Bauerfamily

Scenes from Christmas morn

2012-01-06T21:09:00.001-05:00

001, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

I had to work this year on Christmas, so we wrote Santa a letter and asked him to please consider coming to our house on Christmas Eve. And, surprise! He did.

Christmas snow

2012-01-06T21:07:00.001-05:00

048, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

This is all the snow we had on our Christmas morning. Just enough for me. And if we never had another inch until this time next year...that would be ok, too.

2012-01-06T21:05:00.001-05:00

017, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2012-01-06T21:04:00.001-05:00

028, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett's Chelsea goalie jersey. It says his name and number on the back.

2012-01-06T21:01:00.001-05:00

044, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Santa brought Owen and Emmett an air hockey table. It now resides in our basement w/ the fuse ball table.

Henry's fave gift

2012-01-06T20:59:00.001-05:00

047, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Henry really, really liked his power wheels dune buggy that Santa brought him. But..his favorite toy? (see below)

2012-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:00

025, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The light sabre!!!

2011-12-25T10:52:00.001-05:00

011, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Headed into his Christmas program..

Christmas Program

2011-12-25T10:51:00.001-05:00

024, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

My boys have been at the same preschool for a total of 6 separate years. This Christmas program is the same thing. Every year. And, it absolutely never gets old. I LOVE watching these kiddos sing. As I recall, it took Emmett until his 3rd year of preschool before he actually sang the songs.
Henry, ever the social butterfly, didn't hesistate.

The best line? Henry sings "as they shouted out w/ glue" instead of "as they shouted out w/ glee!" from Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer.

It's about time..

2011-12-25T10:47:00.001-05:00

008, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen cut his hair. Really cut his hair. As in, his hair hasn't been this short since he was 5 years old.

Why? Not really sure...

He woke up one morning and said he wanted to cut his hair. Completely off. When I asked him why, he was vague. He said something about being tired of me running my fingers through his hair. He mentioned he was tired of me chasing him with a hairbrush. At any rate, when the stylist started cutting his hair, she would cut a bit off and then stop. To which he would say, keep going - not short enough.

Fast forward a few days when I ran into one of his best soccer buddy's mom. She says that her son told her that Owen cut his hair, because a girl in his class that he like said she would go out w/ him if he cut his hair (to which Eddie was all "I like this girl already!). Then, the mom said, that after Owen cut his hair he decided he didn't like her anyway...

Eddie and I were shocked and didn't believe the story. He has NEVER mentioned girls before. NEVER. But, at training, a group of his teammates were teasing him about this girl??

Christmas Eve, after dinner, Eddie and I had a conversation about it. He completely denied it all. Hmm...but, he did mention that everyone in class (boys and girls) liked each other. Oh boy - I guess it's that time.

At any rate, it took me forever to like his long hair. But then, I really liked it. This short hair is growing on me, but I won't tell Owen I like it. Or, he'll grow it again immediately!

Doesn't Emmett look like he belongs in the musical "Rent"? How many different colors can you throw on pal?

2011-12-16T22:47:00.001-05:00

IMG_7106, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Baby boy

2011-12-16T22:46:00.001-05:00

IMG_7117, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

There's still a little bit of baby left. RIGHT?

Emmett

2011-12-16T22:45:00.001-05:00

IMG_7119, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

8 years old. I love his heart shaped face.

Failed Christmas Card attempts

2011-12-12T23:08:00.001-05:00

108, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

I'm going to see my dear friend (who also happens to take beautiful photos), Amy, tomorrow in hopes that she can get a better Christmas card photo than I can. Photographer - I'm not.

2011-12-12T23:06:00.001-05:00

096, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-12-12T23:05:00.001-05:00

112, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

11 year old

2011-11-14T04:39:00.001-05:00

045, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen turned 11 on November 6. It is SO hard for me to believe he's 11. The day he turned 11 we went to church (his Sunday School class walked to Burger King) and then came home and played outside. It was an absolutely beautiful day. Then, we went to yoga (his soccer team is doing yoga. Good for the mind, body, and soul. He loves it!). Then, we picked up pizza and wings for dinner (his choice).
He's not much of a "sweets" eater. So, these brownies we made just for show. He didn't eat any of them. He doesn't particularly like cake, brownies, etc. etc. And, he didn't want anything but his pizza and wings. Crazy kid.

