Ben Takes the Track!

Ben will be three in January and has been riding a bike without training wheels so for some now. When we go to the track he usually practices on his strider but last Sunday Jake wanted to see how he would do on the smallest size BMX bike that they had.

Well to my surprise, not really! he got on the bike and took off. He managed to be able to ride the entire track. He even got down the starting hill with a little help from Jake.

He raced on his strider and came in second and then we put him in to race the five and under class. Unfortunately we didn't think about the gate and when the gate came down I think it startled him a bit. He came down the hill fast and at the first hill he wrecked. He got back up but he was done for the day!

The best thing about this little guy is his determination. He's ready to get back out their and practice again!

Costume Contest - ORLBMX

Saturday night was a trunk or treat and Halloween race at Orlando BMX. Bransen and Bryce raced and the rest of the boys all got to do a costume party and more trunk or treating.

Brayden and Raylan were the only two that entered into the Halloween costume. Even though neither won for best costume they both had a blast!

And we even got to see some fireworks!

Trunk Or Treats

Friday night was the night full of Trunk Or Treats around town. He were lucky enough to make it to three. Which resulted in way more candy than we even need. I think we have enough to last us the year! We started off by meeting up with the Bordis' and Harnisch's over at the First Baptist Trunk or Treat. After we ventured off to Integra Woods with and did their trunk or treat and followed it by driving down to Ormond to do one more at a church! The boys played games, strolled through the pumpkin patch, saw a firetruck (Ben's fave) and then we made our way home for Friday night pizza!

Of and a sugar overload!

Unity Day

Today for Flagler County Schools it was "Wear Orange for Unity Day". All the schools were taking a stand for bullying.

Here's our crew all in orange.

Raylan Turns Seven

Yesterday 10/22, Raylan turned seven! It's crazy to think that I have been in this boys life since shortly after his 3rd birthday! Here's the shout out's  our newly seven year old received!!

From Dad:

Can't believe you're 7 years old today! Love you so much more than you'll ever know. Keep that smile smiling and the laughing laughing. You're such a special boy and I feel so blessed to be your dad. I love you Raylan; happy 7th birthday buddy!

From Me:

Somebody over here is turning seven tomorrow! As it may not be as great as a $100 gift card or an all day trip to Hangar 15, I hope you remember the mornings you woke up and had a birthday celebration waiting for you! Streamers to walk you out, a seat set for a seven year old with homemade birthday cake muffins hand delivered by our Elf! Happy 7th birthday eve to my bonus boy! I hope these are birthday memories you’ll never forget! 🎉🧁

From Mem:

Happy 7th Birthday to one of our special grandsons, Raylan! You are such a funny little boy and master frog and gecko catcher! We love you! Have an awesome day!

And from T:

Happy 7th birthday RayRay!!

Corvette Show

Flagler Beach hosted a Corvette show by the beach on Sunday. We took a ride over and walked around to check out all the cool looking corvettes. Some were knew, some were old and some were even decorated!

K-9 Competition

This past weekend after hockey on Saturday morning we took a drive down to Titusville to watch the K9 competition. It was exciting and something that we all really enjoyed. I think Ben enjoyed it the most! There were about ten dogs that competed in the competition with their handlers. We all had our favorites! Some we liked based on color, speed or personality. The first competition was an obstacle course. It was awesome to see how some of the dogs worked under pressure, how much they connected with their handler and how some had trouble focusing and some didn't want anything to do with the water at the end. The last competition was hard dog, fast dog. It was all based on how fast they ran and how hard they bit.

We are already looking forward to attending next years event which is going to be in the evening where it will be a lot less hot!

To My Hockey Player

To My Hockey Player...

One day this won’t be your life anymore. And when it’s not, you won’t remember the things that you’d think. You’ll have no idea how many goals you scored. You won’t know how many penalties you had. You won’t be impressed with how many slap shots you made. For the most part, you won’t remember the wins or the losses at all.

After your last game has come and gone, you’re going to remember the times when you wanted to quit— but didn’t. You’re going to remember the teammates (and families) you loved along the way. You’re going to remember playing in the coldest rinks, the ones with the best concession stands and the ones with the worst. You’re going to remember the hotel bonding, mini sticks in the hallways and hanging out in the lobby after practices. You’re going to remember the early morning tournaments and the late night games. You’re going to remember the coaches that never gave up on you. But most of all, you’re going to remember the sheer happiness that came only from stepping on the rink with your friends. You’re going to remember the moments you did more than you ever believed you could. You’re going to remember the times you used every ounce of talent God gave you.

One day this won’t be your life anymore. So for today, skate as fast as your legs will let you. For today, swing that stick as hard as you can. Whether it’s a pass to your teammate or a goal from the blue line. Commit to every moment and give it everything you have. For today, make every play like it’s the last chance you’ll ever get. For today, play because you want to. Play because you need to. Play because the little boy you are fell in love with this game.

For today, play with all of your heart and leave it all out on the ice. One day, this won’t be your life anymore. When that day comes, make sure you wouldn’t change a thing.

Afternoon with Mem and Pep

After school is always better when you get to spend it at Mem and Pep's playing in the trees! The smiles say it all!

Sunday at the Skatepark

The boys have found a new love for the skatepark. They pack up their scooters, bikes and skateboards and we venture off to the local skate park. On Sunday Brayden's friend Kameron joined us and we spent a few hours of the morning hanging out their. We also got a chance to walk the dock and see the turtles and alligators and Ben loved playing at the park! And we couldn't end a hot day outside without a trip to 7-11 for Slurpees!