Looks like....

He MADE it!!

A few weeks ago Hunter tried out for the JV basketball team and I was truly so proud of him just for having the courage to try out. I have always been a chicken when it came to trying out for anything from cheer leading to beauty pageants anything that put me in the spotlight with people watching and judging-I get hives just thinking about it. Anyway, 25 boys were trying out and several returning players so we tried to prepare Hunter to not be disappointed but happily he made the team. 

I planned a post that day to celebrate and mark the occasion but elements have worked against us mainly because Hunter started practice and gets home after dark most days. So I kept postponing and postponing but when I got home from work the other day Hunter was at the basketball goal shooting. This was after he finished almost 2 hours of practice and the weather was dark and dreary. 

I decided to snap these pics and use them for the post because this really demonstrates how Hunter practices/plays basketball all the TIME! The seasons may bring record breaking hot and cold temperatures but Hunter is still shooting baskets. Rain or shine, day or night, it doesn't matter to him, he's still playing.  My point is Hunter lives, breathes and loves basketball. Our kitchen window is next to the driveway where Hunter shoots and for years we have judged he is still out there and ok by the sound of the ball hitting the pavement. When the ball stopped was when we knew to check on him. It is just a way of life for Hunter and a big part of who he is. 

Realistically, I know Hunter is starting on a team with most returning starters and he may not get much playing time but I am just so happy he made up his mind to try for something and he worked hard and he did it!! Now for my and Tim's part I pray that we will be encouraging parents and even if Hunter throws a few "bricks" we will let him know as long as you try and do your best that is all that matters!

Hopefully we will see lots of these-nothing but net :-)

Just Because....

Just a few pics of Hunter & Hallie just because..... It is hard to take pictures of them like I used to but I try to catch them on Sunday mornings or before school if we have an extra minute which is SELDOM!!

I love this new trend where the socks peek out above the boots.

Of course elf Greer wanted her picture taken also

I even begged Hunter to get in on a few

Rosettes are another trend I love and thankfully Hallie likes them too so she didn't fuss about this outfit.  However, she wasn't in the mood for pics which explains this pained smile.

I don't remember what I said that got this sneaky grin from Hunter but at least it also got a real smile from Hallie also. It is such a treat when these two are actually smiling instead of snapping at each other!

Today I Played........

Photographer !!!!

My friend Angel asked me to take pictures for their Christmas cards this year and although I was worried I wouldn't get any good ones for her it was fun. In another time and place I could really do this as a definite hobby because although I love taking pictures of my family I also enjoy taking pictures of others too!

Here are a few of my faves

Garrett is so photogenic and loves having his picture made so I took several of this cutie but I think this one is my fave of all

 Garrett wanted a pic with this kitty so bad and I love this one too!

Beautiful Alayna Grace

Both beautiful kiddos

 I love these last two isn't that just like a little brother :-)

Proud Mommy & Daddy

What a beautiful family! I don't know which picture will be Angel's favorite but this one is my fave

 Unfortunately we didn't discover the prettiest place for the pictures until the end of the day and I had already taken over a 100 shots so this picture pretty much sums up how Alayna Grace felt about more pics and who could blame her :-)

Thanks Angel for letting me capture some memories for you I just HOPE you have some pics you can use :-)

My Little Girl.... 8 or 18?

I snapped a quick pic of Hallie as we headed out to church. It struck me how old she looks in these pictures with her straight hair and pocket book slung on her shoulder! Where has the time gone?

A Saturday Afternoon

Just a few pics of Hallie and Mady playing one Saturday afternoon. They had the best time and I captured them being silly and just being little girls.

Mady hamming it up

I don't know if this was a staring contest or smirk contest??

Stunts

In my day this was Ring around the Rosy???

They finished with a small picnic ;-)

I was so proud of them they played all afternoon without one cross word but also proud because they made their own fun, reminded me of the ole' days when I was a little girl :-)