2011-11-14T04:35:00.001-05:00

049, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

I just like this picture.

Crazy!

2011-11-14T04:34:00.001-05:00

051, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen (and Justin's) Birthday Party

2011-11-14T04:32:00.001-05:00

010, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen turned 11 on November 6, and he had a joint birthday party w/ his buddy, Justin, from his soccer team. It was opening night for Syracuse's new professional indoor soccer team, and Owen and his whole team were there! The boys had practice, and after had pizza and cake. Then, we all carvaned over to the game. Thank goodness my mom is here and stayed home w/ Henry, because the place was absolute chaos. Fun chaos. The boys had the best party ever.

2011-11-14T04:20:00.001-05:00

037, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-11-14T04:18:00.001-05:00

025, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The boys got to go on the field before the game. They were in heaven. Soccer heaven.

Happy Hauntings...

2011-11-14T04:02:00.001-05:00

003, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

My mom arrived the day before Halloween to spend the next 6 weeks with us! She's never been with us on Halloween. This means she'll also get to celebrate Owen's and Henry's birthday with us! And, Thanksgiving!!! We are so excited.

My boys have never been super huge into dressing up - so Halloween is often a last minute affair.

This year - Owen was a bed bug (see his antennae?). We put the costume together the night before. Emmett -because he's SO good to his mama, said he would be whatever Owen was last year. Hence, he was a skeleton. And Henry was a ninja. This isn't that big of a stretch from his everyday actions or attire. I normally repeat - at least a couple of times a week - "HENRY! You are not a real ninja." This Halloween, he was.

Emmett turns 8

2011-10-22T22:04:00.002-04:00

019, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

I'm a little late, but Emmett turned 8.

His birthday was September 4. I can not believe my middle man is 8. He still is my least complicated, challenging kiddo. He's an absolute pleaser, and he rarely argues, complains, or disagrees with me.

For example, I just asked him what he wanted to be for Halloween this year, He's all what was Owen last year? I said, "He was a skeleton." He says, "Do we still have that costume?" When I tell him yes, he says "I'll just wear that then". See how good he is to me? He's quiet and content. And, I adore him.

8th year stats (for record keeping purposes):

51 inches (50th %)
69 3/4 pounds (80th %)

And, I just ordered him new shoes - size 5!!! (Owen - 3 years younger - wears a 5 1/2). They were $75 btw....add that to my list of reasons I need to work more than 8 hours a week...

And grandpa came to visit...

2011-10-22T21:57:00.001-04:00

027, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Grandpa John came to visit for Emmett's 8th birthday - which fell on Labor Day. What a great weekend we all had. One of the days Grandpa, Emmett, Owen, and Eddie went to the baseball hall of fame. Emmett will tell you his favorite sport to play is soccer, but he's really enjoying baseball too. He played this spring and did a great job. He played a lot of shortstop and first base. But, also got a chance to pitch a handful of times.

On Emmett's birthday, we went to the State Fair. I seriously dislike the State Fair, but it's here in Syracuse, so we usually go once - if just to say we did it. With my dad there, I had a serious moment of weakness, and we came home with a rabbit (more on that later).

The evening of Emmett's birthday, Grandpa, Eddie, Owen, and Emmett went to the Syracuse Chiefs minor league baseball game. We went a couple times this year, and Emmett loves going.

To top it all off, he got a fishing pole for his birthday from the Spindler's. And, the only rainy day that my dad was with us, we went fishing. All of us. Emmett had been begging to go. We didn't catch anything. And, it was cold. And wet. But, we laughed aplenty.

2011-10-22T21:50:00.001-04:00

017, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The baby - my social butterfly - does not want to be left out of the spotlight.

