0 start and then ended their season in the sub-state finals with a record of 10-2.  I couldn't be more proud of all the players and coaches for their hard work!

Everyone was there for Dad's debut as head coach.  Lexi was 1 1/2 weeks old.

Daddy's Good Luck Charm

Lawson was asked to be the crown bearer for homecoming.  He did a great job with all of his responsibilites.  He even caught a bit of a nap during the parade.  He knew he would need some energy for the night.  What a cutie though! 

Grandpa was able to come over and watch some games this season.  He looks good in that red and black!

We loved having all the family and friends that would join us at the games.  The kids always enjoyed having extra people to play with.  It was great always hearing from others that were following along throughout the season as well. 

Game Faces

Me and my crew (Lexi is in the wrap)

I want to say thank you to my parents and Erin's parents for all their help at the games.  It was always nice to have extra hands with the kiddos.  Although all the extra sugar they were given may not have been real helpful :)  I loved being able to sit with all the other coaches' wives and kids.  We have made some new friends and gotten closer with friends from before.  It made our Friday nights such a great time.

Game Day Attire

Payton played tag one day with the boys in the locker room.  He gained two more fans after that :)

Laney was absolutely terrified of the panther.  She still looks at this picture and just says how scared she is.

Lexi actually awake for some of a game :)

Excited about our comeback win against Valley Center

I have to say a little about how proud I am of Erin.  He has grown so much this year and worked so hard.  Challenges and changes came up daily and he took everything in stride and kept plugging along.  I know days weren't always easy and he would still come home and play with our kids when he probably just wanted to dive back into film and work.  I think the last 13 weeks his brain was constantly thinking of formations, plays and strategies.  I am getting to watch him live his dream of coaching football.  I told him he has to give me to Thanksgiving before we start talking about next year.  I'm not sure we actually have made it a day yet though without him already planning :)

I know the end still stings and is fresh on everyone's minds, but I do hope they realize how special this year was.  These kids were such a fun group to watch play.  The community rallied around them and gave them so much support every Friday night.  It was a great atmosphere to be a part of.  Erin told me all the time how much he just enjoys being around and coaching such great kids.  Our own boys got excited to see the players and talk to them.  The parent, school, and community support was amazing and a main reason of why we knew we wanted to come back to Great Bend.  Its not like that everywhere and something we truly missed!

Laney is TWO

How can it be that little Miss Laney is two!  She is growing and changing all the time and becoming more of a little girl and not so much baby right before our eyes.

Laney you are our most reserved/quiet child at this point.  You take a while to warm up to new people and new surroundings.  Anything new and you are running straight for momma's arms to hold you and make you safe.  We just have to give you a little time.

 
 You adore your brothers and little sister.  It has been so much fun to watch you play with Lawson when it is just the two of you.  When Luke is off at school, you two rule the house.  It started off with Lawson finally getting the chance to be the leader/in control.  I do think that is startging to change a bit though with your strong personality.  Luckily Lawson is pretty easy going and doesn't seem to mind.  You have taken on the role of big sister like a champ.  You still love to hold her and help out when you can.  You inform us if she is crying or you think she needs changed.  Luckily you have stopped thinking you can carry her.  I know the two of you are going to grow up as best friends.  I just love watching you all interact and play together.

Developmentally you are changing all the time.  You are at the 50th percentile in both height and weight.  You are a bit of a picky eater.  Sometimes you eat everything without any prompting and other times you barely take a bite.  You don't really avoid any specific foods, but depends on your mood I guess to what you like and don't like.  You are working so hard at your talking.  You try and try to put sentences together.  You use this little strained voice sometimes though to talk which is funny to hear.  For the most part I can usually figure out what you want or need.  Lawson can usually help us out though if needed.  You sleep well in your big girl bed.  This week we took that pacifier away.  You only used it at night, but were trying to bring it out more so Mom decided it was time to go.  You ask about it at bed time, but really just want us to tell you they are gone and you are a big girl.  It hasn't kept you up at night, which is nice.  You have taken it upon yourself to potty train.  I keep trying to hold you off a bit.  You will tell me you need to potty so we go in and you always do.  The last couple of days you have even gone in and got on the potty yourself. I'm hoping to get through football season before I jump on board.  Not really wanting to make 10 trips a game to the bathroom.  I am hoping though this will make it an easy transition out of diapers which will be nice.

The biggest change we have seen in you is the sassy spirit coming out.  Not sure if its a girl thing or just a personality that you have, but we are all trying to handle it.  You have no problem bossing anyone around.  You have learned how to swing and point that finger like a pro.  You are stubborn with your thoughts and hold strong.  Even when we can get you distracted and smiling you won't forget what you think you need.  That same sassy spirit comes out in play though too.  You love when you can get your brothers laughing and will just work to entertain them.  Seeing that big smile on your face though just brightens up the room.

You love to tease people, especially Daddy.  It has become a game between you two.  You have him wrapped around that little finger of yours.  We are really in trouble when you figure that out.  Another one of my favorite quirks about you though is when you get upset or tired you will go and lay on a bottom stair.  It works well in our house because you are right by the kitchen and all the action, but I have seen you do it at other places too.  It is so cute and calming for you.

We love you so much little girl and wouldn't change a think about you.   We feel so blessed to be your family.  Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Need a Smile Today??

Sometimes all you need is a smile from a little cutie...and Lexi is delivering!

Luckily she has started sharing these with us quite frequently.  Doesn't get much better than that :)

Halloween Fun

This past weekend we made a trip out to the Long's Pumpkin Patch.  Luke had been there with his class and couldn't stop talking about it so we decided to make a family trip.  The kids all had a great time, the weather was great, and I was very impressed with all the activities they had.  

Family Pic

Later that evening we even attemped some pumpkin painting.  That always sounds like a better idea in my head.  We ended up with some colorful pumpkins that then mixed into a purplish/black color.  The kids had a great time though so it was worth it.  Laney has been walking around talking about her painted pumpkin ever since.

Sunday the kids and I headed over to Claflin for lunch with Grandpa and Grandma Beck and GG.  We wanted to dress up and show them our costumes.  It also gave Lexi a chance to meet GG.

On Monday night we enjoyed getting all dressed up and headed out to trick-or-treat for Halloween.  We stopped by a few neighbors, Grandpa and Grandma Keeley's, and then walked a couple of blocks for a few more houses.  We enjoyed the evening and came home with more treats than we need :)  We will be eating candy for months!

Thats a wrap for Halloween 2016