Emmett - school picture 2011

2011-10-18T08:26:00.001-04:00

025, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett on his way to school for school pictures - 2nd grade. I love this photo because you can see his small little dimple in his left cheek.

Owen school picture 2011

2011-10-18T08:24:00.001-04:00

028, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

This is Owen on the way to school for school pictures - 5th grade. Yes, his hair is WAY too long. But, he's almost 11 and I have to pick my battles, and there are lots of them. It was battle enough getting him out of his atheltic wear (you don't want to know what he's wearing on the bottom). Both of the boys have short sleeved t's under their nice shirt, so they can take this shirt off as soon as pictures are done.

An honor for Emmett

2011-10-11T22:08:00.001-04:00

020, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

At the end of last year, when Emmett was still in first grade, he was chosen to participate with a group of 13 kids in a singing program. He was one of only 2 first graders chosen (out of 70 kids!), and one of 13 in the whole school. They were scheduled to sing at the teacher's kick off assembly the day before the first day of school. They practiced all summer. And, in September sang in front of every school teacher, teacher's assistant, and administrator in the district. It was the most beautiful performance. And, if I can figure out how to transfer some video that I took on the blog - I'll do that. They sounded so beautiful that I couldn't stop the tears from running down my face. And, I was SO proud of my quiet, shy Emmett.
They did such a good job that they were asked to sing in October at a school board meeting. And, they were recently videotaped to be shown to all the schools in the district. THese photos are blurry, because they were taken w/ my iphone from a distance away.

2011-10-11T22:02:00.001-04:00

023, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-10-11T21:59:00.001-04:00

017, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-10-11T21:57:00.001-04:00

016, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Spell check anyone?

2011-10-03T12:53:00.002-04:00

Wow! Things have changed. I am SHOCKED at the spelling words Owen and Emmett have in school this year.

A small sample:

Emmett (2nd grade): another, year, company, delighted, appreciate, thinning, wonderful, enjoyed, loyal fond

Owen (5th grade): pharmaceutical, divulge, phoenitician, rumba, intiated, imitate, ingenuity (not even sure if I spelled this one right - where's Owen when I need him?), and rumpus.

Can you believe this? A small explanation though - there is a pretest each week of 10 words for both kids. Both boys pass this pretest each week without missing one, so these are the words they are given. And, Owen gets all these crazy hard words right. Emmett gets most right. Unbelievable.

Emmett has a really tough teacher this year. He's had more homework than Owen ever has had. But, I'm sure he's going to learn TONS.

This is the first year that Owen really has ever had homework. He's not thrilled. He doesn't like doing work of any sort. But, thankfully, he's smart enough to do really well even doing the most minimal studying.

Henry gets a turn!

2011-09-23T10:28:00.001-04:00

001, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

FINALLY! Henry gets his turn playing microsoccer. He was SO excited! And, talked about it days in advance.

The first thing he said to the coach when he walked on the field was , "Is it OK if I slide tackle?". I also overheard him say once, "Wow! I hit the crossbar!"

His coach has no idea what he is in for.

What do you notice about this picture?

2011-09-23T10:22:00.001-04:00

006, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Henry was the ONLY 3 year old without a parent next to him? Out of 19 kids, I was the only one who didn't stay on the field w/ their child. In my defense, Henry didn't want me there. He wanted me to go to the bleachers and watch him - like I watch Owen and Emmett.

So - I put his water bottle on the side, gave him a kiss, and enjoyed watching him from afar. HURRAY!

2011-09-23T10:17:00.002-04:00

004, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The other 3 year olds were no match for my Henry. Remember the first place Henry EVER went (when he was born) after we left the hospital was a soccer tournament at the indoor sports center where this was held. BEFORE WE WENT HOME.
Henry has spent 3 years living and breathing socder. He was ready. They asked about moving him up to the 4 or 5 year old group, because Henry was super bummed that they weren't actually playing a game! But, then he decided to stay w/ the 3 years olds, because he really liked playing the red light/blue light game.

2011-09-23T10:13:00.001-04:00

008, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen's first day of 5th grade!

2011-09-17T01:19:00.001-04:00

032, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

And, yes, he looks like a complete bum. But - I have to pick my battles, and that just isn't one of them (notice his cast from under his jacket).

Owen got the teacher he wanted, and he is super excited. This is his last year in the elementary school, so he's the king of the school. Next year, he'll be in elementary school. That's SO hard to believe!

This is the first year that I can ever remember where it has been raining on the first day of school. We usually take pictures on the back porch, but because of the rain, we couldn't.

Also, this is the first year my boys rode the bus in the AM. They're the last ones picked up before the bus heads to school (a short ride), but the last ones dropped off on the way home (which makes for a really long ride!). So, this year, they're going to ride the bus in the AM, and I'm going to bring them home at dismissal.

Emmett's first day of 2nd grade

2011-09-17T01:14:00.001-04:00

027, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett has a teacher that Owen didn't have. She's known for being very strict, but teaching the kids lots! Emmett is such a good student. A good listener. Never gets in trouble. I'm sure she'll love him!

2011-09-17T01:09:00.001-04:00

033, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Henry didn't start pre-school for another week later.

Back in the cast...

2011-09-12T11:35:00.001-04:00

161, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

4 weeks after Owen's cast was taken off, he had another put back on. He was riding his bike (without his splint on), and fell off his bike.

He was much more bummed about the cast second time around, then he was the first.

He just started 5th grade, and he can't write. So, I'm doing all his homework (am I smarter than a 5th grader?) He can't particpate in gym or recess. He can't play soccer w/ his travel team.

Seriously bummed.

The Italian and the German

2011-09-06T16:00:00.001-04:00

112, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

(as my Grandpa likes to call them)

Can you guess which is which? And, could they possibly look any more different?

3 generations

2011-09-03T19:34:00.001-04:00

377, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

I absolutely cherish time I get spend with my grandma. It had been a year since we spent time with her, and may be another year before we see her again.

Owen interviewed grandma (his GG) while we were in Florida. He got a list of questions from the computer about interviewing grandparents, and learned a lot about what life was like when she was his age.

2011-09-03T19:23:00.001-04:00

378, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

A true authentic smile! LOVE it!

Quiet time with Grandpa Tom

2011-09-03T19:21:00.001-04:00

386, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Our family in feet

2011-09-03T19:18:00.001-04:00

410, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

We painted Henry's toes w/ nail polish too :)

Beach soccer

2011-09-02T23:37:00.001-04:00

416, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

This is an OFFICIAL "beach" soccer ball - as in the kind that's used for beach soccer tournaments. They're a little lighter than regular soccer balls, so that they can be used bare foot. Owen ordered in online - so he would have it for Florida.

2011-09-02T23:33:00.001-04:00

421, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-02T23:32:00.001-04:00

424, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-02T23:31:00.001-04:00

427, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Every morning and every night, the boys made new friends on the beach. I was often on the beach by 630 AM w/ Henry (the other boys slept in), the boys joined us after breakfast, and we came in only for lunch and dinner. After dinner, we went down and walked the beach often not coming in until dark. And then, they sometimes came back out and hunted sand crabs.

2nd annual family reunion!

2011-09-02T23:21:00.001-04:00

282, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

We celebrated our 2nd annual family reunion in August in Destin, Florida. I have so many wonderful photos to share that it will take me weeks to upload to this blog - so bear with me.

There were 22 of us there this year. Some relatives I hadn't seen in years. We had the best time, and are alerady counting down our time until our 2013 reunion.

This year we made a last minute decision to fly instead of drive. My mini-van (now with 150,000 miles on it) was very happy with our decision. But, flying out and back Saturday to Saturday was really expensive, so it ended up being cheaper extending our stay in Florida instead. SO - we got to spend 11 days and 10 nights in Floriday. I think I'm going to have a hard time going less than that from now on...

2011-09-02T23:14:00.001-04:00

433, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-02T23:13:00.001-04:00

434, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Aren't they handsome?

2011-09-02T23:11:00.001-04:00

443, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-02T23:09:00.003-04:00

448, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-02T23:09:00.001-04:00

446, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-01T23:12:00.003-04:00

454, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-01T23:12:00.001-04:00

457, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-09-01T23:11:00.001-04:00

464, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

My boys. The beach.

Someone get this kid to ......

2011-07-28T21:45:00.001-04:00

036, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

a soccer camp!!! We play this game all the time:

Henry - "Mom! Do I have soccer practice, today?"

Me - "Yeah, buddy."

Henry - "What time? 8 o'clock? "

Me - "Yeah buddy. 8 o'clock."

How bad do I feel after we have been repeating this conversation day after day for weeks and weeks and weeks??

I have to get this child to micro - soccer - a preschool beginner soccer program for 3-4 year olds. Why haven't I done this yet? Oh yeah - I have no time to start it!

Henry went to a preschool camp every day for the last 2 weeks. 2 hours a day. No big deal. But, he loved it! Despite me telling him day after day that he wouldn't be playing soccer at this camp - this is how he dressed for it. Hilarious, isn't it?

Making progress: a cast update

2011-07-28T01:18:00.001-04:00

016, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Last week, we visited an orthopedic surgeon in Syracuse. Great news!!They re x-rayed his arm and said it was healing beautifully. Then, they put a new and improved (read - SMALLER) cast on.
We go back again in 2 more weeks, and they will x ray it again. They said it was possible that they might be able to put a soft cast on (one that can be taken off) at that point. We are keeping our fingers crossed for that since we leave for Floriday shortly!

2011-07-28T01:14:00.003-04:00

018, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

2011-07-28T01:14:00.001-04:00

020, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Scrathing the itch

2011-07-28T01:12:00.001-04:00

022, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen had trouble falling asleep the night before this appointment, because he had an itch. So - the second he got his cast off - I was all "QUICK! Scratch that itch before they put another cast on!"

2011-07-28T01:10:00.001-04:00

031, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

His new cast is SO much better. Owen said he could wear it forever (when compared w/ the other one). It's waterproof - although it can only get wet for an hour a day. He can get his contacts in and out. He still CAN'T practice piano. But - and this is the best news of all - the doctor said he could play soccer with it. You've never seen such a happy boy.

2011-07-28T01:05:00.001-04:00

007, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen's arm had to be reduced - or put back into place - before they could cast it. They used conscious sedation (w/ ketamine), and brought down an anesthesia doc. Along w/ the anesthesia doc, a couple of nurses, the ER doc, and 2 orthopedic surgeons they put his wrist back together. When they brought me back in the room, he had this towel over his head. Turns out, he was kind of goofy after the surgery - coming out of anesthesia - and he kept banging his head with his cast. Poor kiddo had a bruise on his forehead, too!

2011-07-28T01:02:00.001-04:00

005, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The physician on the field wrapped Owen's wrist in a makeshift splint. Pretty impressive, eh?

And so it begins....

2011-07-15T23:20:00.001-04:00

039, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen broke his wrist on Sunday in a soccer game, the semi final game, at a tournament in Pennsylvania.

It was the first 5 minutes of the game, and Owen was in the middle of a crowd of defenders heading toward the goal. I'm not sure exactly what happened. I was watching, but didn't really see. Owen says that he was sliding for the ball, and went down on his wrist funny. A dad of another player on his team said that he was pushed in the back and fell forward. I don't really know....at any rate, we new immediately it was broken. I didn't pay a whole lot of attention while he was on the ground until the coach (who had run over to him) screamed for me. At that point his coach, and another adult who happened to be a physician from the other team, had his arm in the air. Running over to him, the physician said he has an obvious fracture. And, yep -while his bone wasn't through the skin, it made a v shaped formation that you could see through the skin (xrays later showed that he broke both his radius and ulna - 2 bones in the wrist).

Finally after what seemed like FOREVER - the ambulance arrived. The coaches and field medic joked that the ambulance was a horse and buggy (the tournament was in Lancaster County, Pennsylvani - AMISH country!).

If you know my Owen, you know how tough he is and so this might not surprise you. But - I was shocked that it was broken as badly as it was, because he hardly cried. The ambulance driver kept asking him what his pain level was and he never went over a 6/10. The kid is tough! Although, in the hospital they kept giving him IV antinausea medication, because he thought he was going to throw up. They said that was pretty common - and was pain related.

Owen's coach and the physician splinted his arm with shin guards. I have photos of the splint that once I download, I'll add and show you. It was beautiful.

As we were leaving the field via golf cart to meet the ambulance waiting for us in the parking lot, Owen's teammates came over one by one and hi fived his good arm and said words of encouragement. So, so sweet.

We rode in the ambulance for about 30 minutes to Hershey/ Penn State Medical Center. There was a closer hospital nearby, but we opted for the farther one that was a children's hospital.

The put in a IV and gave him a bunch of morphine. His pain was the worst when they were xraying his wrist, because of the manipulation they had to do.

(Oh - and while I was in the hospital with Owen, Eddie took Henry and Emmett back to the hotel -that we were supposed to have checked out of - to hang out and swim while they waited for us).

While we were waiting for the doctors to read the xray, the women's world cup game - Brazil vs. USA - was on. The doctors must have thought he was crazy, because WHAT A GAME. Owen and I were screaming and cheering the whole time.

After reading the xrays, the doctors said that his wrist had to be reduced (put back in place). Poor kiddo was super, super nervous. They gave him conscious sedation (ketamine), and once he was asleep, they kicked me out of the room, and reduced his arm right there in the ER room. Then, they casted it. AND - OMG! - casted him right up to his shoulder. They said because it was by his growth plate, they didn't want him to be able to move his arm at all.

We stayed in the ER about another hour after he woke up, and then with another dose of IV morphine, and a prescription for oral tylenol codeine, we started back to Syracuse.

The cast to the shoulder is a major summer bummer.

All the things he can't do w/ a cast up to your shoulder (especially because it's his right arm and he's right handed!):

Swim
Play soccer
Put his contacts in
Bathe
Wash/brush his hair
Write
Practice his piano (that's the only good thing he says!)
Brush his teeth
Go cart
Putt putt golf
Get dressed
Ride his bike
ETC ETC ETC ETC

Anyway - I'm guessing this is just the beginning of a long line of injuries with three active, athletic boys. His coach (who played professional soccer for 10 years) said he's broke his wrist 4 times...

And, as long as he doesn't injure his head or neck - no biggie....he'll heal :)!

2011-07-15T22:51:00.001-04:00

029, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen's soccer team signing his cast a few days after his break.

September 2010

2011-07-01T21:39:00.001-04:00

024, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Start of 4th grade..

How much has he changed???

June 2011 - Owen's last day of 4th grade

2011-07-01T21:06:00.001-04:00

036, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen has changed TONS over the course of this school year, physically and mentally. He's entering that pre-puberty phase and though, I enjoy him SO much most of the time. Other times, it's a challenge. 4th and 5th graders walk a fine line between trying to keep up w/ their friends - trying to be cool - and still wanting to be kids at times...It's intersting. And, exciting.

2011-07-01T21:04:00.001-04:00

041, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Walking to the bus stop..

September 2010

2011-07-01T21:02:00.001-04:00

011, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Starting first grade.

It's always surprising to me how much kids grow and change in the course of one school year. I didn't think my boys had changed THAT much - until I found photos.

This is Emmett on the first day of first grade. Scroll down to see him on the last day of first grade.

Amazing. And, kind of sad....

June 2011

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048, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

He's a second grader!!!!

Yeah!!!!

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045, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

I'm a second grader!!!!

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044, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

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049, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

This is what

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019, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

REALLY tired looks like...

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020, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Strawberry picking..

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017, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

As soon as my mom arrived, my went strawberry picking. I usually don't let my boys go. WHY? Because no one in our house eats them! NO ONE! But they sure like picking them (well, except for Owen, who is too cool to do much of anything now)...So, when grandma comes, we strawberry pick. She eats them. She said they were great!

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006, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

My baby still writes, colors, and picks strawberries with his left hand :)

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005, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

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002, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

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001, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Rochester Soccer Tournament

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025, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The first weekend my mom came to town, we headed to Rochester (about an 1.5 hour drive) for a weekend soccer tournament that BOTH of my boys were playing in. Super fun! The weather was beautiful. Emmett's team won all 3 games easily, and Owen's won 1 and lost 2 - but that was OK - because they were playing up a league and in the top division. We stayed in a hotel Saturday night - though we could have driven home easily, and had a great time! I'm so glad my mom got to be there.

This is Owen's 2 best buddies from his soccer team. But, they're also his 2 best buddies over all - soccer or not. They spend a lot of time together, and I spend a lot of time driving Owen back and forth amongst their houses - because they don't live in Baldwinsville. But, they're great kids. And, I'm glad he has them.

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024, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

My boys have never met a dirt pile they didn't like...

After every game...

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026, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

they put their arms around one another...not sure what they're saying, but I'll love how it looks. Owen's on the left - 21.

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021, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett is number 4.

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023, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett plays either defense or goalie.

Momma's Here!

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And, I'm super happy. I'll tell you all about it shortly - but first I have a few other posts to catch up on!

Running the 50 yard dash...

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011, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Owen was invited to participate in the city wide 4th and 5th grade track meet. It was a big honor for him to be asked to participate, because each school could only take 2 kids per event. And, each school could take either 4th or 5th graders. Out of the 16 kids that went from Owen's school - only 3 of them were 4th graders (Owen being one of them!). Owen was asked to run the 50 yard dash, and he did a great job. The first run had two different heats with 14 kids total, and Owen finished in the top 7 and advanced to the next heat. It was really fun, because they called his name over the loud speaker, and everyone from his school cheered. Loudly. Then, in the final heat, he finished last of the 7. But - there were only 2 fourth graders participating in the 50 (out of the 14). So - all in all, a great showing!

Owen's soccer team has recently started training with a certified speed expert. He teachs them how to run, sprint, etc. Owen's pretty certain that next year at this time, he'll win the whole thing!

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012, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

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008, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

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002, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Because you never know?

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022, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett had a performance at school today, and this is how Henry got dressed to go. Shing uards, cleats, and soccer headband. Because, he said, "I might have to play a soccer game there!" You never know..

And, no, I didn't make him change.

Emmett's first grade Flag Day Performance

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037, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

KUDOS to our elementary school music teacher. The first graders put on a wonderful performance today complete with singing, DANCING, and speaking roles. I can only imagine how much hard work and time she must have put into teaching this 45 minute performance to 75 first graders! Emmett was chosen for a speaking role! Emmett is often chosen for these activities (student council AND he was just picked to be one of only 2 first graders to perform in a back to school performance in September!), and it makes me super happy because he's typically very quiet and shy - not really an outgoing child. I love that he is picked for these things despite that (or maybe because of that?).

Anyway - we spent the better of the last 5 weeks memorizing his lines, and he did an AWESOME job!

PS Check out Benjamin Franklin in the far right of this photo. Isn't he great?

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028, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett's speech - that I missed

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034 a video by megan bauer on Flickr.

Emmett was one of about 10 kids who had speaking parts in the program. He was supposed to be Martin Luther King, Jr. See the resemblance? Eddie couldn't make the performance, so I was trying to video tape and take pictures. I didn't do a very good job. He had 3 lines to say, and I missed all but the last words. Boo hoo!

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031 a video by megan bauer on Flickr.

And though I missed Emmett's speech, I got this of one of the songs they sang. Is there anything more beautiful than children's voices singing?

2011-06-14T21:48:00.001-04:00

027, a photo by megan bauer on Flickr.

The HUGE crowd!